Columbia Basin Family Medicine

Brian Kirkham
B.Sc., M.Sc., MD, CM, Staff Physician
A native of Canada, Dr. Kirkham grew up in the Montreal area and attended local McGill University for college. Dr. Kirkham then attended the University of Toronto, where he received his Master of Science degree in Physical Chemistry. He then spent three years working as are search chemist until he began medical school at McGill. Although he never intended to become a family physician, Dr. Kirkham quickly learned to appreciate the personal touches of this medical field. “In family medicine, you are given the unique opportunity to watch families begin and grow,” Dr. Kirkham says. “From childhood to adulthood, over the years I learn more about the ‘whole person’ and not just the medical problem the patient is facing.” A member of the CBH staff for more than 15 years, Dr. Kirkham has seen the hospital grow and continue to develop as the years have passed by. As his working relationship with the hospital continues to strengthen, he is certain to play a vital role in the facility’s future. Outside the hospital, Dr. Kirkham stays busy keeping up with his two teenage sons and spending time outside tending his garden.

Alexander Brzezny
MD, MPH, FAAFP, Staff Physician
A 1996 graduate of Masaryk University School of Medicine in Brno, Czech Republic, Dr. Brzezny brings a wealth of international experience to the Columbia Basin Area. Dr. Brzezny’s medical training also includes study at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik, a family medicine residency completed at the University of Texas Medical Branch, and a Master’s degree in public health from the University Of Kansas School Of Medicine. As a family physician, Dr. Brzezny takes particular pride in working with his patients to achieve healing. “I like to think we specialize in people,” says Dr. Brzezny. “The most rewarding aspect of my medical work is when a patient becomes a partner in the healing process. Working together for better health or improved quality of life tremendously improves the treatment outcomes and ultimately makes me a better physician and a more accurate diagnostician. ”Since joining the team at CBH, Dr. Brzezny has described his experience as challenging at times, but he feels the facility is in a position to provide the community with excellent care. As the area continues to grow and evolve, Dr. Brzezny is certain CBH will adapt to meet changing healthcare needs. In his free time, Dr. Brzezny is a devoted family man. He enjoys hiking, traveling, and sightseeing with his wife and two child ren. Also an avid hockey fan, Dr. Brzezny roots for the Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, and Detroit Red Wings.

Carlos Montiel
MD, Staff Physician
Dr. Montiel became a doctor because of the broad spectrum of work involved in healthcare. Trained in family medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Dr. Montiel is trained to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions—everyday is a new challenge. In addition to helping patients overcome health issues, Dr. Montiel enjoys getting to know the people he helps. Forming strong partnerships with his patients is a key aspect of his medical practice. “Getting to know the people I treat has a tremendous impact on the care I provide,” Dr. Montiel says. “The better I know a patient, the better I can work to meet their health needs and encourage healing.” For Dr. Montiel, the true strength of CBH lies in the individuals that comprise its healthcare team. “The people who work at CBH are truly the facility’s best asset,” says Dr. Montiel. “Given the quality of the individuals that work here, CBH’s mission of being the first choice for patients in the area is certainly attainable.”

Michele Hansen
ARNP-Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner.
A resident of Ephrata for 20years, Hansen received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Washington State University, and received her RN degree in nursing from Big Bend Community College. She specializes in women’s health, orthopedics, anticoagulation, the walk-in clinic, and well-child checks. “I really enjoy practicing medicine in a small town,” Hansen says. “Working in the walk-in clinic is fast-paced and interesting, and I love the opportunity to spend quality time with my patients, which is an opportunity I might not have in a bigger facility.” When not working, Hansen and her husband live at their house in Lake Chelan, where she enjoys boating, swimming and snow-shoeing.

Lisa Corsie
FNP-BC, CEN, Family Nurse Practitioner
Prior to her career in health care, Corsie received her Bachelor’s degree in physical education in instruction and coaching. After taking a particular interest in sports medicine courses, Corsie went onto pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Following her training, Corsie served in several emergency medical positions and ultimately received her nurse practitioner degree from the University of New Mexico.” The amount of knowledge and quality of the providers at CBH is truly unique,” says Corsie. “Being apart of such a skilled staff encourages me to continue to work my hardest for each and every patient I see” Corsie sees many of the facility’s current projects as investments in the hospital’s future and believes CBH will continue offering quality care for many years to come.” The quality of care currently offered at CBH is a true asset to our rural community,” Corsie says.” As improvement efforts continue, CBH is certain to maintain a high level of quality care well into the future.” When she isn’t working, Corsie enjoys reading mystery novels and taking hikes.