OWNERSHIP
About / Ownership
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Ownership
Northwest Specialty Hospital is owned and operated by a team of local physicians with a shared mission of delivering patients superior care at an affordable rate.
Our physicians have invested personally, professionally and financially in your care. They have dedicated their lives to creating a hospital that allows them to practice on their own terms and do what’s best for patients. Instead of dealing with complicated bureaucratic issues of the big-hospital system, our physicians run Northwest Specialty Hospital in a way that allows them to focus on what matters most: delivering excellent patient-centered care.
Our Owners
Northwest Specialty Hospital is proudly owned and operated by physicians.
Please see our physician owners and the clinics they operate below:
James Bailey, MD
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Douglas Blaty, DO
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Daniel Blizzard, MD
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Christopher Dewing, MD
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Michael Drager, DPM
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Adam Duke, MD, FACOG
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Roger Dunteman, MD
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Morgan Ford, MD
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Cher Jacobsen, MD
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Jessica Jameson, MD, FASA
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Roland Kent, MD
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Adam Olscamp, MD
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John Pennings, MD, FACS, FASMBS
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Anthony Peters, MD
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Cory Richardson, MD, FACS, FASMBS
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Antoine Sarkis, MD
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Bryan Thompson, DPM
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Douglas Blaty, DO
Dr. Doug Blaty is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon with a special interest in minimally invasive techniques. His approach to spine care is based on the philosophy that every patient has a unique problem, and treatment should be focused on each individual’s specific complaints and symptoms. While the treatment for many patients may be non-operative, if surgery is chosen, Dr. Blaty always seeks to provide patients with the most effective and innovative options.
Dr. Blaty developed a special interest in anatomy and the spine at a young age through involvement in athletics and his own injuries. Since graduating from Lake City High School in 2001 as a Valedictorian, Dr. Blaty went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington. He graduated as a PAC-10 All-Academic athlete in track and field, and was also a University of Washington Top-10 record holder in the decathlon and indoor heptathlon.
Receiving a Master of Science in biomedical sciences from Barry University, Dr. Blaty further built his knowledge in anatomy through hands-on cadaver work. He later attended medical school at Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he was a 2-time recipient of the Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Scholarship. Awarded a research fellowship during medical school, Dr. Blaty continued his pursuit of musculoskeletal knowledge, focusing on orthopedic-based basic science research.
Dr. Blaty completed his orthopedic surgery residency training at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, OR where he continued to maintain his primary focus on the spine, not only in his clinical training but through multiple clinical research projects and presentations ranging from osteoporosis to degenerative spine conditions. He then completed his spine surgery fellowship at Twin Cities Spine Center, training with world-renowned spine surgeons, while also leading research focused on lateral-access lumbar spine fusions. Through his training experiences, Dr. Blaty has developed a passion for less invasive spine surgery options and always strives to advance spine care and patient outcomes.
Website(s)
www.northwestspecialtyhospital.com/providers/spine-surgery/
Education
Medical School | Midwestern University – Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency | Orthopedic Surgery – Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center
Fellowship | Spine Surgery – Twin Cities Spine Center
Daniel Blizzard, MD
Dr. Daniel J. Blizzard is a fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon specializing in comprehensive spinal surgical care ranging from minimally-invasive and motion-sparing techniques, to scoliosis and deformity surgery, and revision surgical treatment.
Dr. Blizzard was raised in Liberty Lake, WA and graduated valedictorian of his class from Central Valley High School. He then attended the University of Washington on academic scholarships from the Gates Foundation and the Washington NASA Space Grant, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in Bioengineering. Dr. Blizzard attended medical school at Yale University where he was selected as a Doris Duke Research Fellow for his work investigating osteobiologics and 3D-MRI in spine surgery. After medical school, he completed his general surgery internship and orthopaedic surgery residency at Duke University in Durham, NC. He then graduated from the combined Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Spine Surgery Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, GA performing complex surgical care at the Emory University Hospitals, Grady Memorial Hospital (the busiest Level 1 trauma center in the country), and the Atlanta Veterans Administration Hospital.
