Southwest Health System welcomes a new physician

Dr. Megan Viquez. (Courtesy Southwest Health System)
Dr. Megan Viquez is a certified family medicine physician

Southwest Health System hired a new physician, and she started on Monday, Oct. 21.

Her name is Dr. Megan Viquez.

She’s certified in family medicine and specializes in “maternal-child health and surgical obstetrics,” a press release said.

She studied at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and went to the Contra Costa Family Medicine Program in California for residency, the release said.

She went on and “further honed her expertise” by undergoing a maternal-child health fellowship at Avista Adventist Hospital in Louisville, Colorado.

“Her outstanding qualifications and commitment to women’s health will significantly enhance the care we provide to our patients,” Southwest Health System’s Chief Executive Officer Joe Theine said in the release.

Her start came on the heels of the firing of Dr. Erin Schmitt, a former OB/GYN at the hospital.

Charles Krupa, a public information officer at SHS, said they are “fully committed to continuing to provide high-quality care to women throughout their pregnancy and postpartum,” and that hiring Viquez is testament to that. Another provider will be starting soon, too.

Originally from Del Norte, Viquez “brings a personal understanding of the unique health care challenges faced by rural communities,” the release said.

Her husband is also a Dr. Viquez and works at the hospital, too.

She said her “favorite part of the job is developing trusting relationships with her patients” and “helping individuals of all ages achieve their health and wellness goals,” the release said.

For more information about Viquez or to schedule an appointment with her, contact Southwest Health System at (970) 564-2662.