Rylan Anderson, DO

Dr. Rylan Anderson graduated from Rocky Vista University.  He was born and raised in Gunnison, Utah, where he spent much of his time working on the farm and playing sports.  After high school, he served a 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Milan, Italy.  He then studied biology at Snow College and Southern Utah University.  He met and married his wife during medical school and together, share a love for the outdoors and serving others.  They plan on settling in the mountain west where they can raise a family and he can practice rural family medicine.  He and his wife spend much of their free time with family, playing sports, or in the mountains where they enjoy hunting, fishing and dirt-biking.  Dr. Anderson is excited to join and serve the Bannock County community.

Smita Armstrong, MD

Dr. Smita Armstrong graduated from the University of Arizona - Tucson College of Medicine. She has an interest in Behavioral Health and Preventative Medicine. In her free time she enjoys hiking, cooking and watching action movies. 

Nico Haragos, MD

Dr. Nico Haragos was born and raised in Nampa, Idaho and comes from a large Romanian family. In total he has 18 aunts and uncles and he absolutely loves having a big family. He would say that his family is probably the largest motivator for him to become a Family
Medicine doctor. Being from Idaho, he enjoys the outdoors and playing sports. He met his wife through playing volleyball and it has been a favorite past time of theirs. They also enjoy playing pickleball. He is so happy to be part of the ISU Family Medicine Residency. He doesn't think there could have been a better match for him.

Brigham Hardy, DO

Dr. Brigham Hardy graduated from Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. He received his bachelors from BYU-Idaho in human biology. He is fascinated by the human body and its resilience and ability to heal. He chose Family Medicine so that he could help his patients and their families live their life to the fullest. He hopes to practice in Idaho treating patients of all ages and backgrounds. He has a special interest in osteopathic manipulation and preventive medicine. In his free time he is camping with his family, trial running, and swimming.  

Landon Hillebrant, MD

Dr. Landon Hillebrant graduated from Ross University School of medicine. He was born and raised in southeast Idaho. He graduated from Brigham Young University Idaho with a bachelor's degree in public health. Prior to college he spent two years in Peru as a missionary where he became fluent in Spanish and saw firsthand the consequences of poor health care. And his passion to become a physician was born. He married a girl from Kansas City who he met while attending college. They now have three rambunctious boys. Dr. Hillebrant is proud to be from Idaho and plans to practice Broad full spectrum family medicine in Idaho after residency. He loves being outside playing with his boys, fly fishing, boating, snowboarding, barbecuing/smoking meat.

Ryan Hudgens, DO

Dr. Ryan Hudgens graduated from Pacific Northwest University College of Osteopathic Medicine after completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Utah. He is passionate about rural family medicine and excited about the many opportunities that ISUFM and Pocatello have to offer. Outside of medicine Ryan loves spending time with his wife and children, taking them on outdoor adventures as often as possible. Ryan also enjoys mountain biking and golf.

Michael Mills, DO

Dr. Michael Mills was raised in a farming community in rural Arizona and attended Northern Arizona University before working a few years in an emergency department in Fargo, North Dakota. He returned to the valley of the sun where he completed his medical education at Midwestern University Glendale.He is excited to pursue his passion promoting holistic health throughout the lifetime and to strengthen his skills in addiction medicine and wilderness medicine. Outside of patient care, you can find him hiking the trails around Pocatello, rock climbing, backpacking, or enjoying the surrounding national parks.

James Scott, DO

Dr. James Scott graduated from The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is originally from Camas, Washington. He was drawn to family medicine because of the broad scope of practice and the ability to form life long relationships with patients. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family. 

Bo Dayton, DO

Rural Training Program Resident, Rexburg

Zach Nelson, DO

Rural Training Program Resident, Rupert

Kristen Caldwell, PharmD

Mary Cutright, PharmD

Mikaela Davison, PsyD

Forthcoming.

