Family Medicine

Alan-Michael Vargas MD, FAAFP

El Dr. Vargas habla español.

Education

• Internship: Seton Hall University – General Surgery Intern Residency 2009-10
• Residency: Mount Sinai School of Medicine at St. Joseph’s Children Hospital St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey – Family Medicine Residency and Chief Resident 2012-2013

Awards

• Family Medicine Award for Scholarship 2013 – North American Primary Care Research Group for Work with Diabetic Retinopathy Screening

Certifications

• Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine
• Certified by American Academy of Family Physicians
• Credentialed ImPACT Consultant (CIC)

Expertise

• Concussion Management (Credentialed ImPACT consultant who is an expert in utilizing ImPACT products and the ImPACT Concussion Care Model to diagnose and manage concussion injuries)
• Anti-Aging and Cosmetic Medicine
• Rheumatologic Disease Management

Fellowship

• Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians

Family Health Services at Grand River Health Clinic West
201 Sipprelle Drive in Battlement Mesa

970-285-7046

Anti-Aging Medical Spa, Clinic 3 in Rifle

970-625-1100

Bonnie Walsh, MD FAAFP

Education

• Residency: Mount Sinai School of Medicine at St Joseph’s Children Hospital, Family Medicine Residency and Chief Resident 2011-12

Awards

• Family Medicine Award for Scholarship 2013
• North American Primary Care Research Group for Work with Diabetic Retinopathy Screening

Certifications

• Certified by the American Board Of Family Medicine
• American Academy of Family Physicians

Expertise

• Concussion Management
• Anti-Aging and Cosmetic Medicine

Chrissy Meoni, PA-C

Chrissy Meoni is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry from University of San Diego in California. She then received her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho.

Chrissy grew up in a small, Appalachian mountain town in Virginia. She has lived in Colorado since 2015 but didn’t start her journey here. Chrissy was a wilderness EMT in Montana where she treated those in difficult locations with limited access and supplies, then made the jump to the Aspen Fire department. She was with Aspen Fire for roughly 5 years then moved to Idaho to work towards her Master’s degree to become a PA. Chrissy very much enjoys cooking, mountain biking, hiking, skiing and all the things Colorado has to offer.

When asked what she would like her patients to know about her, Chrissy replied “the most important part of patient care is making a plan together. Collaborating and compromising on a patient’s care is what keeps them involved with their own health so they have more control. If a patient isn’t involved with their care, they are less inclined to follow through with what they need to stay healthy.”

Edlin Jara-Molinar, PA-C

I am certified through NCCPA.

Edlin is a true Colorado native and love living in Colorado with her husband son. They enjoy fishing and camping.

Edlin is a fluent Spanish speaker.

Education

• University of Colorado, Master of Physician Assistant Studies/Pediatrics

Certification

• National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

Erin Arthur, MD

Born and raised in Yampa, Colorado, Dr. Arthur received her BS in Biology at Mesa State College in Grand Junction and went on to do her medical training at University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver. Dr. Arthur completed her residency in Alaska at Alaska Family Medicine in Anchorage where she had a rural emphasis with practice rotations in rural or “bush” communities including Seward, Kodiak, Dillingham and Dutch Harbor. While attending Mesa State, Dr. Arthur had the opportunity to do immunology research on Hantavirus in the deer mouse population. Hantavirus is prevalent in Western Colorado and continues to pose health risks to our patient population who could be exposed. She found this research fascinating.

In 2012, the Arthurs relocated to Collbran and she joined the Plateau Valley Medical Clinic. Dr. Arthur lives in Collbran with her husband, Jason, who teaches math at Grand Valley High School in Parachute. The Arthurs have two children Vivian, 7 and Elijah, 4. Dr. Arthur and her family enjoy all the outdoor activities western Colorado offers including hiking, archery, camping, mountain biking, skiing and music. Dr. Arthur loves to play guitar and is in the process of learning the mandolin.

When asked what drew her to Grand River Health, Arthur says, “I love practicing medicine in a small town. You get a chance to develop relationships with the patients as well as their families; you really get to experience the whole spectrum of care. It’s extremely fulfilling. I don’t think I would be truly happy practicing medicine in an urban environment.”

