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What a year. In 2025, we turned a simple promise into action: when you need care, we say yes.
That commitment guided everything we did. We focused on recruiting and retaining family and adult medicine providers so more people in our community can access timely, high-quality care. At the same time, we reimagined how care is delivered—building a more connected, team-based model that surrounds each patient with the support they need to stay healthy.
This means your physician’s time with you is focused and meaningful, while a broader care team—including nutrition and behavioral health specialists—helps you navigate the day-to-day realities of your health.
One of the most powerful examples of this approach is our integrated behavioral health program. In 2025, we facilitated 435 warm hand-offs, connecting patients directly to mental health professionals during their primary care visit. No delay. No second appointment. Just immediate, compassionate support when it matters most.
We also continued to expand access to specialized care close to home. Our Sports Medicine program grew significantly, strengthening support for local high school athletes and increasing access to orthopedic expertise through our partnership with Inland Orthopaedics Surgery & Sports Medicine Clinic.
Our investment in mental health extends beyond our hospital walls. Through our partnership with Washington State University, our clinicians are meeting students where they are—providing care directly on campus and helping address a critical and growing need.
And in November, we reached an exciting milestone: we broke ground on our Patient Care Expansion Project. This investment represents our future—one where access is easier, care is more coordinated, and our facilities match the needs of a growing community.
None of this happens without trust. I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and grateful for the confidence you place in us. It is our privilege to care for you, your families, and this community we call home.
Matt Forge, Chief Executive Officer, Pullman Regional Hospital
Hospital Leadership
Matt Forge, MHA
Bernadette Berney, MSML
Craig Carstens, MHPA
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Carrie Coen, DPT
Tammy Dahl, BSN, MSN, DNP, NEA-BC
Linda Infranco, CFRE
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Karly Port, MBA
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Dr. Pete Mikkelsen, MD, MBA
Steve Febus Retires After 38 Years
After a 38-year career at Pullman regional Hospital, Steve Febus, Chief Financial Officer, retired in October 2025.
His path into healthcare finance began through his wife's, Meridee, internship at Pullman Memorial Hospital. Working alongside Bernadette Berney, Steve stepped into accounting and payroll functions, learning the ins and outs of rural healthcare from the ground up.
Over time, he moved into the Controller role, then Director of Revenue Cycle and Fiscal, and eventually Chief Financial Officer.
Looking Towards the Future: Patient Care Expansion
In 2022, our community approved a $27.5 million bond to expand patient care in partnership with Pullman Regional Hospital:
- $45-50 million, 5+ year phased project
- Includes remodel and expansion of the hospital and new medical office building on campus
- Funded through $27.5M bond, hospital operations and financing and philanthropy
Lisa Arrett, ARNP
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Molly Burger, MS, COTA/L, ACSM-EP
Molly grew up in Seattle, WA, and is an alumnus of both WSU and U of Idaho. Her background is in exercise physiology, and she returned to school to obtain her Occupational Therapy Assistant degree after having the privilege of working with OTs as part of her parent's care. She is very passionate about helping patients achieve the best quality of life that they can.
Morgan Burke, ARNP
Kasidy Chileen, Au.D.
Josh Clein, LICSW
Dr. Justine Gavagan
Dr. Kathryn Jones
Dana Kujala, RD, MBA
Dr. Justin Martel
Rylee Meagher, ATC
Rylee completed her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science at Linfield University and her Master of Science in Athletic Training at the University of Idaho. During her graduate training, she worked with University of Idaho Vandals Football, the ISMaRT Clinic, and Lewis-Clark State College. She also served as an athletic trainer for the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, traveling nationwide to provide care for more than 120 members and staff.
Jennifer Sawmiller, PA-C
Jennifer Sawmiller, PA-C, initially joined Palouse Heart Center, and moved into a family medicine role at Palouse Medical in September 2025. Jennifer has a strong background in family medicine and emergency care, having provided a wide range of services. Her philosophy of care is based on education as a foundation of care. Her patient-first philosophy is to provide individuals with the information and tools they need to make confident, informed decisions about their health.
Dr. Jennifer Shonk
Dr. Shonk obtained her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Mesa, AZ., and completed her residency at St. Vincent’s Family Medicine Residency (now Ascension St. Vincent’s) in Jacksonville, FL. She enjoys working with patients of all ages and has a special interest in women’s health and chronic disease management. She describes her philosophy of care as being built on trust as the foundation of great healthcare.
Wes Turk, PT, DPT
Wes originally grew up in Eugene Oregon where he graduated from University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology and Psychology. He then migrated to Spokane Washington and attended Whitworth University where he received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. He has experience working with orthopedic rehabilitation and neurological populations in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Dr. Molly Webber
Ashlyn Yamane, MS, CF-SLP
Ashlyn grew up on a farm in Warden, WA. After playing college softball, she transitioned into the speech and hearing program at both Eastern Washington University and Washington State University. Ashlyn has received additional training specific to helping students experiencing difficulty in reading and spelling. Outside of work she enjoys playing recreational sports, traveling to national parks, and attending WSU events.
