MEEKER I Oncology care and orthopedic services are the two newest healthcare services available in Meeker.
“In 2012, our community said oncology and orthopedic care were specialty services they would like to have,” said Ken Harman, CEO of Pioneers Medical Center. “As we built the new facility, we took these needs into consideration, and we are excited to launch both of those services in September.”
Pioneers Medical Center has partnered with Valley View Hospital and the Calloway Young Cancer Center in Glenwood Springs and The Memorial Hospital in Craig to develop the services.
The partnership to deliver local oncology care starts with having an oncologist routinely see patients at the Meeker Family Health Center. Every third Monday, Dr. Armando Armas will offer an oncology clinic for Meeker patients.
Dr. Armas is director of medical oncology at Calloway Young Cancer Center at Valley View Hospital. He offers more than 20 years of patient care experience and has training from the Mayo Clinic and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
“I am motivated to helping patients continue their longevity with the best quality of life,” Dr. Armas said.
His first clinic visit was Sept. 21, and his next clinic day will be Oct. 9. For an appointment, call Ana Kulwiec at 970-384-7570
The second aspect of the oncology program is to offer certain treatments at PMC. Currently, PMC nurses are participating in education and training programs specific to infusion-chemotherapy care.
“We anticipate being able to offer on-site treatments in early 2016,” Harman said.
On Sept. 16, Dr. Kevin Borchard launched local orthopedic care.
Pioneers Medical Center and The Memorial Hospital have partnered to create Northwest Colorado Orthopedic & Total Joint Center. Patients will be seen in Meeker and Craig. Dr. Borchard will offer surgery and clinics every other Tuesday and Wednesday.
“We are excited to have Dr. Borchard as part of the team,” Harman said. “The newly built operating room allows for a level of service we previously couldn’t offer.”
Dr. Borchard was raised in Meeker. He attended undergraduate and medical school at the University of Colorado and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery in San Antonio, Texas, with the U.S. States Air Force.
Following his residency, he served four years on active duty. During his military service, he gained experience in general orthopedics, sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery and trauma.
Since leaving the Air Force in June 2014, Dr. Borchard completed a fellowship in adult reconstruction of the hip and knee at the highly acclaimed New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, Mass. He completed 900 cases and worked with world-renowned surgeons.
Dr. Borchard saw his first patients on Sept. 16. For an appointment, call Molly Theos at 970-878-9752.