Shaylor Bringhurst, DO

Dr. Shaylor Bringhurst is originally from McKinney, TX. He attended medical school at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine–Louisiana. Dr. Bringhurst values connection across cultures and brings that perspective into patient care. He chose ISU Family Medicine residency program for its full-spectrum training and family-friendly atmosphere, describing the culture as both supportive and resident-driven.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Bringhurst enjoys spending time with family, especially outdoors during the summer. An avid sports enthusiast, he is always up for a game and is particularly known for a strong pickleball serve. Dr. Bringhurst will graduate in 2027.

Weston Burrup, DO

Dr. Weston Burrup is originally from Lewiston, Idaho. He attended medical school at A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Mesa, Arizona. His path to medicine was shaped by a two-year Spanish-speaking church mission in California, where he developed a deep appreciation for Hispanic culture, along with his passion for anatomy, teaching, and lifelong learning.

Drawn to family medicine for the opportunity to care for patients of all ages and treat the whole family unit, Dr. Burrup chose this residency program for its rural training opportunities, supportive faculty, and the chance to return to Idaho. He describes the program’s culture as collaborative, caring, and deeply invested in resident growth.

Professionally, Dr. Burrup aspires to practice in a rural setting, with interests that span from full-spectrum care to outpatient medicine. He especially values the strong relationships between residents, staff, and faculty that enrich his training experience.

Outside the hospital, he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, fishing, playing basketball, and spending time with his kids. A fun hidden skill—he’s surprisingly good at tossing small foods into the air and catching them in his mouth. Dr. Burrup will graduate in 2027.

Emma Hammer, MD

Nathan Hammer, DO

Braeden Leiby, MD

Dr. Braeden Leiby grew up in Pocatello, Idaho, and graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine. Prior to medical school, he worked as a clinical research assistant and medical assistant for a primary care sports medicine physician. Dr. Leiby also worked as a ranch hand; working the headgate and cattle chutes at team roping events.

As a lifelong athlete, Dr. Leiby was drawn to medicine through a natural interest in sports and human performance. Early exposure to sports medicine classes and hands-on work with athletic trainers confirmed his desire to pursue a medical career. This foundation, combined with his clinical research experience, ultimately inspired his path toward Family Medicine and Sports Medicine.

Choosing a residency in his hometown was especially meaningful. Dr. Leiby values the collaborative, supportive, and family-like culture at ISU Family Medicine Residency and PMC. He has particularly enjoyed learning in the Sports Medicine clinic and working alongside sports medicine physicians at ISU games. Looking ahead, Dr. Leiby plans to pursue a Sports Medicine fellowship with the goal of building a mixed practice in primary care and musculoskeletal medicine for both athletes and the broader community.

Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with family, exercising, golfing, skiing, and waterfowl hunting. Dr. Leiby will graduate in 2027.

Nick Longe, DO

Dr. Nick Longe is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah. He attended medical school at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is pursuing a sports medicine fellowship and values the opportunity to shape his education around his interests within a self-driven program.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Longe enjoys spending time outdoors mountain biking, hiking, and training his dog. He also has a passion for woodworking and building furniture. Dr. Longe will graduate in 2027.

Evan Tayler, DO

Dr. Evan Tayler is originally from Heber City, Utah. He attended medical school at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. Before pursuing medicine, he worked as an Olympic development cross-country ski coach, an experience that, along with his passion for exercise science, sparked his love for human physiology and anatomy.

Drawn to family medicine for the opportunity to care for patients at every stage of life, Dr. Tayler chose this residency program for its exceptional training in broad-spectrum family medicine and the supportive community it fosters. He especially enjoys learning in hospital medicine and describes the program’s culture as wholesome and encouraging.

Outside the hospital, he enjoys biking, skiing, and fishing. He also takes advantage of the area’s outdoor opportunities, including skiing at Pebble Creek, mountain biking, and visiting nearby national parks. Dr. Tayler will graduate in 2027.

Luke Richards, DO

Rural Training Program Resident, Rexburg

Dr. Luke Richards is originally from Erda, Utah. He graduated from Rocky Vista University – Southern Utah campus. Before medical school, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Utah Valley University and gained diverse experience working in urgent care, a psychiatric hospital, and as an orderly in surgery, in addition to various construction jobs.