Eric Schacher, RN
Eric Schacher, Operating Room RN, was nominated by a grateful patient who said he was "compassionate, responsible, and communicative," while providing care during her partial knee replacement surgery.
Sarah Garibaldo, RN and Jessie Roe, RN
Sarah Garibaldo and Jessie Roe, RNs for BirthPlace, received their Team DAISY Award for being "absolutely incredible in the care they provided" delivering a patient's baby.
Kinsey Dewan, RN
Rachel Nelson
Nelson has worked at Pullman Regional Hospital for 2 years in the Fiscal Services Department.
Tracy Manderville and Sheila Burman
Manderville is a Registered Nurse at Palouse Pediatrics. Burman is a Registered Nurse in the Same-Day Services Department.
Dr. Kimberley Guida
Pullman Regional Hospital named Family Medicine Physician Dr. Kimberley Guida the 2025 Physician Excellence Award winner.
Immunization Information
Pullman Regional Primary Care is dedicated to the well-being of all patients. Vaccinations are the cornerstones of health and wellness. The family of providers within our primary care clinic network firmly believe in the effectiveness of vaccines to prevent serious illness and to save lives. We offer the full range of vaccines necessary for a health life.
Dr. Risper Kirui
Dr. Risper Kirui is from Moscow, ID, and attended the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Faculty of Health Sciences in Beersheba, Israel. She was drawn to family medicine because it allows her to care for the whole person across all stages of life, and is especially passionate about chronic disease management, women's health, and how social, spiritual, and behavioral factors influence health.
Dr. Cory Pendergraft
Dr. Corey Pendergraft is from Kimberley, BC, Canada, and completed his education at the Trinity School of Medicine in Ribishi, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. He spent 10 years as a forest fire fighter before attending medical school, where he was exposed to a fair amount of emergency response. After shadowing local physicians, he knew he wanted to pursue medicine, and it was during clinical rotations in medical school where he uncovered his passion for family medicine.
Dr. Nathan Swallow
Dr. Nathan Swallow is from Sammamish, WA, and earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine in Provo, UT. As he started his rotations in medical school, he realized he liked the full scope of medicine. He also found a love for teaching patients about their general health and working with them on preventative care.
Penicillin and Amoxicillin Allergies in Kids: 3 Things to Know
Penicillin and amoxicillin are go-to antibiotics for many common childhood illnesses, but what happens when a child is labeled as allergic? Surprisingly, most children who carry this label aren't truly allergic. Dr. Maricarmen Shields, Pediatrician, and the team at Palouse Pediatrics are working to improve the accuracy of penicillin allergy diagnoses in the community, because getting it right can make a big difference in a child’s care. Click below to learn more.
Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention
Nancy Panko M.D., Surgeon and Medical Director of Pullman Surgery and Gastroenterology, provides insightful information on breast cancer: two words no woman wants to hear. She shares what risk factors to look out for, and what to do after a diagnosis, and what procedures, exams, and treatments can be done at Pullman Regional Hospital to detect and prevent early signs of breast cancer.
Surviving a Heart Attack: Jeremy's Story
In this heartfelt story, Jeremy Hansen and his wife, Kristin, share their life-changing experience at Pullman Regional Hospital after Jeremy suffered a heart attack. From his sudden collapse in the emergency room to the swift, lifesaving actions of the medical team, they reflect on the support and expertise that made all the difference in Jeremy’s care.
Cade's Story
With 30 seconds left in the third quarter of Pullman vs. Clarkston high school basketball playoff game, Cade Rogers' mother could see that her son was in pain. Thankfully, Pullman High School's athletic trainer, Jaimie Haramoto, jumped into action to assess his pain immediately. Click below to read Cade's story and to see the importance of athletic trainers for student athletes firsthand.
Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Dr. Michael Osterholt, Sports Medicine Physician and Team Physician for Washington State University Athletics, breaks down what Tennis Elbow is, how it's diagnosed, and what treatment options are available.
Head Team Physician for the Idaho Vandals
Dr. Mat Taylor, Orthopedic Surgeon and Team Physician for the University of Idaho Vandals, shares why he loves caring for elite college athletes and our community. Dr. Taylor sees and treats all patients from kids to grandparents for orthopedic injuries at the Moscow, ID location and Pullman, WA location of Inland Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine.
Express Care
Inland Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Clinic providers have the extensive knowledge and experience to evaluate, diagnose and treat a number of conditions and injuries. Inland Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Clinic offers a walk-in Express Care Clinic for orthopedic injuries for patients over 13 years old- no appointment needed. Your insurance card or pre-payment of services is required for all walk-in services.
