From WY to WA with a Bit of Mayo in Between

Widely recognized as the #1 Medical Facility in the world, The Mayo Clinic has garnered top-rankings in more specialties than any other hospital. It has been recognized as an Honor Roll member according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 “Best Hospitals” rankings. Patients with complex medical conditions are referred to one of the Mayo Clinic campuses to take advantage of world-class research, diagnostic and treatment options.

Dr. Douglass is proud to have spent 5 years inside this medical marvel. He feels strongly that bringing a Mayo Clinic level of medical exposure to a rural hospital setting such as Lake Chelan Health is indicative of the lifestyle choices that often drive professional decisions.

“My wife and I knew we wanted to establish our practices (Nikita Katoozi is a Optometrist with Vision Source of Chelan) close to one or the other of our families, preferably in a small town setting with mountains and outdoor recreation” said Dr. Douglass. When he arrived in Chelan for his interview, Dr. Douglass said it felt like home.

“It feels very much like where I grew up, just prettier,” he admitted.

He was also impressed by the community’s investment in local healthcare demonstrated through the building of a new hospital. Although Dr. Douglass was interviewed in the old hospital, the new facility was close to completion.

I asked if the new hospital was a determining factor in pursuing the job in Chelan. “Definitely,” said Dr. Douglass. “Working in an efficient space, with up-to-date technology, is a big plus!”

“Efficient space with up-to-date technology!”  That’s a strong recommendation from someone who spent 5 years training in the #1 Hospital in the world!

“Choosing to participate with a community medical facility, with local doctors, is a real benefit to residents,” he stated. “The wait time for an appointment here is often days rather than months. That’s not a derogatory reflection on other facilities, just the objective truth. Larger facilities are often understaffed and overwhelmed. We can take care of our patients sooner and more conveniently.”

Convenience is a key component of local healthcare.

Although some health insurance plans may require a pre-authorization or a referral from their primary care provider, in many cases you don’t have to see your primary care physician (PCP) for a referral.  If you need something fixed, are maybe concerned about a symptom, or just have questions, you can often self-refer to Dr. Douglass.

“Just call and set an appointment, “said Dr. Douglass. “I’m here to help.”

Family Time

Dr. Douglass and his wife, Nikita, have a 2 year-old son and another on the way. “We think Chelan is awesome. Our goal was to raise our kids in a good place, a safe place,” he said. “We are starting to get to know people, and putting down roots.”

When they aren’t working, the family likes to “get outside” said Dr. Douglass. He indicated they love the mountains, love to ski and snowboard, fish and mountain bike.

“Out in the world is better than not”, he said.

After spending 5 years in Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes, I asked how Lake Chelan measures up.

Dr. Douglass laughed. “The Mayo Clinic at Rochester is located in the only county in Minnesota without a lake,” he said. “We love it here.”

Should You Have a Colonoscopy?

March is colorectal awareness months. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United States, affecting both men and women. Early detection and treatment is the key to aggressively and successfully fighting colon cancer.

However, Dr. Douglass wants to remind people to proactively take charge and focus on preventing diseases and conditions. “We are all healthier for it,” he said.

According to the American Cancer Society the death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping in older adults for several decades. There are a number of likely reasons for this. One is that colorectal polyps are now being found more often by screening and removed before they can develop into cancers. Screening also results in many colorectal cancers being found earlier, when they are likely to be easier to treat. In addition, treatments for colorectal cancer have improved over the last few decades. In people under 55, however, death rates have been increasing about 1% per year since the mid-2000s.

Dr. Douglass recommends that anyone 45 or older should be screened. A colonoscopy is a highly sensitive and specific test — the “gold standard” — for catching something early. “If you are over 45 and have never had a colonoscopy, or can’t remember when you last did — it’s time!”

Professional Bio – Dr. Brandon Douglass, MD, General Surgeon/Specialty Care Surgery

Dr. Brandon G. Douglass is a general surgeon that comes to Lake Chelan Health Hospital from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of Wyoming where he also competed in track-and-field.

He subsequently completed his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 2018. During his residency in the Mayo Clinic Rural and Community Track, he spend substantial time working in the Mayo Clinic health system at various community hospitals in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

He looks forward to being part of the Lake Chelan Valley community and providing the highest quality surgical care for the valley. Dr. Douglass has a broad skill set with expertise in intra-abdominal disease, hernia, breast oncology and special interest in minimally invasive surgery.

Call Lake Chelan Health Specialty Care Clinic at 509-682-6134 to set an appointment.