Orthopedic surgeon joins CFVH

Clark Fork Valley Hospital (CFVH). welcomed a new orthopedic surgeon this week. Dr. Gregg Schellack, DO, began seeing patients on Monday.

Dr. Schellack is no stranger to small-town Montana, having been born and raised in Dillon. After high school, he attended Montana State University, then attended medical school at Des Moines University. He said he likes the diversity of a rural hospital, and was most recently at Bridger Orthopedics in Dillon. "It's all different," he said, noting that he likes to alternate clinic and surgery days. "At a small facility, the whole care team is engaged because you know the patients."

The people are what brought Dr. Shellack to CFVH. "It's a true Montana culture, team and community," he noted, highlighting the staff's commitment to the community. He was impressed by the longevity of the staff and the leadership. He said if anything, he wants to improve accessibility and be available for his patients so they don't have to travel far or wait to get an appointment.

"Dr. Schellack brings a wonderful sense of community to his practice of orthopedic surgery. He puts his patients at the center of all of his decisions and all along their care continuum. We are lucky to have his expertise here at CFVH and are looking forward to working with him to serve our patients and community," added Lisa Eberhardt, Chief Nursing Officer at CFVH.

Dr. Schellack moved to the area with his wife Leslie, who is a nurse. He served in the U.S. Navy, working at facilities of various sizes, including a naval hospital in Naples, Italy, where while he was in leadership roles, the hospital saw a 54% increase in orthopedic productivity.. He said growing up, his goal was to be a family physician in a small town in Montana. He said he didn't think he could become an orthopedic surgeon but once he started studying, was determined to get into a residency program and achieve his goal. "Even in residency, my goal was to be in a small town in Montana," he stated.

"We are excited to have Dr. Schellack join our team of dedicated medical providers. He has a passion to assure rural communities have excellent orthopedic care readily available, and brings years of experience to fulfill that mission," Dr. Gregory Hanson, CFVH President/CEO, said of Dr. Schellack who filled the position of Dr. Darren Herzog, who left CFVH in January after three years..

When not at work, Dr. Schellack states he is an opportunist and likes to take advantage of what places have to offer. He enjoys fishing and has a collection of motorcycles, including dirt bikes and road bikes.

Consultations with Dr. Schellack are being scheduled at Plains Family Medicine with a provider referral. Call (406) 826-4810 to make an appointment. To learn more about Dr. Schellack and services at CFVH, visit http://www.cfvh.org.