Unity Medical Center Recruits Future Family Physician Dr. Kenny Ryan

At a time when rural communities across the nation are facing increasing challenges in recruiting and retaining physicians, Unity Medical Center is proud to announce that Dr. Kenny Ryan has committed to joining its medical staff following the completion of his Family Medicine Residency at Altru Health System in 2027.

The recruitment represents another step in Unity Medical Center's long-term commitment to ensuring residents of northeastern North Dakota continue to have access to high-quality primary care close to home.

Originally from Illinois, Dr. Ryan moved to Grand Forks to attend the University of North Dakota, where he completed his undergraduate studies before earning his medical degree from the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences. He is currently completing the Altru Family Medicine Residency Program and plans to relocate to Grafton upon joining Unity Medical Center.

Dr. Ryan and his wife, Taylor, recently experienced the community firsthand while participating in the Unity Medical Center Foundation's 36th Annual Golf Tournament. The event provided an opportunity to connect with local residents, Foundation supporters, and future colleagues while beginning to build relationships within the community they will soon call home.

"Recruiting physicians to rural communities has become increasingly competitive nationwide, making commitments like Dr. Ryan's especially meaningful," said Mark Bertirud, Chief Executive Officer of Unity Medical Center. "Family medicine physicians are the cornerstone of rural healthcare, providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages while building lasting relationships with families. Dr. Ryan's decision to practice in Grafton reflects both his passion for rural medicine and our organization's commitment to investing in the long-term health of our region. We are thrilled to welcome him and know he will make a lasting impact on the lives of our patients and community."

Outside of medicine, Dr. Ryan enjoys golfing, playing volleyball, watching sports, and spending time with his wife, Taylor, and their dog, Albert.

"Taylor and I are excited to make Grafton our home and become part of this community," said Dr. Ryan. "Everyone we met at the Foundation Golf Tournament made us feel incredibly welcome. I'm looking forward to building relationships with my patients, caring for families across the region, and becoming involved in the community both inside and outside the clinic."

According to national workforce projections, rural communities continue to experience significant physician shortages, with family medicine among the most critical specialties needed to meet the growing healthcare demands of aging populations. By recruiting physicians early in their careers and fostering strong connections to the community, Unity Medical Center is taking a proactive approach to strengthening access to local healthcare for years to come.

As an independent Critical Access Hospital, Unity Medical Center remains committed to recruiting exceptional healthcare professionals who share its mission of delivering compassionate, high-quality care close to home. Dr. Ryan's recruitment reflects the organization's continued investment in the health, vitality, and future of the communities it serves. He will join Drs. Marquardt, Midgarden, Shaw and Viscito as he establishes his practice next year.