His path into medicine began early, working as a medical assistant in high school and witnessed the trials of his uncle’s liver transplant—experiences that solidified his desire to pursue a career in healthcare. Drawn to Family Medicine for its combination of procedures and long-term patient relationships, Dr. Richards chose this residency program for its full-spectrum training, supportive culture, and commitment to resident input.

Professionally, Dr. Richards is interested in practicing full-spectrum medicine in a small town. They have especially enjoyed Obstetrics, where he learns something new with every shift. He also enjoys sports medicine because it which combines hands-on learning with a great schedule.

Outside the hospital, Dr. Richards enjoys lifting, mountain biking, trail running, and playing pickleball. He is fan of good food. He especially enjoys local favorites like Taste of India and Taste of Nepal. Dr. Richards will graduate in 2027.

Bethany Gold, DO

Rural Training Program Resident, Rupert

Dr. Bethany Gold is originally from Rexburg, Idaho and graduated from Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. Before beginning medical school, Dr. Gold dedicated her early career to caring for her family while also engaging in research, teaching yoga, and contributing to her community and church through volunteer work.

Driven by a lifelong curiosity about how the world works—particularly the complexities of the human body and mind—Dr. Gold was drawn to medicine as a way to answer the question of “why” behind illness and pathology. This same spirit of inquiry fuels her passion for cooperative, long-term patient care, where building trust, collaboration, and problem-solving within a therapeutic team are at the heart of their practice.

In residency, Dr. Gold has especially appreciated the strong culture of collaboration and patient-centered care in Pocatello, as well as the supportive network of fellow physicians who share those values. Outside of medicine, she enjoys hiking, walking, or fishing with her dog, playing pickleball and mountain biking with classmates, and spending time outdoors. Dr. Gold is also a musician and avid reader, valuing creativity and lifelong learning.

For Dr. Gold, a perfect weekend in Pocatello ends with curry from Thai Kitchen and a relaxing trip to the hot pots at Lava Hot Springs. Dr. Gold will graduate in 2027.

Kerrin Kramer, PharmD

Sarah DiDonna, MD

Dr. Sarah DiDonna is originally from Bismarck, North Dakota and attended the University of North Dakota School of Medicine for medical school. She earned her degree in biological sciences with minors in chemistry and military science before working as a Gold Bar Recruiter for Army ROTC and as a CNA in the emergency room. Her path into medicine has been shaped by her service in the Army National Guard, as well as her love for international travel, cultural exchange, and her Italian heritage.

Drawn to family medicine for its continuity of care and variety, Dr. DiDonna values the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients across all ages and stages of life. She chose this residency for its welcoming culture, strong sense of community, and access to outdoor activities that complement her active lifestyle. Her professional interests include obstetrics, and she envisions a future practice that combines clinic, hospital, ER care, and obstetrics to serve her community broadly.

So far, she has especially enjoyed the supportive learning environment, where faculty and peers alike foster growth and mentorship. Her hospital medicine rotation has been a highlight, offering both clinical challenge and meaningful patient connections. She describes the residency culture as a hidden gem—welcoming, down-to-earth, and deeply committed to both excellent patient care and resident development.

Outside of medicine, Dr. DiDonna enjoys hiking, camping, weightlifting, running, baking, cooking, and reading—currently diving into the works of Brandon Sanderson. She and her husband also share a passion for cars and enjoy driving manual transmissions together. With strong family ties to Italy, she still treasures time spent cooking Italian dishes and keeping her heritage alive. Dr. DiDonna will graduate in 2028.

Daniel Head, MD

Dr. Daniel Head grew up in Nome, Alaska. He attended medical school at the University of Washington. Before medical school, he worked in commercial construction, an experience that grounded him in the values of hard work and problem-solving. His path to medicine was shaped by witnessing the profound impact a compassionate and skilled physician can have in a rural community.

He chose family medicine with the goal of raising his family in a rural setting and providing full-spectrum care to small communities. He was drawn to this residency program because of its reputation as one of the strongest in the country for comprehensive family medicine training. His professional interests include rural family practice in communities with fewer than 3,000 people, with a focus on building lasting connections with patients and families.

