Full-time PA joins Cody Regional Health-Basin

Tiffany Tanner, PA-C, brings 14 years of experience and a desire to practice medicine in a close-knit community to her new role as the primary care provider at Cody Regional Health’s Basin Clinic.
“My dream was to become the primary healthcare provider for a community where I could truly get to know each patient on a personal level, beyond just their medical needs,” she said.
The Basin Clinic began offering primary care services in August in addition to its four specialty clinics. A temporary staff member filled the position until Tanner’s arrival in October.
“I aspired to bring my 14 years of experience in family medicine, emergency medicine and pain management to a setting where all my skills could shine, with a focus on patient care above all else.”
Tanner, a California transplant, said Wyoming appealed to her from both a professional and personal standpoint.
She was eager to practice medicine in a more intimate setting, and after spending most of her life in Lancaster, Calif., she and her husband Michael desired to leave because “we wanted to find a place where our kids could be raised in a community that shared our values, which are God, family and country.”
Tanner found both in Basin after receiving a message from a job recruiter. She and her family visited the area during Days of ‘49 when she interviewed for the position in June.
“We absolutely fell in love with the town. My seven-year-old son, who goes to Greybull Elementary now, was like ‘Mom, you better get that job.’”
She did, and her new role allows her the freedom to build relationships with her patients after working in a “patient mill” where the goal was to move people in and out as fast as possible.
“It’s really great to be in a place where the expectation is to spend time with a patient. That warms my heart because I really like to know my patients,” Tanner said.
Tanner knew early in life that she wanted to pursue a career in medicine. During a father-daughter work day, she accompanied her pediatrician’s son because she often went to work with her own dad. She was looking to “do something different.”
Her pediatrician’s day included a seminar about neonatal meningitis. “I will never forget. I took notes, as well as a seven- or eight-year-old can, and…I remember telling my parents that’s what I want to do. I want to go into medicine.”
Tanner originally wanted to be a pediatrician but instead went into addiction medicine and pain management right out of school. She also worked in emergency medicine before transitioning into family practice at Garrison Family Medical Group.
“It was hard to leave my patients,” she said of the move to Basin. “My patients become like my extended family. But you have to go where you know your kids will thrive.”
Tiffany, Michael and their children, James and Mackenzie, are still getting settled in their home, but they’re embracing some new aspects of life.
“My stress level has been down. My kids are happier. We found a church home that we love. We aren’t quite used to the weather yet, but we did build snowmen and make snow angels,” said Tanner.
The family also participated in recent Halloween fun in Greybull and Basin.
“We love the community involvement, how active everyone is. It’s been fantastic,” she said.
Another aspect they’re enjoying is the intrinsic safety of the community compared to their previous neighborhood.
“My in-laws moved out with us…it’s great because they’re literally a block away from our house. So my four-year-old can ride her bike to her grandparent’s house. She has the freedom to do that here.”
Tanner herself is excited to assist her friends and neighbors in leading healthier lives.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have warmly welcomed my family and me to Basin over the past few months. It has been an incredible journey of discovery and connection, and…I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve this remarkable community.”