Dr. Blizzard has a specific interest in the development and utilization of new diagnostic and surgical techniques with the goal of reducing the pain, recovery time, and longterm morbidity associated with traditional spine surgery. Throughout his training Dr. Blizzard pursued these interests, leading dozens of studies assessing the clinical efficacy of new minimally-invasive fusion techniques, motion-sparing techniques for cervical spine pathology, and the identification and prevention of complications in spine surgery.
Website(s)
Education
Undergraduate | University of Washington
Medical School | Yale University School of Medicine
Residency | Orthopedic Surgery – Duke University, Durham, NC
Memberships
AOSpine International
North American Spine Society
Candidate Member of the Academy of Orthopedic Surgery
Clinics
Christopher Dewing, MD
I am committed to cultivating an exceptional team. They share my vision for excellence, compassion, and attention to detail. I know your experience of our practice is shaped by many moments when I am not present in person: scheduling visits, requesting forms and letters, seeking answers to basic questions, grappling with insurance issues and bills, etc. My team and I know that our patients deserve our availability for great service and timely responses to questions and concerns. We are always working towards a patient experience that we would appreciate for ourselves and our own families.
As a fellowship-trained sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon, I specialize in the treatment of shoulder, hip and knee conditions. Over the years I have been involved in numerous research projects and have published papers and book chapters about the care of sports injuries and the best techniques and treatments for them. You can view my CV here. Most of the surgeries I perform are done arthroscopically: using very small incisions and a camera or “scope” in your injured joint to facilitate repairs. I also perform open, traditional surgeries when they are indicated. My most common procedures include: rotator cuff repair, shoulder labral repair, clavicle fracture repair, hip labral repair, correction of hip impingement, ACL reconstruction, multi-ligament knee reconstruction, meniscus repair, cartilage repair or regeneration, patellar instability correction, and the routine treatment of fractures. I utilize both platelet rich plasma (PRP) and stem cells derived from your own bone marrow (BMAC) to augment healing when indicated.
Education
Undergraduate | Harvard University
Medical School | Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons – Columbia University
Residency | Naval Medical Center San Diego
Memberships
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery (AAOS)
Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons (SOMOS)
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
AANA Associate Member and Master Instructor
American Academy of Orthopaedics (AOA)
Clinics
Adam Duke, MD, FACOG
Adam Duke, MD, FACOG, graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine, performed his OB/GYN Residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School then completed a 2-year Minimally Invasive GYN Surgery fellowship at the University of Tennessee- Chattanooga. He was the first fellowship-trained MIGS surgeon in the state of Idaho. He is a nationally recognized endometriosis expert and surgeon who lectures nationally. His other clinical expertise is chronic pelvic pain and the surgical treatment of prolapse and incontinence.
Website(s)
Northwest Women’s Care
Gynecologic Surgery
Women’s Care
Education
Undergraduate | Creighton University
Medical School | Creighton University School of Medicine
Residency | Eastern Virginia Medical School
Memberships
The American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists: 2011 – Present
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine: 2008 – Present
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: 2006 – Present
Michael Drager, DPM
Michael J. Drager is a Board Certified Surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He has been practicing in the Coeur d’Alene area for over twenty years. Dr. Drager specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the foot and ankle. Dr. Drager’s training and experience as a podiatric physician and surgeon is unsurpassed. Patients can expect the most proven and advanced foot and ankle treatment techniques available.
Website(s)
Education
Undergraduate | California College of Podiatric Medicine
Medical School | Doctor’s Hospital of Santa Ana
Memberships
American Board of Podiatric Medicine
Clinics
Roger Dunteman, MD
Dr. Dunteman brings his philosophy of providing specialized care in shoulder, knee and ankle arthroscopy/ reconstruction to his practice at the Northwest Specialty Hospital. He is an Orthopedic Surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine, shoulder and knee reconstruction, and arthroscopy. He earned his medical degree at Northwestern University Medical School, and also completed his residency at Northwestern University. Dr. Dunteman has authored multiple articles in orthopedic literature on shoulder and knee surgery, and has presented his findings at many professional conferences.
