RMC Says Good-Bye To Dr. Don Helland

After nearly 40-years in medicine, Dr. Don Helland, the family physician at Roosevelt Medical Center, is retiring. He has spent the last 11-years providing care for patients at RMC. A small staff farewell party took place on March 15, where he was presented with gifts and a traditional Star Quilt. Dr. Helland is planning to relocate to the Philippines and possibly do some medical work while enjoying life with his new wife, Amabelle. “I am going to miss the staff and patients that I have developed relationships with over the years,” he said.

Originally from Culbertson, Dr. Helland was born at the very first location of what is today called Roosevelt Medical Center. Back then, it was called the Roosevelt Memorial Hospital. Dr. Helland grew up just south of the Missouri River on the family farm with his parents, Victor and Gladys Helland.

“During the summer after I finished college, I helped the brick layers put up the walls of the current hospital building. Now, all these years later, I look back and am glad I was able to return and contribute to my hometown,” he said.

After graduating from medical school, he worked for healthcare organizations in California including Madera Community Hospital, in Madera, Sierra Kings District Hospital, in Reedly, the California Department of Corrections, in Delano and Visalia Community Hospital, in Visalia. He returned to this area eleven years ago and joined RMC as a primary care provider and medical director.

He didn’t originally plan on a career in healthcare, but after time developed an interest in preventative medicine. He received a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Montana State University in 1978 before going on to receive his Medical Degree from Loma Linda School of Medicine, in 1983, in Loma Linda, California. He has also been certified by the American Board of Radiology since 1988.

“This career path has been challenging, interesting and ever changing. With each patient, I have been met with an opportunity to learn and grow as not only a physician, but as a person,” he said.

Currently, RMC is recruiting for a family physician and a second full-time nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. Patient’s will still be able to maintain their care at RMC through Zoe Fugere, FNP, Blaine White, PA-C or Elizabeth Kleppen, PA-C.