While she hails from just outside Minneapolis originally, Dr. Erin Henderson said she thrives in small communities where she can get to know people and find connection.
She’ll begin that work as a new internal medicine physician at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care Practice this month.
Henderson and her family moved to Sheridan late in the summer of 2023, just in time for her 7-year-old son to start second grade in Sheridan County School District 2.
Henderson found herself in the West after securing a summer position in a lab at National Jewish Health in Denver. She enjoyed the Rocky Mountains so much, she transferred to finish her undergraduate degree and attend medical school in Denver.
From there, she completed her residency at Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital and is a fellow with the American College of Physicians.
When the opportunity opened up in Cortez, Henderson said she took it as it allowed her to see patients in a hospital setting, in nursing homes and in private practice. The COVID-19 pandemic altered the landscape for health care, prompting Henderson and her husband to make a change. Her husband had spent some of his childhood in Sheridan and when the family visited the area they knew it would be the right fit.
Henderson’s husband left his job in IT for family reasons and now works as a paraprofessional for SCSD2. Henderson said her family enjoys hiking, camping, skiing and spending time together. Cooking and playing piano are also favorite activities of the family.
As Henderson settles into her new role at Primary Care, she said she looks forward to seeing a broad array of patients. Having an internal medicine focus means Henderson will focus on caring for adults, particularly those who have more complex medical issues.
While she initially planned to specialize in hematology and oncology, she noted that most patients she would have seen in those specialty areas already have a diagnosis. She enjoys working with patients to determine the root cause of health issues and create a treatment plan. The problem-solving and investigation are aspects of medicine she particularly enjoys.
“I like figuring it out,” Henderson said. “I like helping patients figure it out. It’s been really fulfilling and I love to take care of patients while getting to know them and their families.”
In her time working in the small Cortez community, Henderson said she also developed strengths in rheumatology, osteoporosis and endocrinology care.
In addition to working with patients, Henderson said she looks forward to working with the cohesive medical team at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, which always aims to deliver excellent, patient-centered care.
To make an appointment with Dr. Henderson, call 307.675.2690. To learn more about the Hospital’s Primary Care team: https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/clinics/primary-care/.