Great Plains Health Names Dr. Engler ER Medical Director as Dr. Smith Retires
Great Plains Health today announced a planned leadership transition in its Emergency Department, effective September 1, 2026, as Dr. James Smith steps down from his role as co-Medical Director.
Dr. Smith has been a cornerstone of emergency care at Great Plains Health since joining the medical staff in 2004 and has served as Medical Director of the Emergency Department since 2006. Most recently, he has shared leadership responsibilities as co-Medical Director alongside Dr. Renee Engler.
As Dr. Smith moves toward retirement and looks forward to spending more time with family and travel, this transition reflects a thoughtful, long-standing succession plan that ensures continuity and stability in Emergency Department leadership.
Effective September 1, Dr. Renee Engler will transition from co-Medical Director to sole Medical Director of the Emergency Department.
Dr. Smith will remain actively involved at Great Plains Health, continuing to:
Provide care as a member of the Emergency Department medical staff
Serve as LifeNet Medical Director
Maintain his ongoing EMS leadership responsibilities
Support Dr. Engler during the leadership transition
“It has been an honor to serve in this role for so many years,” said Dr. Smith. “I look forward to continuing patient care and supporting Dr. Engler and the team as this transition moves forward.”
Dr. Engler, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, joined Great Plains Health in 2011, and has served as co-Medical Director since 2013.
She brings extensive leadership experience, including:
Medical Director of Urgent Care and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program
Past Chief of Staff and Hospital Board member
Medical Director for two rural EMS agencies
“I’m honored to continue serving in this role and to build on the strong foundation Dr. Smith has established,” said Dr. Engler. “Our focus remains on delivering exceptional care for our patients and community.”
Great Plains Health also continues to strengthen its Emergency Department team with the addition of Dr. Colten Hall, who will join the medical staff in August. A North Platte High School graduate, Dr. Hall’s return to the community reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to recruiting talented physicians with local ties.
This planned transition underscores Great Plains Health’s commitment to strong clinical leadership, continuity and high-quality emergency care.