Benefis Health System

Welcome Ahmed Abbasi, MD! As a hospitalist, Dr. Abbasi is driven to improve the lives of those he treats as they navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. Dr. Abbasi’s interest in a career in medicine started young, but it wasn’t until he was on his path to becoming a doctor that he realized exactly why. “I always knew that I wanted to help people,” he says. “But as I studied medicine, I realized that I am driven to make an impact on people’s health. It’s an aspect of life where there is no substitute for excellent care.” Internal medicine appeals to Dr. Abbasi because he enjoys looking at the big picture. He prides himself on breaking down complex medical knowledge and concepts for his patients and their loved ones. “Care is improved when patients understand what we are doing and why. It’s my job to share that in a way they understand.” When he isn’t working, Dr. Abbasi prioritizes spending time with his family. Growing up in Canada inspired a love for hockey, and he also has his sights set on obtaining his pilot’s license — someday.

Congratulations to Brianna St. Lawrence-Brody, RN, on being selected as one of the U.S. Air Force’s 2026 Total Force Outstanding Airmen of the Year. Brianna was recognized for her exceptional leadership, professionalism, and service. In addition to serving as a registered nurse at Benefis and a school nurse at Longfellow Elementary, she also serves as a command post controller with the Montana Air National Guard's 120th Airlift Wing, exemplifying a remarkable commitment to caring for others in healthcare, education, and military service. We're proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gy7BDcJD.

Congratulations to the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Montana Class of 2030 as they celebrated the start of their medical school journey during Thursday's White Coat Ceremony — a tradition that welcomes future physicians into the profession and symbolizes their commitment to patient care. Benefis is proud to partner with Touro COM Montana in training the next generation of physicians. During the ceremony, Benefis Emergency Department physician and Director of Undergraduate Medical Education Dr. Brittany Mayfield, MD, presented each student with a stethoscope. “This group of students represents the future of healthcare in our community, and the white coat ceremony is an important step in that journey,” Dr. Mayfield said. “It’s a reminder that medicine is not just about knowledge or achievement, but about responsibility, humility, and a commitment to showing up for patients, especially in places where access to care can’t be taken for granted. For Benefis and the communities we serve across Montana, investing in these students means investing in the people who will one day care for our families, our neighbors, and our rural communities. Their growth will shape not only their own careers, but the strength, compassion, and resilience of the healthcare system we all depend on.”

Welcome Holly Harris, LCSW-C to Benefis Health System! Holly is a licensed clinical social worker candidate who provides care in an outpatient setting. She has experience as an educator and has also worked in hospice and emergency care environments. Holly was inspired to change careers later in life and follow a calling to pursue social work. Her practice is motivated by dignity, hope, and the “inherent worth present in every human being.” Holly works with individuals experiencing loss, grief, trauma, and life transitions, along with those experiencing anxiety and depression. “My goal is to help spark hope in people’s lives and help them recognize the strengths they already possess” she says.  "Life can be incredibly difficult at times, and everyone deserves a safe, compassionate space where they can heal, grow, and move forward. It is an honor to walk alongside people during some of the most challenging seasons of their lives." As a former Montana State University Fire Services Training School coordinator and wife of a first responder, Holly is familiar with the trauma that can accompany daily life. She raised her children in Great Falls and has deep ties to the community. In her free time, she values spending time with her family, and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and snowmobiling.

This year’s Internal Medicine and Transitional Year residents represent the next generation of compassionate, highly skilled physicians who have chosen to continue their medical training in Great Falls. Throughout their residency, they will care for patients across a wide range of clinical settings while learning alongside experienced physician mentors in a collaborative, community-based environment designed to prepare them for successful careers in medicine. Benefis’ Internal Medicine Residency is a three-year program, while the Transitional Residency Program provides broad-based clinical training that prepares physicians for advanced specialty training. Graduate medical education plays a vital role in strengthening healthcare in Montana by developing physicians who understand the unique needs of rural and regional communities. We are honored to be part of each resident’s journey and look forward to the knowledge, dedication, and fresh perspectives they will bring to our patients, colleagues, and communities. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gYuza6YQ

We recently celebrated the loyalty and dedication that members of the Benefis Quarter Century Club bring to our organization. The Quarter Century Club is comprised of employees who have worked at Benefis for 25 years or more. This year employees in the club represent 6,009 total years of service to our patients! Their dedication has helped shape Benefis into what it is today, and we're honored to celebrate this incredible milestone with them. Congratulations! 🎉

For nursing student Courtney Jacobsen, a scholarship from Benefis Foundation has meant more than financial support—it's meant breathing room. Thanks to the generosity of Benefis Foundation donors, Julia is pursuing her master’s in nursing to become a family nurse practitioner with the support of the Jane M. Buckman Husted Nursing Scholarship. For Courtney, the scholarship is helping ease the financial burden of school. She says she's "extremely grateful" for the investment in her future and looks forward to one day giving that same care back to her community. Read Courtney's story and see how donor generosity is helping shape the next generation of healthcare professionals: https://lnkd.in/gMe6cUfb

Voting is underway now in Distinctly Montana's 2026 Best of Montana contest, and Benefis is a contestant in 18 categories thanks to support from many of you in the write-in phase of the contest. Visit Best of Montana 2026 at https://lnkd.in/gbHhC9fv cast your votes and enter to win $500. You can vote once a day in each category. Voting runs through July 20!

Please join us in welcoming the 2026 Benefis Health System medical residents! These physicians officially began their residency training on July 1 and will spend the coming year caring for patients, learning alongside experienced providers, and building the skills they'll carry throughout their medical careers. As part of the Benefis Internal Medicine Residency Program, residents will train in both the hospital setting and a dedicated outpatient internal medicine clinic. Our Transitional Residency Program provides a strong foundation across multiple specialties, preparing physicians for the next step in their training. We're excited to welcome them to the Benefis team and to our community! Learn more about the Benefis Internal Medicine Residency Program here: https://lnkd.in/gAcGpmsY

Our North Tower transformation continues, and with every update, you can see the vision coming to life. These photos offer a look at the exciting progress, from newly renovated spaces to the modern upgrades that will enhance the experience for our patients, visitors, and caregivers for years to come. The new lobby has a smarter layout that will better help patients and visitors find their way. This includes moving Information, Medical Records, and financial navigators to the front near the entrance. Visitors can use Entrance 1 to get to Surgery Reception and Waiting, the Laboratory, and North Tower patient rooms. The redesigned grand staircase will better direct guests to the second floor to reach these areas. See more construction updates and follow the project's progress here: https://lnkd.in/gUQNyi73