Welcome Dr. Bernadette Meade

"Older people face a lot of challenges, but they can live healthy and independent lives. "

New Geriatric Medicine specialist Dr. Bernadette Meade has a special interest in taking care of older people. This includes promoting wellness and independence as well as caring for the chronically ill. Dr. Meade has been involved in caring for nursing home patients throughout her career.

Dr. Meade was educated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and practiced in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts before moving to Wyoming in 2009.

"I was looking for an evolution in my medical practice," said Dr. Meade. "Wyoming provided me an opportunity to participate in rural medical care."

Dr. Meade will primarily see patients over the age of 60, and is spending two days a week seeing residents at Pioneer Manor, where she will be the new Pioneer Manor Medical Director. Dr. Meade’s outpatient practice is located on the 3rd floor south at the hospital.

"I want to walk the whole journey with my patients and caregivers and aggressively care for them until they return home to God," said Dr. Meade.

This mission led to Dr. Meade’s training in Palliative and Hospice Medicine. She hopes to develop a Palliative Care outpatient and hospital consult service in the coming year.

"This practice model’s goal is to improve the quality of life and relieve suffering for the patient and their caregivers."

When asked about hobbies and interests, Dr. Meade spoke of her love of gardening. She was a Master Gardener in her previous home in Fremont County, and won two Best of Show ribbons at this year’s Fremont County Fair for flower arrangements. She also competes in marathons and half marathons. Her friends, known as the ‘Phoenix Girls’ (named after their first race together) have a goal to complete a half marathon in all fifty states.

"I have completed 24 so far, " shared Dr. Meade.

Dr. Meade has competed in two full marathons for charity, including the Boston Marathon, where she raised funds for the MS Society.

Dr. Meade’s family includes her sister, niece and nephew living in the Philadelphia area, and her beloved golden retriever, Kookoos, whose name means ‘hope’ in Arapaho,is in training to become a therapy dog to bring to the nursing home and oncology center.

"CCMH is very proactive and supportive of doctors", said Dr. Meade. "They are willing to get the best technology, facilities and staff to provide great medical care to the community" "I’m very happy to be here." " I look forward to meeting and caring for the elderly of Gillette."