Education
Medical School | Northwestern University Medical School
Residency | Northwestern University Medical School
Morgan Ford, MD
Dr. Ford grew up in a small rural town in central Nebraska. He graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1995, and graduated from medical school at Creighton University in 1999. He completed his Family Medicine residency at the Montana Family Medicine Residency in Billings, MT in 2002, then came directly to Post Falls Family Medicine. He has been Board Certified in Family Medicine since 2002. He enjoys treating a wide variety of age groups, from infants to the elderly, and a wide variety of complaints such as illness, injury, chronic disease management, wellness, and mental health conditions. Dr. Ford is also a certified DOT (Department of Transportation) provider.
Website(s)
Education
Undergraduate | University of Nebraska
Medical School | Creighton University School of Medicine
Residency | Montana Family Medicine
Jessica Jameson, MD, FASA
Dr. Jameson received her medical degree from Michigan State University. Upon graduation, she went on to complete her internship at David Grant USAF Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base in California. She then spent four years as a United States Air Force Flight Surgeon.
Dr. Jameson completed her residency in Anesthesia at the University of Iowa College of Medicine in Iowa City. She then furthered her training by graduating with a Harvard fellowship in Pain Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. She is board certified in both anesthesiology and pain management by the American Board of Anesthesiology. This is the only recognized board certification for pain management through the American Board of Medical Specialties. Dr. Jameson is also the only physician in North Idaho who is board certified in obesity medicine.
Dr. Jameson, her husband Jason, and their three children moved here from Massachusetts. She enjoys playing soccer, snow and water skiing, and all types of outdoor adventures. She has been a valuable asset and member of the community since 2013 and looks forward to continuing her commitment to excellent patient care at Northwest Pain Management.
Website(s)
Medical School | Michigan State University
Residency | University of Iowa College of Medicine
Memberships
American Society of Anesthesiologists
American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
North American Neuromodulation Society
Spine Intervention Society
American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
Obesity Medicine Association
Roland Kent, MD
Dr. Roland S. Kent is a fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon. Fellowship training is the highest level of training available for spine surgical care in the United States. He specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery, and alternatives to bony fusion including disc replacement, fracture care, bone health, sacroiliac (SI) joint disease, revision spine surgical care, and complex spinal disorders. Dr. Kent is excited to finally be back home. After graduating from Coeur d’Alene High School he received a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and then joined the Navy. He attended medical school at Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland, and then an internship and residency at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. He graduated from the combined Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Spine Fellowship at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, where he performed complex surgical care at Harborview, the University of Washington, and Seattle Children’s Hospital. He returned to the Navy as the Chief of Spine Surgery at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, where he taught spine surgery to resident physicians and managed the Navy’s highest volume interdisciplinary spine practice with physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, pain psychologists, physical medicine specialists, and other spine surgeons. There, he built a comprehensive spine surgical practice specializing in cutting-edge technologies and time-honored surgical strategies. He presented academic papers at national and international spine meetings and helped to establish a standardized curriculum to teach young surgeons spine surgical techniques and principles.
Additionally, he provided expert spine surgical care to active duty military members, the elite Navy special warfare community, military retirees, and their families. During his two decades in the US Navy, he served in Washington, DC, Virginia, Diego Garcia, Italy, Cuba, Afghanistan, and finally in Spokane as a Navy reservist. In 2015, Dr. Kent joined the Rockwood Clinic in Spokane, Washington as the Spine Surgery Section Head where he helped develop the interdisciplinary spine surgical program at Rockwood Neurosurgery and Spine, integrating the efforts of surgical and non-surgical spine specialists.
Dr. Kent has returned to North Idaho as a co-founder of Axis Spine Center and the only fellowship-trained spine surgeon in the area. He has a passion for returning patients to function through the careful utilization of non-surgical spine treatment strategies combined with the appropriate, evidence-based application of successful surgical interventions.
List of surgical specialties:
- Minimally invasive spine surgery
- Alternatives to bony fusion include disc replacement
- Fracture care
- Bone health.
