"We're happy to have you aboard and it was really nice to meet you, Dr. Osorio," says Monte Haddix, RN, ED Clinical Care Supervisor, as he steps off the elevator.
"And this is why I wanted to stay," says Blanca Osorio. "Everyone here has been so warm and welcoming. I'm so impressed with the team of professionals at CCMH, and the support and camaraderie is wonderful."
Dr. Osorio has been caring for patients as a locum (temporary doctor) in Behavioral Health Services since October 2013, and, as you can tell, is excited to join our medical staff full time. She will provide psychiatric care to adults and children, as she Board Certified in General Psychiatry and fellowship trained in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, planning to take the Child boards later this year.
Born and raised in near San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dr. Osorio pursued her medical degree with an Army scholarship. After completing her residency and fellowship in Honolulu, Hawaii, Dr. Osorio continued her military service at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Dr. Osorio earned her combat badge by serving in Iraq in 2011-2012. She witnessed the last convoy leaving Iraq and moving to Kuwait in 2012, and was part of that last prayer circle as the troops departed—a memory that has left a lasting impression on her.
"I don't have the words to describe the honor I feel in my service to the men and women there. I'm glad I lived it, and it will stay with me forever," she says.
Joining Dr. Osorio in Gillette is her husband, Victor, and their two young children, 5-year-old Keanu and 9-month-old Victoria. Her eldest son, 24-year-old Angel, is remaining in Louisiana, but will be visiting them frequently, and she hopes someday the community may even tempt him to move closer. The family is building a home in Gillette, with plans to move into it in May. Keanu is already enrolled in school and she's pleased that the school he will be attending features Spanish speaking classes.
After all her time in the Army, Dr. Osorio plans to put down roots in Gillette, at least for the next 20 years. And, don't think that all her time spent in warmer climates will discourage her from staying in Gillette. "Personally, I like the fashion of winter gear," she says with a smile.
"It's incredible how life works," she says. "When we arrived in Gillette late last year, we were worried the area would be very remote and we may not find activities to keep us busy. Boy; were we wrong. This is home. This is where we want to be."