Editor's note: The other day, CCMH Community Relations Director Karen Clarke sat down with Robert Lang, PA, to learn more about him, and why he recently accepted a position with the Campbell County Health Walk-in Clinic.
Robert Lang likes to try and figure things out. The new PA at the
CCMH Walk-in Clinic was a firefighter in New Mexico for five years and had an interest in criminal investigation before choosing a career in healthcare. EMT and technical rescue training sparked an interest in medicine, which led him to a career as a Physician Assistant.
He received his PA training at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and worked at a Level II Trauma Center for four years. Close to both Chicago and Detroit in Ft. Wayne Indiana, he saw his share of trauma, performed many different procedures and did lots of suturing.
Robert made the decision to move back to the West to spend more time with his family.
“I spent so much time working nights,” he said. “I wanted to teach my son about the things I did growing up, like backpacking.” Robert looked at various opportunities throughout the Rocky Mountains, and determined that this was a good fit. He was impressed with the people he met in Gillette and at CCMH, and the sense of community spirit.
“It was difficult to do referrals in my previous position,” said Robert. “I recently had a situation with a patient here, and Dr. Lawrence just told me to come down to Radiology and we looked at the films together. I really appreciated that.”
Robert and his wife Dawn have two children; Duncan, age 9 and Sabrina, age 3. Dawn is a Physical Therapist by training, but is currently concentrating on their children, who are home-schooled. In addition to family activities, Robert enjoys hiking, reading and doing home improvement projects.
He believes in trying to understand the patient from their perspective, and helping them understand their condition and treatment options.
“I tell them what I’m doing and why I’m doing it,” he said. “I want them to know that I really do care and that we work together as a team in their care.”