Total Joint Replacements
Maile Keller, PTA is our Orthopedic Care Coordinator, here to help guide you through the process of your total joint surgery – from start to finish. As soon as your appointment is scheduled, Maile is available to answer any questions you have, remind you of important tips to remember before surgery, help coordinate your post-surgery care options, and so much more. Send Maile an email, or reach her by phone at (509) 336-7598.
How Do I Know if I Have a Concussion?
What are the signs of a concussion, and how do you know if you or your child has one? Dr. Jeff Ward, Resident Physician at Pullman Regional Hospital’s Family Medicine Residency Program, shares the most common concussion symptoms to watch for.
One Year Later: Halftime Interview with Dr. Tingstad
One year ago, Washington State University Athletics and Pullman Regional Hospital entered into a four-year agreement to provide premium healthcare services to Cougar student-athletes.
Dr. Ed Tingstad, Orthopedic Surgeon, Team Physician for Cougar Athletics, and Medical Director of Student-Athlete Healthcare at WSU reflects on the past year of growth and impact of the partnership between WSU and Pullman Regional.
Dr. Tingstad, discusses how the partnership has built a comprehensive healthcare team serving student-athletes across multiple specialties, including injury prevention, recovery, primary care, surgery, nutrition, and behavioral health. He highlights the addition of behavioral health professionals embedded in the Champions Center, giving athletes convenient access to mental health support. Dr. Tingstad also explains how the Champions Center integrates academic, athletic, and healthcare services to create a seamless support system for athletes.
Pullman Regional is a
Forbes Top Hospital
In 2025, Pullman Regional Hospital was recognized as a Forbes Top Hospital for 2026.
This inaugural list includes over 700 general acute care hospitals nation-wide which have received a 4- or 5-star rating out of 5,400 hospitals eligible for consideration. Forbes' advisory panel of clinicians, scientists, health policy researchers, and patient advocates, combined with vetted data from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Provider Data Catalog (PDC) and recorded clinical patient outcomes served as the foundation for their ratings.
“This recognition is a testament to our staff’s commitment to safe, reliable, patient-centered care,” shares Tammy Dahl, Pullman Regional's Chief Nursing Officer. “As a rural Critical Access Hospital, it’s especially meaningful to be recognized on a national stage—and to reaffirm that exceptional care is available right here in our region.”
Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation
Relationships are critical in all that we do. Our partnerships with donors, volunteers, colleagues, and friends contribute to a stronger community. Pullman Regional prides itself on building a culture of trust, teamwork, and transparency, and your support, financial or otherwise, demonstrates this collective bond we hold tightly together to elevate your health and expand patient care. I am deeply grateful for the meaningful investments you’ve made this year to improve access to quality healthcare in our region! Our goals are ambitious and are why Pullman Regional was recently recognized as a Forbes Top Hospital for 2026! Please know that the role you play is significant toward our success. Thank you for staying engaged. Your involvement impacts the ways in which we deliver quality services to our patients and families so that they, and we, can heal and grow together. Your generosity is valued and appreciated.
-Linda Infranco, CFRE, Executive Director of the Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation
New Foundation Board Members
Kris Prieur
Courtney Turnbaugh
Guardian Angel Awards
The Guardian Angel program gives grateful patients an opportunity to make a gift in honor of a nurse, physician or hospital staff member. Recognize your care provider through the Guardian Angel Program and a minimum $250 donation to Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation, in support of the hospital’s highest needs.
2025 Guardian Angels:
- Clara Garcia, MD
- Chris Iacobelli, MD
- Corey Johnson, CRNA
- Jeff Ward, DO
2025 Grant Awards
In 2025, 25 grants were awarded totaling $52,409.87! Your support of Diane’s Gift Garden, Have-a-Heart, the Christmas Tree Raffle and becoming a member of the auxiliary made these grants possible.
2025 grant recipients:
- Auxiliary - yarn, blanket fabric, flannel and muslin, stuffed animals
- Birthplace - 40 gift bags for World Breastfeeding Week, Halo sleep sacks for newborns, Baby K'tan wrap and Mamaroo Baby Swing for withdrawal babies, hands-free pumping bra, spinning babies class, medications
- Care Coordination - gift cards for patients in need
- Emergency Department - pediatric equipment and resuscitation cart
- MSU/ICU - pediatric activities cart, gel seat cushions, clip-on fans, heart failure/stroke patient kits
- Palliative Care - oxygen concentrator for patient appointments
- Palouse Pediatrics - breastfeeding supplies and Lending Library Book Box
- Pullman Family Medicine - updated books and toys in waiting room
- Residency Center - pantry items for patients in need
- Same Day Services - AccuVein on Power Stand
- Summit Therapy & Health Services - modified Barium Swallow Chair
- Volunteer Services - books and presentation materials for Chaplains, vests for student volunteers, patient support cart for inpatient use, leashes and bandanas for Prescription Pets