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint disease
- Revision spine surgical care
- Complex spinal disorders
Website(s)
Axis Spine – Coeur d’Alene
Axis Spine – Post Falls
Education
Medical School | Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Residency | Navy Medical Center Portsmouth
Fellowship | Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Spine, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Memberships
AOSpine International
Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons
Candidate Member of the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery
Military Member of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association
North American Spine Society
Languages
English
Finnish
Adam Olscamp, MD
Dr. Adam Olscamp brings technical expertise and professional and personal passion to his orthopedic surgery practice. When Dr. Olscamp is not busy in the operating theater or with his patients, he might be found in training for his next marathon. Dr. Olscamp received his medical degree from the University of Washington and completed his residency at the Medical College of Ohio Hospital. He is certified in orthopedic surgery by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.
Website(s)
Education
Undergraduate | University of Washington
Medical School | Medical College of Ohio
Residency | Medical College of Ohio
Memberships
Medical Board of Orthopedic Surgeons
Cory Richardson, MD, FACS, FASMBS
Dr. Richardson grew up in Mammoth Lakes, CA. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno where he was a member of the NCAA Division I Men’s Alpine Ski Team. He completed medical school and General Surgery Residency at the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He then went on to complete an advanced surgical fellowship at the Minnesota Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, the only fellowship program in the United States or Canada accredited in Advanced Gastrointestinal/Minimally Invasive/Bariatric Surgery and Flexible Endoscopy.
List of Surgical Specialties:
Bariatric Surgery
Endoscopic Procedures
General Surgery
Website(s)
Northwest Bariatrics
Northwest Institute for Digestive Surgery
Northwest Endoscopy Center
Education
Medical School | University of Nevada School of Medicine
Residency | University of Nevada School of Medicine
Fellowship | Minnesota Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Certifications | Board Certified in Digestive Surgery
Memberships
Advanced Surgical Fellowship – Minnesota Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Certified by the American Board of Surgery
American College of Surgeons
American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
Society of Critical Care Medicine
John Pennings, MD, FACS, FASMBS
Dr. John Pennings received his MD degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School, which was followed by a general surgery residency at Emanuel Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, an institution noted for excellence in trauma and critical care. He went on to complete a fellowship in advanced laparoscopic surgery and endoscopy at Oregon Health Sciences University. He was one of the first eight fellows in the nation to complete this highly specialized training.
During this training, Dr. Pennings helped to develop new surgical techniques for esophageal, gastric and colon surgery, and was responsible for educating other surgeons in these new, minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Pennings has also pursued advanced training in bariatric (weight loss) surgical techniques, surgical and endoscopic management of reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus and non-surgical management of hemorrhoids.
In his twenty-year career as a community general surgeon, he founded Minimally Invasive Surgery Northwest, Surgical Bariatrics Northwest, Optifit, and currently is the founder and director of The Northwest Institute for Digestive Surgery.
Dr. Pennings has served in leadership roles as chairman of the Department of Surgery at Kootenai Medical Center and as chairman of the Board of Directors at Northwest Specialty Hospital. As part of his involvement at Northwest Specialty Hospital, he oversaw the development of a comprehensive bariatric surgery program and was awarded Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery status by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He is board certified by the American College of Surgeons, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons, and an active member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. He is committed to surgical excellence and compassionate patient care.
List of Surgical Specialities:
Bariatric Surgery
Endoscopic Procedures
General Surgery
Education
Medical School | University of Minnesota
Residency | Emanuel Hospital and Health Center
Certifications | American Board of Surgery, Board Certified in Digestive Surgery
Memberships
Idaho Medical Association
American College of Surgeons
American Society of American Surgeons
Idaho Chapter American College of Surgeons
Kootenai-Benewah Medical Society
American Society of Bariatric Surgeons
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
Bryan Thompson, DPM
Dr. Bryan Thompson is a leader in the Podiatric field, specializing in all aspects of care involving the foot and ankle. After graduating from Brigham Young University, Dr. Thompson earned his degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his residency in Foot and Ankle reconstruction at the Franciscan Foot and Ankle Institute in Federal Way Washington before beginning his practice. Dr. Thompson’s practice includes simple and complex foot and ankle surgery; all aspects of conservative care, including injections and custom orthotics; minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery; foot and ankle trauma care and treatment of pediatric foot and ankle disorders. He boasts of marrying way above himself, having the best staff in the inland northwest, and sporting bright and entertaining children.