He values the family-friendly environment of the program and has particularly enjoyed his experience in hospital medicine. Outside of medicine, he spends time gardening, playing with his children, and working on hands-on projects such as welding, automotive repair, carpentry, and woodworking. He and his family enjoy weekends at Bear Lake, and he looks forward to graduating with the Class of 2028.

Gabe Heath, DO

Dr. Gabe Heath grew up in Twin Falls, Idaho. He attended medical school at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. Before medical school, he worked for four years as a clinical exercise physiologist at St. Luke’s Lifestyle Medicine while also coaching high school football and the local Special Olympics ski team, the Magic Valley Wildcats. His international experiences in Israel and Guatemala further shaped his motivation to pursue a career in medicine.

His path toward family medicine was influenced by his background in lifestyle medicine, his passion for coaching, and his desire to care for individuals with intellectual disabilities, inspired by his two brothers. He chose this residency program for its strong culture, supportive residents and faculty, and its emphasis on broad-scope family medicine.

Dr. Heath’s professional interests include full-scope family medicine, emergency medicine, sports medicine, wilderness medicine, and international medicine. One of his most memorable rotations so far has been hospital medicine, where the intensity and responsibility of patient care fueled his passion for residency training.

Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, whether outdoors in the sun or relaxing together with a movie. He is also an avid snowboarder, basketball player, golfer, guitarist, and most recently, a backyard barbecue enthusiast thanks to his Traeger. His weekends are often filled with family, faith, and adventure. Dr. Heath will graduate in 2028.

Serene Kergaye, DO

Dr. Serene Kergaye grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. She went to medical school at Rocky Vista University. Before medical school, she studied biomedical engineering and worked in Phase I pharmaceutical research. Her path into medicine was shaped by her experiences working with underserved refugee populations, which deepened her commitment to service and compassionate care.

She chose family medicine for the opportunity to care for patients across all stages of life, from newborns to geriatrics, and to build lasting relationships through continuity of care. Dr. Kergaye was drawn to this residency program for its full-spectrum training, designed to prepare her for any patient she may encounter. Among her favorite experiences so far has been working in obstetrics, where she finds great fulfillment in helping to welcome new life into the world.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Kergaye enjoys playing soccer, going to the gym, and cooking. She will graduate in 2028.

Jeremie Morris, DO

Ciara Robb, DO

Dr. Ciara Robb is originally from Elberta, Utah. She attended medical school at Rocky Vista University in Southern Utah. Before medical school, Dr. Robb pursued a biology major and gained diverse healthcare experience, working as a Certified Nursing Assistant as well as a Sleep Technician. She was also a music teacher prior to medical school.

Growing up on a ranch, Dr. Robb developed a passion for rural healthcare, aiming to provide full-scope medicine to underserved communities. This rural background heavily influenced her decision to enter Family Medicine, a specialty that offers the variety and flexibility she sought in patient care.

Dr. Robb chose this residency program because of its comprehensive training in full-scope family medicine, and she enjoys the strong sense of camaraderie within the residency. Describing the team as "like family," she appreciates the mutual support and care shared among residents.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Robb enjoys backpacking, horse riding, and hunting. She also has a passion for music. She enjoys singing and writing her own songs. Time away from the hospital is often spent with her husband and daughter, unwinding in the outdoors or indulging in their love of Japanese food. She is a fan of the TV show Northern Exposure. She appreciates the quiet, rural lifestyle it portrays. Dr. Robb will graduate in 2028.

Jess Scheer, MD

Dr. Jess Scheer is originally from Annandale, Minnesota. She attended medical school at University of South Dakota for medical school. Her decision to pursue medicine was shaped by her experiences growing up in a rural community with limited access to healthcare, which sparked an interest in improving care for underserved populations.

Dr. Scheer chose this residency program because of the people. She refers to it truly feeling like a family. The culture is empowering, with faculty and residents who prioritize education, collaboration, and personal growth. What she enjoys most so far is the supportive, fun atmosphere; even on busy days. Stating that there’s always laughter and encouragement from colleagues.

