Two healthcare providers who grew up in Ganado have returned home to care for the community that helped shape their lives, bringing their medical training back to the place where they were raised.
Chelsey Taylor, a family nurse practitioner, and Bridget Hubenak, a physician assistant, are now serving patients at the Jackson County Medical Clinic of Ganado, where they provide primary care to residents of Ganado and surrounding communities.
Hospital district officials say the return of both providers reflects the importance of recruiting healthcare professionals with local roots, particularly in rural communities where access to medical care can be more limited.
“There is something special about receiving care from providers who understand not only their patients’ medical needs, but also the community they call home,” the Jackson County Hospital District said in announcing the providers’ return.
Both Taylor and Hubenak were born and raised in Ganado and credit local teachers, coaches, family members and community leaders with inspiring them to pursue careers in healthcare. After completing their education and professional training, each chose to return home to practice medicine.
Lance Smiga, chief executive officer of Jackson County Hospital District, said providers who have deep ties to the community bring a unique perspective to patient care.
“Rural healthcare is strongest when providers have a genuine connection to the people they serve,” Smiga said. “Chelsey and Bridget understand the unique needs of our community because they have lived here and experienced many of the same circumstances our residents face. They know the families, traditions and values that make Ganado such a special place.”
According to the hospital district, patients benefit from providers who not only have clinical expertise but also understand local occupations, lifestyles and the health concerns common in the area.
For Taylor, returning to Ganado represents an opportunity to give back to the people who invested in her while she was growing up.
“Coming home to care for the people who helped raise and support me is incredibly meaningful,” Taylor said. “I feel a strong sense of responsibility and pride in serving the community that played such an important role in my life.”
Hubenak said practicing medicine in her hometown allows her to remain close to family while serving neighbors she has known for years.
“Working in a closeknit community means caring for my friends and neighbors,” Hubenak said. “I see them at church, in the grocery store and at community events. They trust me with their healthcare, and I take that responsibility very seriously.”
Homegrown
Hospital officials said the providers’ stories demonstrate the value of hometown connections in rural healthcare, noting that both are committed to providing compassionate, personalized care to longtime residents, new families and everyone in between. Located less than 10 miles from Edna, Jackson County Medical Clinic of Ganado provides comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages.
In addition to scheduled appointments, the clinic accepts walk-in patients and offers on-site laboratory and X-ray services.
The clinic provides preventive care, wellness exams, immunizations, chronic disease management and treatment for acute illnesses and injuries. It is part of the Jackson County Hospital District, whose mission is to provide quality healthcare for residents throughout Jackson County while improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
