Battle Mountain General Hospital has a new CEO.
Jason Bleak began his new position on Wednesday, Jan. 17 and spent the day touring the hospital and meeting the staff. Two more new full-time physicians were also introduced.
The public was invited by interim CEO Kathy Ancho to meet the new chief, and to see the new renovated clinic.
Although Bleak declined a formal interview during the meet and greet, he said he is excited to be working at the hospital, and is looking forward to raising his family in Battle Mountain.
Bleak, from Pioche, Nev., has five children, including a daughter set to graduate high school this spring. “She will remain in her current school before the full family officially moves into town,” explained Bleak.
Ancho said she is eager to see Bleak take the reins, and thinks he will be an “excellent addition” to the community.
“He will be an active member of the town and is even interested in coaching opportunities,” she said. “He is going to continue building positive relationships with staff members. I think he recognizes we are a team and need to work together to improve the hospital.”
New staff
In addition to meeting Bleak, the hospital administration also formally introduced Dr. Robin Willcourt and Dr. Victor Knutzen to the public. Willcourt, who came to BMGH through a Barton Associates contract, recruited his longtime friend Knutzen from Australia to begin practice in the rural Nevada hospital.
Willcourt and Knutzen are obstetrics and gynecology doctors. Knutzen has practiced medicine for 46 years, he said. Willcourt, who has been practicing in Nevada for many years, is looking forward to continuing his practice in Battle Mountain.
Willcourt referenced the unique needs of a rural community and said that establishing a thorough medical history with patients is important and more achievable because patients aren’t as transient compared to large cities. Willcourt said he spoke of that subject with long-time friend Knutzen and convinced him to move to the town as well.
The doctors, now reunited at BMGH, spoke with several people who attended the meet greet, including hospital board members James Mathues, Dave Mason and Marla Sam.
