Sanford Health Expands Provider Access and Services in Williston

Sanford Health is expanding access to care in Williston through the addition of new providers, specialty outreach care and enhanced access to primary care, pediatrics, cardiology and women's health services.

The expansion reflects Sanford Health's commitment to meeting the growing healthcare needs of northwestern North Dakota by bringing more services closer to home and reducing the need for patients to travel for care.

"Expanding access to high-quality care close to home remains a top priority for Sanford Health," said Jake Mellmer, vice president of operations, Sanford Bismarck. "The addition of new providers and specialty services in Williston strengthens our ability to care for patients locally while connecting them to Sanford's fully integrated health system."

This expansion includes Sanford Williston's first full-time internal medicine physician, first full-time cardiology provider and first full-time pediatrician, representing one of the most significant expansions of healthcare access in the community in recent years.

Sanford has also expanded specialty services in Williston through outreach clinics in pulmonology, neurosurgery and women's health. Patients can now access specialized care locally for respiratory conditions, lung disease, and a variety of back, neck and spine conditions. In addition, Elizabeth Brown, M.D., OB/GYN, began providing outreach services in Williston one week each month this September, improving access to women's healthcare services, including routine and specialty obstetric and gynecologic care. Sanford Health is also working with temporary providers to support patient access while exploring additional opportunities to expand women's health services.

New providers serving the Williston community include:

Victor Adenuga, M.D., internal medicine, Sanford Williston's first full-time internal medicine physician.
Crystal Christensen, APRN, CNP, transitioned from Watford City to a full-time role in Williston, while continuing to provide care in Watford City one day each week.
Tanya Giese, APRN, CNP, cardiology, Sanford Williston's first full-time cardiology provider.
Joe-Anne Lourens, M.D., pediatrics, Sanford Williston's first full-time pediatric provider.

"These additions represent one of the most significant expansions of healthcare access in Williston in recent years," said Jerilyn Kersten, clinic director, Sanford Williston. "Patients and families will have greater access to primary care, cardiology, pediatrics, women's health and other specialty services close to home."