Professionally, Dr. Scheer is passionate about wilderness and international medicine, as well as combat medicine through her service in the Army. These areas allow her to combine her love of adventure with the skills and training of medicine to help people in diverse and challenging settings.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Scheer is a private pilot and a musician who can play 13 instruments, with guitar being her favorite. She also enjoys spending weekends exploring Idaho’s incredible outdoors, from hiking in the Tetons and Yellowstone to camping right outside Pocatello in Mink Creek. Dr. Scheer will graduate in 2028.

Andrew Sullivan, DO

Dr. Andrew Sullivan grew up in West Texas and Washington State. He attended medical school at Pacific Northwest University. Before entering medical school, he worked as both a Firefighter/Medic and a Winemaker Assistant in Washington, experiences that shaped his desire to serve others and strengthen rural communities.

He chose family medicine for the opportunity to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to rural populations and selected ISU Family Medicine for its broad-spectrum training that prepares residents for the unique challenges of rural practice. His professional interests include working in a family medicine clinic as well as providing care in critical access emergency departments.

The supportive and encouraging culture of the program, from faculty to fellow residents, has been one of the highlights of his training so far. Outside of medicine, he enjoys hiking, camping, fly fishing, and skiing—with skiing being a particular passion. On weekends, he can often be found outdoors with his family, exploring trails or casting a line in local waters. He is proud to be part of the Class of 2028.

Chace Cook, MD

Rural Training Program Resident, Rexburg

Dr. Chace Cook is Originally from Eagle, Idaho. He attended medical school at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Before medical school, he worked as an MCAT tutor, helping students prepare for the challenges of medical school.

Initially drawn to healthcare through exposure to dentistry in his father's clinic, Dr. Cook realized his passion lay elsewhere—eventually discovering that family medicine offered the deep patient relationships he was looking for. His decision to pursue this specialty stems from a desire to build lifelong connections with patients and serve communities in a meaningful, personal way. Dr. Cook describes this residency environment as supportive and encouraging, where camaraderie among residents enhances the experience.

Culturally connected to the Czech Republic through his mother’s heritage, Dr. Cook spent two years living in Prague and is fluent in Czech. He is known among peers for his love of games—whether board, card, or video games—and for their appreciation of lasagna and the TV show Scrubs. On the weekends often find Dr. Cook enjoying time with extended family, further reflecting the values that brought them to family medicine. Dr. Cook will graduate in 2028.

Joe Enfonde, MD

Rural Training Program Resident, Rupert

Dr. Joseph Enfonde grew up in Charles Town, West Virginia. He attended medical school at West Virginia University. Before medical school, he majored in Biology and completed a year of Master of Public Health coursework in Epidemiology. He was also active in the WVU Kid’s Climbing Club and led international students on outdoor climbing trips throughout West Virginia, combining his love for the outdoors with promoting healthier lifestyles.

Inspired early on by his high school biology teacher’s work in rural Africa, Dr. Enfonde carries a mission to bring care to those who would not otherwise have it. His professional interests include global health and practicing in rural or austere environments, with a particular focus on underserved areas abroad. He was drawn to this residency program for its opportunities in wilderness and austere medicine and appreciates the variety of training experiences it provides.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Enfonde enjoys hiking, rock climbing, skiing, and cooking Sichuanese food. Dr. Enfonde will graduate in 2028.

Melanie Valentine, DO

Rural Training Program Resident, Rupert

Dr. Melanie Valentine grew up in Logan, Utah. She attended medical school from the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. Before medical school, she served in the Army, raised five children, worked as a clinical lab assistant, and completed a Master of Public Health. Her love of science, human biology, and psychology ultimately shaped her path into medicine.

She chose family medicine because of her passion for caring for all patient populations—from pediatrics to women’s health to geriatrics. She selected this residency program for its supportive culture, location, and strong training in obstetrics. Her professional interests include hospital medicine, obstetrics, and procedures.

Within residency, she has especially enjoyed her obstetrics rotation and values the program’s open and supportive environment. Outside of medicine, she enjoys spending time outdoors, being with her children, and riding motorcycles with her husband. She is also a talented performer who enjoys singing and is known for her ability to mimic both Woody Woodpecker and Cher. A lover of all foods—especially fruit, Asian, Indian, and tacos—she brings energy and personality to everything she does. Dr. Valentine will graduate in 2028.