Working in Williston, ND: Why Medical Professionals Love It Here

CHI St. Alexius Health Williston

While deciding where to live and work might be one of life’s more difficult choices, choosing Williston simply makes sense. This tight-knit community prioritizes health and happiness, and it boasts a stunning scenic landscape. 

Two CHI St. Alexius Health Williston Medical Center professionals share why they chose to further their medical careers in Williston and what they most enjoy about the community. Plus, they offer their favorite ways to stay active. 

Dr. Ashley Lemere, General Surgeon

Having grown up about an hour’s drive south of her native Williston, Dr. Ashley Lemere made frequent trips to Williston for treatment for her severe allergies and asthma. Today, in her current role as a general surgeon, she finds joy in giving back to the same trusting community that focuses on providing excellent health care in Williston. 

“I grew to love all the nurses and doctors who cared for me. They were so personable and invested in my well-being. It is part of why I chose to go into medicine,” Lemere says. “My family still lives in the region, and being close to them and the community I grew up in was important to me.” 

Because Williston is a smaller community, medical professionals are uniquely positioned to make an impact on the lives of the people they interact with outside of the office. 

“The benefits of living alongside and caring for your community members each and every day is rewarding and a privilege,” Lemere says. “Your patient isn’t just a name on a chart. It is your neighbor and community member. There is a personal connection there that you don’t get in bigger places.” 

Speaking of life outside of the operating room, Lemere notes that Williston offers abundant opportunities for individuals and families to stay active and healthy while taking in all that the surrounding nature has to offer. 

“There are so many opportunities to be active outdoors in the Williston area, no matter the season,” Lemere says. “I am passionate about hunting and fishing, as I grew up doing it with my family. I spend all of my free time at Lake Sakakawea. I love the campgrounds around here and all the summer activities they put on for families and campers to enjoy. When I can’t be outdoors, I am usually working out at Elite Fitness or the ARC (Area Recreation Center) in Williston.” 

Tiah Rigby, Family Nurse Practitioner

As a family nurse practitioner in the emergency department, Tiah Rigby finds fulfillment in working with her colleagues to provide support to families in times of crisis. 

“Working in a critical access hospital allows medical professionals to play a crucial role in providing essential health care services to underserved populations,” Rigby says. “The opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients and contribute to the well-being of the community can be deeply rewarding.” 

Since financial stability can greatly determine quality of life, Rigby emphasizes the perks of living in a community with a strong and stable economy that’s driven primarily by agriculture, energy, and the oil and gas industries. In addition to plentiful employment opportunities, the cost of living in Williston is much lower than in larger cities, striking the ideal combination necessary to thrive both economically and health-wise. 

A collaborative and nurturing environment extends outside of work and is a large reason why Rigby says Williston is a great place to live and raise a family, in addition to being an outstanding choice for those looking to further their medical careers. 

“What I most enjoy about the Williston area and community is the warmth and friendliness that creates a welcoming and inclusive environment,” Rigby says. “The area offers a high quality of life, frequent community events, recreational activities such as fishing and hunting, and provides a safe neighborhood for my kids to grow up.” 

As a busy, working mother, Rigby appreciates the ample opportunities available within Williston for families to stay active. Like Lemere, Rigby enjoys spending time with her children at the ARC, local playgrounds, in nature, and in community health events and classes. 

“As someone who enjoys working out and walking my dogs, you can explore the scenic trails and outdoor spaces in and close to Williston,” Rigby says. “There are beautiful hiking trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Maah Daah Hey Trail.” 

Health Care in Williston: Coming Soon

Behind-the-scenes progress has been made since the 2022 groundbreaking ceremony for Sanford Health’s planned multispecialty clinic at Williston Square. 

“You may not see the bricks and mortar yet, but we have developed great partnerships with Williston Public Schools and Williston State [College] to provide care for their student athletes as well as the development of academic programs that set us up for future success. Over the next year, we believe the vision for Sanford Health to provide medical care in the community will become a reality,” says Fred Fridley, vice president of operations for the Bismarck region of Sanford Health. 

Anticipated specialty care areas include cardiology, orthopedics and maternal fetal medicine. 

Plans for increased mental health support are also underway in the region. “We recently signed an agreement with the state to receive a $2 million grant to open a behavioral health unit in our hospital,” says Garrick Hyde, president of CHI St. Alexius Health. 

The hospital’s foundation has pledged $1.75 million toward the project, including a $200,000 contribution from Williams County. The unit is expected to open by the end of 2024. 

These efforts will add to the specialty and medical support currently offered by several organizations within the Williston community, including Milestone Health Partners, a multidisciplinary practice specializing in a range of physical and behavioral therapies; ConnectUs Therapy, a trauma-informed outpatient mental health clinic; and Mental Health First Aid, an educational program designed to prepare adults to identify and respond to mental health and substance use challenges.