Welcome to our New Faculty and Staff! Patrick Tufts, MD Assistant Professor of Primary Care, Dept. of Primary Care Medicine, RVUSU Originally from the town of Soda Springs, Idaho, where his parents have resided for more than forty years, Dr. Tufts spent much of his life and career in Idaho, Montana, and (most recently) Wyoming. In Laramie, he served as the Medical Director of the Emergency Room at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. Dr. Tufts earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Arizona State University, graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and completed his Residency in Family Medicine at Scottsdale Healthcare (now known as Honor Health). He served as Medical Director for Superior Area Ambulance Service and the Albany County Volunteer Ambulance Services, as well as Vice Chief of Staff
at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. Now he brings his extensive experience to RVU. "The plan always was to teach later in my career," he says. "I love finding ways to organize and present information in a way that makes learning more accessible for students." Previously, he taught residents, undergraduate medical students, and physician assistant students from Idaho State University for their Emergency Medicine rotations. Dr. Tufts has a wide array of hobbies and interests. He enjoys hiking and running—and also gaming, programming, web development, and Star Wars. "I have been called a ‘Turbo-Nerd’ and am proud of the title." He even watched "The Force Awakens" on opening night dressed in Jedi robes, much to the embarrassment of his children. Yet his two favorite places are here on Earth: Bridger Wilderness Area and Glacier National Park. Chowbaso, Patrick! (Note: above message translated from Huttese)
Promotions and Appointments
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Holly Bagot was promoted from Administrative Assistant to Program Coordinator in the Master of Science of Biomedical Sciences program. Holly will serve as Program Coordinator on the Utah campus with a focus on helping with recruitment and admissions.
Ashlee Bishop has rejoined the RVU team and accepted the position of Data Coordinator with the Department of Clinical Education. Previously, Ashlee worked as a Rotations Coordinator. She began at RVU in 2018.
Steven Bart was promoted from Security Officer to Senior Security Officer in the Safety and Security Department. He began at RVU in 2017.
Carol Blackshire-Belay, PhD, received a title change to include Professor of Medical Humanities. She will also continue to serve as Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness. She began at RVU in 2021.
Anthony Bennett was promoted from Security Officer to Senior Security Officer in the Safety and Security Department. He began at RVU in 2016.
Courtney Campbell was promoted from Administrative Assistant to Program Coordinator in the Master of Science of Biomedical Sciences program. Courtney will serve as Program Coordinator for the Colorado campus with a focus on helping with outreach and marketing. She began at RVU in 2019.
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