From surviving an avalanche in Nepal to working as a physician on Denali, Colin Grissom, MD, has followed a path that reads more like an epic adventure than a traditional medical career — one shaped by a passion for wilderness and high-altitude medicine, forged through climbing, research, and encounters with inspiring healthcare professionals. Along the way, he’s formed lifelong bonds with fellow climbers, influenced a renowned author, and ultimately specialized in internal medicine, pulmonary, and critical care. Now, after 28 years at Intermountain Health, Dr. Grissom continues to drive best practices as senior medical director of the Acute and Ambulatory Medical Specialties Clinical Program and connects with caregivers in support of Intermountain’s mission.
At Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, the Transport Team is the quiet force behind the scenes, moving more than just patients. From managing oxygen tanks to offering comfort during vulnerable moments, this 50-person team keeps the hospital in motion 24/7. Led by Chantelle Cobourn, they’re launching healthcare careers, cutting emergency response times, and showing what compassion in motion really looks like. Read how this powerhouse team is transforming patient care from the ground up.
At Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette, Colorado, Adam Bulter, MD holds several important roles. As the chief and medical director of surgery, a trauma and elective general surgeon, and a key member of the surgical critical care team, his impact is felt across the hospital. But one of his most heartwarming roles? Volunteering with his four-legged best friend, Asher. When he’s not scrubbing into the OR, you might find Dr. Bulter walking the halls with his fluffy sidekick. Asher is a 4-year-old Samoyed and a proud member of Good Samaritan’s Caring Canine Program. Together, Dr. Bulter and Asher offer a unique kind of therapy that touches hearts and lifts spirits. “Whenever he walks in the room, everybody just lights up,” Dr. Bulter said. “He brings a lot of joy and helps break up what can sometimes feel like a monotonous routine of being in a hospital.” Asher, a rescue from Tampa, Florida, is more than just a friendly, fluffy face—he’s a natural healer. With his calm presence, gentle demeanor, and irresistibly soft coat, Asher has a way of making people feel instantly at ease. Dr. Bulter and Asher’s story is a beautiful reminder that healing goes beyond medicine and clinical care. It’s about compassion, presence, and the simple joy of making someone’s day a little bit brighter.
We graduate more than 1,000 nurse residents each year through our Nurse Residency program in our Idaho, Utah, and Nevada markets. Nevada caregiver Sarah Cunningham is one of those residents, but she didn't just graduate. She made history by becoming our first Nevada nurse to complete the Nurse Residency program. Sarah’s journey is one of grit, growth, and heart. Inspired by generations of nurses in her family, she turned passion into purpose, proving that with the right support and determination, anything is achievable.
Across Intermountain Health, code blue buttons are accidentally triggered more than 1,400 times a year — wasting precious time and pulling caregivers away from real emergencies. Brian Bowles, clinical engineering manager at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, partnered with the Caregiver Invention Lab and our Nursing Excellence teams at Intermountain to turn frustration into innovation. The result? A simple, smart cover that prevents false alarms without slowing down real responses. It installs in minutes, saves time, and is now rolling out systemwide.
We have selected The PENTA Building Group in partnership with Jacobsen Construction to build the first-ever stand-alone comprehensive children’s hospital in Nevada. The selection of these construction firms brings a wealth of experience to the historic project, combining PENTA’s familiarity and expertise in leading large-scale projects in Nevada with Jacobsen’s innovative and expansive knowledge in healthcare construction, which includes the second Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital campus that opened in Lehi, Utah, in early 2024. “It was vital for us in the contractor selection to bring both ingenuity and craftmanship along with the aspect of homegrown Nevada connections,” said Lawrence Barnard, president of the Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital. “The Nevada Children’s Hospital is poised to be state-of-art, welcoming families close to home with the compassionate service for which Intermountain is known.” When complete, the pediatric healthcare facility will be the first stand-alone hospital in Nevada that is fully and comprehensively dedicated to children’s health. This includes specialty-based care, such as oncology and cardiovascular services, among others that patients currently must travel out-of-state to receive.
St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado recently collaborated with the Western Slope chapter of Girls on the Run to provide health education to 26 girls aged 8-11 during their summer camp in early June at a local science museum. The Girls on the Run program focuses on empowering girls to believe in themselves and their capabilities, both mentally and physically. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skills development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy. In addition to sponsoring the week-long camp, St. Mary’s caregivers volunteered as coaches, engaging the girls in a different health topic each day. Topics ranged from the importance of wearing a helmet and looking both ways before crossing the road to learning about healthy eating and staying active. “Teaching children healthy habits early plants seeds that take root and grow into lifelong well-being, shaping their physical, mental, and emotional health for years to come. What we instill in them at a young age becomes the foundation they build upon, enabling them to thrive and make mindful choices as they navigate life’s challenges,” said Victoria Grasmick, community health program manager for St. Mary’s Regional Hospital.
We’re proud to announce that Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital in St. George, Utah has officially earned Magnet® Recognition—the highest national honor for nursing excellence! This prestigious designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center reflects the incredible dedication, compassion, and professionalism of our nursing teams. It’s a testament to the exceptional care we provide every day to our patients and community.
We’re thrilled to welcome Amy Blasing, FACHE as the new president of Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colorado starting July 28! Amy has more than 30 years of experience and began her career as a nurse. Most recently, she was the chief executive officer of Lovelace Westside Hospital and Lovelace Women’s Hospital of Ardent Health/Lovelace Health System in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
When a Las Vegas clinic faced a sudden staffing crisis, a Utah clinician jumped on a plane without hesitation. What happened next is a powerful story of teamwork, quick thinking, and the kind of collaboration that makes all the difference.
