Keller brothers to fill positions at Haxtun Health beginning this spring

Chief Executive Officer Dewane Pace announced the addition of an orthopedic surgeon and physician’s assistant to the care team at Haxtun Health. The brother duo from Fort Morgan plan to begin services in Haxtun this spring.

As part of his report in a late-January board of directors meeting, Pace announced the addition of Dr. Kenneth Keller and his brother, David Keller, PA to Haxtun Health. Pace said Kenneth Keller is an orthopedic surgeon that lives and works in Fort Morgan. He and his brother, David Keller, have served the Fort Morgan community for over two decades.

“Haxtun’s medical team has refereed several patients to the Kellers with excellent results and a much shorter drive than going to the Front Range,” said Pace. “The Kellers have agreed to start seeing patients in Haxtun. They are expected to begin seeing patients here in April.”

Kenneth Keller, MD, has provided orthopedic care to the Fort Morgan community for years, treating fractures, sprains, arthritis, sports injuries and other musculoskeletal issues and conditions. He also performs joint arthroscopies and replacements.

Dr. Keller studied at Cornell University Medical College in New York and Boston College in Massachusetts before settling in Fort Morgan. Pace said Keller and his wife chose Fort Morgan as a place to live, work and raise their children because of the welcoming community and small-town, friendly atmosphere. In his free time, Dr. Keller enjoys outdoor activities, ice hockey and tennis.

David Keller, PA, provides orthopedic care to the Fort Morgan community where he and his wife, who is a St. Elizabeth caregiver, have lived and worked for more than 20 years. David Keller cares for patients with issues such as arthritis, occupational injuries, fractures, sprains and more.

David Keller studied and completed his training at Northeastern University in Boston, Mass. He is a licensed physical therapist and a certified physician assistant.

In his spare time, David Keller enjoys outdoor activities including fishing and hiking and spending time with his family.

Later in his report, Pace gave board members an update on the progress of the main street clinic. Pace said behind the plastic tarp and inside the building progress is happening even if it can’t be seen from the outside.

“Electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians have been working to get wires pulled, plumbing installed and HVAC ducts run before the drywall goes up – this work is about 85 percent complete,” Pace said.

He said under the plastic, masons are busy putting up brick that will made the clinic look like similar buildings along Haxtun’s main street. He added that doors and windows have been ordered, the telecommunications plan is finalized and walkthroughs and regular update are happening.

“We look forward to opening day when we will open the newest and best clinic in northeast Colorado,” said Pace.

In other business:

• Chief Financial Officer Joleen Stroyek said total patient days, in-patient, are up four percent over budget year-to-date; extended care unit census is 19, two percent over budget for the month; the Haxtun clinic had 326 provider visits; and the Fleming clinic had 37 visits. All numbers are for December 2023;

• Chief Nursing Officer Lea White said grant money has been used to replace recliners for the ACU rooms, remodel the ACU shower room and to purchase new beds for the ECU.