What does Dr. Arthur look forward to most at Grand River Health? “I have tremendous admiration for Dr. Coleman (Grand River Health Chief Medical Officer) and the staff here. The collaboration between the physicians and the specialists is inspiring. Grand River Health is very forward thinking and cutting edge when it comes to the health care delivery model and is poised well for the future. I am impressed with the breadth of services offered at Grand River Health and look forward to building new relationships as I build my practice.”

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Arthur at Clinic West in Battlement Mesa. The community has asked Grand River Health to provide them with more access to primary care and we are very excited to have attracted such a well-respected and beloved physician to our clinic. She will be a great asset to for both our patients and our organization” says Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kevin Coleman.

Family Health Services at Grand River Health Clinic West
201 Sipprelle Drive in Battlement Mesa

Heath Cotter, MD

Dr. Cotter practiced as an Emergency Physician at Hill Country Memorial Hospital in Fredericksburg, TX. Prior to that, he spent 4 years in private practice in the Texas panhandle where he maintained an outpatient clinic, hospital practice, provided nursing home and hospice care, in addition to working in the local ER.

Born in Monte Vista, Colorado and raised in TX, however both sides of his family have roots in Colorado, dating back to the 1880’s.

He believes the more a patient understands their disease, the more they can take ownership of their health. “My job as a physician is to help my patients understand their diseases and teach them how to take control of their health, so they can live long, fruitful, and productive lives.”

Dr. Cotter lives in Parachute with his wife Sabina, their three children, and an Australian Shepard. The entire Cotter family adores Colorado and they have many family members on the Western Slope have visited yearly. Cotter shared his family had the opportunity to stay overnight in Silt a couple of years ago. When asked what drew him to rural medicine and Grand River Health, Dr. Cotter says, “We were searching for an opportunity in Western Colorado. I was told about lots of options on the Front Range, but we knew that was not where we wanted to be. When the call came from the recruiter about an opportunity in Rifle, I knew exactly where they were talking about!” exclaimed Cotter. The Cotters plan to explore every nook and cranny of the Western Slope through hiking and camping.

Call 970.625.1100 to make an appointment

Education

• Bachelor of Science from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX and graduated Magna Cum Laude.
• Doctor of Medicine in 2007 from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine and went on to complete his residency at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in the Department of Family and Community Medicine

Joanne E. Teik, MPA-C

Joanne Teik holds a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from the Marquette University of Milwaukee, Wisconsin as well as a Bachelor degree of Science in Microbiology and a Bachelor of Allied Health Sciences degree, both from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Wisconsin.

Joanne grew up in Milwaukee Wisconsin, with her mother, father, five sisters and brother. Right near the university and by lake.

Joanne’s career of medicine spurred not only from her love of the sciences but also from her love of challenges. Growing up, her father would pose riddles and puzzles to her and her siblings to solve, challenging her to think differently and gain new perspectives. She chose the field of medicine because of the challenge the field can represent and finding the best solutions for her patients.

During her undergraduate program in the late 80s, Joanne spent her summers as a raft guide in our valley, where she also met and married her husband and now share two children who are in their early 20s. Joanne’s newest addition to her family is a recently adopted 9 month old puppy from a local animal shelter.

Joanne shared with us some of her passions including baking and painting as well as the usual outdoor activities we Coloradans get to enjoy every day, like rafting, cross country and Nordic, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and mountain biking.

Joshua Kanik, MD

Dr. Kanik received his Doctor of Medicine in 2011. In his 3^rd year he performed clinical rotations in Wexham Park Hospital in England, which is the clinical teaching hospital for the prestigious Oxford Medical School.  Dr. Kanik completed his residency at the University of Iowa-Northeast Iowa Medical Education Foundation in Waterloo, Iowa.  In 2014 he was awarded resident of the Year.  Dr. Kanik was a family physician at Valley View Metabolic and Wellness Center in Bullhead City, AZ.

