https://www.benefis.org/medical-services/ear-nose-throat-ent/
The current otolaryngology (ENT) team at Benefis Health System consists of two primary providers: Dr. Baker, a full-time physician based in Great Falls, and another provider in Helena who is scaling back their practice. Dr. Baker, described as "one of the nicest doctors" in the system, typically works a 4-day week and achieves 70-80% of MGMA benchmarks while maintaining a good work-life balance. The practice is supported by one Advanced Practice Clinician (APC), with plans to hire a second. Additional support staff includes an on-site audiologist, vestibular physical therapists, speech pathologists, and a dedicated surgery scheduler. The team operates in modern, well-equipped facilities featuring two dedicated scope rooms with video towers, two specialized ear rooms with Zeiss microscopes, and access to both an on-site Ambulatory Surgery Center and the main hospital OR.
Benefis is actively recruiting for at least one more full-time ENT physician to join Dr. Baker in Great Falls, with the ideal scenario being 3-4 full-time ENTs to adequately cover patient needs and call responsibilities. The practice environment is consistently described as supportive and collaborative, with strong emphasis on work-life balance and accessible, responsive leadership. The ENT department benefits from interdepartmental cooperation, particularly noted in their collaboration with oncology for head and neck cancer cases and sharing of facial trauma call with plastics and oral maxillofacial surgery.
Looking to the future, the practice is poised for growth with the planned addition of another ENT physician and a second APC. There's also mention of potential involvement with a new medical school program in the area, which could offer opportunities for teaching and academic engagement. Overall, while the current core ENT team at Benefis is small, it benefits from a robust support structure and collaborative relationships with other specialties, offering significant opportunities for incoming physicians to shape and grow the ENT department.