Website(s)
Education
Medical School | California College of Podiatric Medicine
Residency | Franciscan Foot & Ankle Institute
Memberships
American Board of Podiatric Medicine
Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons
Antoine Sarkis, MD
Dr. Sarkis has been in practice in North Idaho since 1997. He has a special interest in the management of benign and malignant diseases of the breast and is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Dr. Sarkis performs endoscopy and a variety of minimally invasive, as well as more traditional surgical techniques, to diagnose and manage diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Sarkis received his medical education at Saint Joseph University School of Medicine in Lebanon. He completed his surgical training at Saint Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center of New York and at New York Medical College. He is board certified by the American College of Surgeons. He joined Minimally Invasive Surgery in 2001 to serve patients seeking state-of-the-art diagnosis and management of diseases of the breast and gastrointestinal tract. He offers minimally invasive, as well as more traditional surgical interventions for a variety of disease states.
List of Surgical Specialties:
Endoscopic Procedures
General Surgery
Website(s)
Education
Medical School | St. Joseph University School of Medicine
Residency | St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center of New York
Memberships
American Society of Breast Surgeons
Anthony Peters, DO
Dr. Anthony Peters is a Board Certified Family Physician who joined Post Falls Family Medicine in 2001 after completing his residency at Family Medicine Spokane. His undergraduate degree, a BS in Economics, is from the University of Michigan. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathy at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Peters moved to Spokane for his residency after completing a rotating internship at Grace Hospital/Detroit Medical Center in 1998. Dr. Peters is also a certified DOT (Department of Transportation) provider.
He is married with three children. In his spare time he enjoys hunting, fly fishing and tying, mountain biking, snowboarding, golfing and coaching parks and recreation soccer.
Cher Jacobsen, DO
I grew up all over this great country, but ultimately chose my beloved mountain West for undergraduate training at Carroll College in Helena, Montana. I attended medical school at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating magna cum laude. My family medicine residency was also completed at Creighton University. The United States Navy was gracious enough to pay the high cost of my medical training (since my wonderfully supportive parents finally had to cry uncle at those tuition prices). I was proud to serve years of active duty as a US Navy doctor. There are no greater group of patients than active duty and retired military and their families, but the Navy was sadly unable to allow me to stay in one place as I always dreamed, taking care of my patients for a lifetime. I left my Navy family and (with my long suffering and also wonderfully supportive husband) returned to the beautiful Mountain West to establish a private practice in Post Falls, Idaho. I am very lucky to work with the best ever medical colleagues. I have cared for thousands of patients over the years and now I have changed my practice to continue caring for my cherished patients in the manner they so deserve.
James Bailey, MD
My career in medicine was first inspired by my late mother who was the pediatrician for the small community I grew up in. Seeing how grateful her patients were for the care she provided made me want to give that same gift to patients of my own.
I attended the University of Washington for my undergraduate education where I majored in neurobiology. For medical school I attended the University of Michigan where I received the Dean’s scholarship, a full scholarship given to students who demonstrate academic and leadership excellence. My time at Michigan was great but I wanted to return to the Northwest where I grew up. I completed my Family Medicine Residency training at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene. During residency I observed the negative impact that bureaucracy, insurance companies and corporate profits were having on my freedom to deliver the quality of care I desired to provide.
When I learned about the Direct Primary Care model and met my partner and mentor Dr. Jacobsen I had the “ah ha” moment that started me on this career path.
I am trained in comprehensive primary care, and my particular medical interest and expertise include mental and behavioral health, adolescent medicine, hormone therapy, and preventative health.
When not working, you can find me spending time with my wife and kids. I love being on or in the water in our beautiful lakes, playing board games, and camping.
With my limited panel of patients and without insurance company interference my hope is to provide the small-town, personal care I witnessed my mother providing to her patients. I look forward to joining you, the patient and focus of my care, in this endeavor.