Dr. Kanik is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Kelli Konst-Skwiot, MD

Dr. Skwiot received her B.S. from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1998 and went on to receive her Masters in Health Service Administration from Saint Joseph’s College in Maine. Konst- Skwiot graduated from St. Mathews University School of Medicine in 2005. She completed her residency at the University of North Carolina MAHEC Rural Family Practice Program where she was honored as the Chief Resident. She then worked at an underserved health clinic in Ohio before moving to Glenwood Springs in 2010, where she has been practicing medicine ever since . “Dr. Kelli”, as she is affectionately called by her patients, lives in Glenwood Springs with her emergency medicine physician husband, Dr. Mathew Skwiot, and their four boys. The Skwiots enjoy a host of outdoor activities including hiking, biking and camping and also seem to share a love of cooking!

When asked what drew her to Grand River Health, Konst -Skwiot says “My passion is establishing deep, long lasting relationships with my patients and their families regardless of their payor status. I feel that this is also GRH’s mission and am looking forward joining their team.”

What does Dr. Konst-Skwiot look forward to most at Grand River Health? “I am impressed with the talented and experienced group of physicians I will have the privilege to work with, as well as the dedicated and qualified staff. I love that my patients will have such a wide variety of services here, all under one roof. It will be so convenient for them.”

Kevin Coleman, DO

Chief Medical Officer

Education

• Studied at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine
• Graduated with honors from Western University of Health Sciences

Certification

• Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine

Awards

• Was a 2007 Wisconsin Family Physician of the Year Nominee

Lindsay Cala, MD

Dr. Cala received her BS of Science in Chemistry from Stevenson University in Maryland and Doctor of Medicine from American University of Antigua College of Medicine in Antigua West Indies. Most recently Dr. Cala comes to Grand River Health Clinic West from University of Arizona Medical Center where she did her Family Medicine residency and completed her sports medicine Fellowship. Dr. Cala worked in Urgent Care and Sports Medicine at Banner Health in Arizona. In her free time, Dr. Cala serves as a Captain in the US Army Reserve!

When asked what drew her to Grand River Health, Cala says, “The facilities here, both the main campus in Rifle and Clinic West are amazing. The staff is here is so friendly and you can tell people genuinely love working here! I am also a huge outdoor enthusiast so the location is perfect for me!” She adds “I am looking forward to practicing in a smaller area versus a big city. It allows me to get to know my patients better and develop a strong doctor patient relationship”.

Dr. Cala grew up in rural Maryland on a dairy farm and enjoys small town life. Dr. Cala recently relocated to the Parachute area with her boyfriend and two dogs, a Jack Russell terrier and a boxer. Dr. Cala’s leisure interests span a wide variety of activities from hiking with her dogs, mountain biking running to competing in a variety of recreational and endurance races, horseback riding and football (not watching but playing) Fun Fact! Dr. Cala played tight end and safety for the Baltimore Nighthawks in 2009! She is looking forward to learning how to snowboard and cross country ski this winter and is already practicing her snow dance!

When asked what she looks forward to most at Grand River Health, she answers “I am taking my board exam for sports medicine later this year and I am really looking forward to working with the athletic trainers, and the therapists. This is a very active community and I hope to help people stay healthy and active”

“We are very excited to have Dr. Cala at Clinic West in Battlement Mesa. The community has asked Grand River Health to provide them with more access to primary care and we are very excited to have attracted such a well-rounded physician to our clinic. She will be a great asset to for both our patients and our organization” says Lois Kame, Administrative Director of Clinics.

Family Health Services at Grand River Health Clinic West

201 Sipprelle Drive in Battlement Mesa

Mark Quinn, PA-C

After graduating from the University of Utah School of Medicine PA Program in 1983 Mark has worked with various Colorado hospitals and clinics gaining valuable experience in Emergency Medicine, Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery. Mark also worked with DOD/US Army at Fort Carson Colorado for nearly 8 years before coming to work at Grand River Hospital District in 2014. Mark and his wife Nikki enjoy visiting their adult children and grandchildren and all the great Colorado outdoor activities this area provides.

