Staff

Your Surgical Team

You will join a tight-knit general surgery team that values both clinical excellence and collegial relationships. The practice includes two board-certified general surgeons with complementary backgrounds and one experienced Physician Assistant, creating a collaborative environment where you can learn from multiple perspectives while contributing your own expertise. Unlike large surgical groups where you might feel like an interchangeable part, this team size allows you to develop meaningful working relationships and establish clear communication patterns with your colleagues.

Thomas H. Etter, DO

Dr. Etter will be your primary supervising physician, and understanding his background helps you appreciate the practice you will be joining. He earned his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his internship and general surgery residency at Northeast Regional Medical Center. With more than two decades of surgical experience in the Cody community, Dr. Etter has built a loyal patient base and a reputation for technical skill, particularly in advanced procedures including robotic surgery.

His practice history reveals important context for your role. Dr. Etter operated Cody Surgical Associates as a successful solo private practice before transitioning to employed status with Cody Regional Health in March 2025. This transition brings his established patient volume into the hospital system, creating the immediate clinical demand that makes your position viable from day one. You will not be waiting for referrals to build or hoping patients materialize. They already exist, and they already trust Dr. Etter's surgical judgment.

Dr. Etter maintains a direct, efficient communication style and runs a fast-paced practice focused on excellent clinical outcomes. He values APPs who can work independently, adapt quickly to changing situations, and maintain composure during demanding cases. His extensive experience with robotics means you will gain exposure to advanced surgical techniques, and his history of working successfully with female APPs demonstrates his commitment to professional collaboration regardless of gender. As a father of three daughters, he brings a balanced perspective to the workplace.

Rebecca Deal, MD

Dr. Deal brings a different but equally valuable background to the surgical team. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in 2009, then earned her medical degree from Rush University in Chicago, completing her education in 2013. Her general surgery residency at Rush and Cook County Hospital in Chicago provided training in a high-volume urban environment, preparing her for the varied case mix of rural surgical practice.

Her path to surgery reveals her commitment to patient care. Originally drawn to pediatrics and family medicine, Dr. Deal discovered her passion for surgery during her third year of medical school. She values the ability to directly cure patients through surgical intervention and finds deep satisfaction in guiding patients through challenging times while earning their trust. This patient-centered approach complements the technical focus Dr. Etter brings to the practice.

Beyond her surgical skills, Dr. Deal embraces the outdoor lifestyle that makes Cody attractive. She enjoys skiing, trail running, hiking, and snowshoeing, and has recently taken up knitting. Her active engagement with the community and outdoor recreation demonstrates the work-life balance possible in this location. Working alongside Dr. Deal provides opportunities to learn from her fresh perspective on surgical techniques and patient communication while contributing to a collaborative practice culture.

Molly Quaranto, PA-C

Molly Quaranto serves as the other surgical PA on the team, working primarily with Dr. Deal. Her background provides insight into the kind of APP who succeeds in this environment. Originally from a small Colorado town, Molly began her healthcare journey as an EMT volunteer with her local fire department. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from Metropolitan State University of Denver while obtaining her EMT certification, then worked as an EMT in the emergency department of one of Denver's busiest level one trauma centers.

This emergency medicine foundation prepared her well for the unpredictable nature of general surgery. She earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana in 2023, bringing current training in evidence-based practice. With four years of combined experience in urgent care and emergency medicine before transitioning to surgery, Molly understands the importance of quick decision-making and clear communication during high-pressure situations.

Molly is NCCPA board certified and maintains active membership in both the Wyoming Association of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. She values open communication with patients and takes pride in ensuring they understand their health conditions and treatment options. Her commitment to returning to a rural community and her engagement with outdoor activities including gardening, skiing, hiking, fishing, and camping reflect the lifestyle advantages that drew her to Cody.

Working alongside Molly offers valuable peer support. She understands the unique challenges and rewards of surgical APP practice in a rural setting, and her recent training means she brings current knowledge of APP scope of practice and clinical protocols. The two-PA structure allows for schedule flexibility, collaborative problem-solving, and the kind of professional camaraderie that prevents isolation in your role.

Administrative and Clinical Support

Beyond the physician and APP team, you will work with dedicated administrative staff who handle scheduling, prior authorizations, billing, and care coordination. The support structure reflects the hospital's investment in making clinical practice efficient and sustainable. You will also collaborate with established referral networks including internal medicine physicians and the hospitalist team, creating a steady flow of appropriate surgical consultations without the burden of marketing your services or building referral relationships from scratch.

This team structure creates a practice environment where you can focus on clinical excellence while developing meaningful professional relationships. The combination of experienced surgeons with complementary styles, a collegial PA partner, and strong administrative support provides the foundation for a sustainable and satisfying surgical career.