Faculty Appointments

• Clinical Professor, University of Colorado School of Medicine PA/CHA program since 2007

Education

• Physician Assistant program at University of Utah, Salt Lake City
• Health care Administration at Weber State University, Utah

Certifications

• Colorado Board of Medical Examiners Colorado PA license holder since 1983
• National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants: PA-C since 1983
• United Stated Department of Justice DEA certification since 1984
• National Registry of Medical Examiners Department of Transportation since 2014
• Colorado Division of Worker’s Compensation Level 1 Provider Accreditation 2016

Megan Patrick, DO

Dr. Patrick received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Des Moines IA in 2012. She completed her Family Practice Residency at Broadlawn Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Most recently Dr. Patrick comes to Grand River from UC Health Medical Group in Denver where she was one of three family medicine physicians.  She quickly became appointed to Family Practice lead and was featured in Women’s Health Magazine on a piece about the “Top 5 Ways to lead a Healthier Lifestyle.”

Dr. Patrick comes to Grand River Health with her husband Tyler, a brand new 3 month old and two French bulldogs. When asked about what attracted her to the area, Dr. Patrick stated she loves small towns and a slower pace lifestyle. “I knew quickly after moving to Denver, it wasn’t for me. I grew up in South Dakota, and love the outdoors. I love to hike and bike and I am a runner so I look forward to discovering all the new trails.”  The Patrick’s have purchased a home in Rifle and look forward to meeting people in the community.

When asked what drew her to rural medicine, she says “I enjoy being able to build a relationship with my patients. I believe in a team approach to healthcare, one size does not fit all when it comes to medicine. The team approach allows the doctor and patient to discuss all options available to treat the condition and come up with a plan that works for the patient. This approach  leads to better health outcomes” adds Dr. Patrick.

Dr. Patrick is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine

Seth Selby PA-C

Born and Raised in Colorado, Selby received his Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science at CSU in Ft. Collins and then went on to receive his Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies from Des Moines University in Iowa. Selby brings with him clinical experience in Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care and Family Medicine.

Selby comes to Grand River Health from the front range and is excited to be on western slope of Colorado.  He grew up north of Greeley in Eaton, CO, and loves rural Colorado living. He has longed to get back to small town Colorado and being able to live here on the western slope has been a lifelong dream.  “I love fishing, hunting, hiking and skiing and my wife and I are so very thrilled that we will be working and playing in this beautiful area.

When asked about what he loves about rural medicine he said he loves working in a place where you need a diverse set of skills and talents. He wants his patients to know “You are not just a patient visit to me, I truly care about the overall health of my patients.”

Selby is Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Shirin Bitajian, MD

“The aim of medicine is to prevent disease by interesting patients in their own health; and when treating disease, inform patients of the cause and treatment of the disease. Patient active engagement in management of their own healthcare while providing up to date guideline based information is the primary role of a physician.”

​ Dr Bitajian, is double Board Certified in Primary Care as well as Obesity and Metabolic Medicine. She is the only Board Certified Obesity and Metabolic Specialist in the area.

As a Metabolic and Obesity Specialist, Dr Bitajian not only treats obesity and weight loss, but also Endocrine diseases related to metabolic dysfunction such Hormonal imbalance, Thyroid disease, PCOS, Diabetes and more.

Dr. Bitajian graduated medical school in 2012. She completed her residency in Family Medicine in Waterloo, Iowa. Dr Bitajian then went on to obtain her Obesity Medicine Fellowship from Harvard University in Boston.  Most recently Dr. Bitajian comes to Grand River from Bullhead City, AZ where she was a family medicine physician at Valley View Metabolic and Wellness Center. Dr. Bitajian is also a member of the Endocrine Society and board eligible for advance diabetic management.

Tamara Herbener-Kallal, FNP-C

Education

• BSN: University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
• MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center

Certifications

• RN – Registered Nurse
• ANP – Adult Nurse Practitioner
• Certified by the American Board of Family Nurse Practitioner

Expertise

Family practice, taking care of entire family – newborn to geriatrics

Tami Griffith, FNP-C/BC

Education

• University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama Master’s Degree, Masters Degree in Family Nurse Practitioner.
• University of Alabama in Birmingham, Graduate Program
• McNeese State University, Lake Charles, LA, Received a B.S.N. Degree

Certification

• Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center
• Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

Family Medicine at Grand River Health Clinic West

201 Sipprelle Drive in Battlement Mesa

970-285-7046