Dr. Elizabeth Pepe new physician at Culberson Hospital and Clinic

Elizabeth Pepe, D.O., a board certified family practice physician and former captain in the U.S. Army Flight Surgeon, is the latest addition to the medical staff of Culberson Hospital and the Van Horn Rural Health Clinic announced Jared Chanski, hospital administrator. 
 
“Dr. Pepe is a great addition to our community,” said Chanski. “She brings a wealth of experience in emergency care as well as routine outpatient and inpatient care.  She has worked as a family practice physician in traditional clinic and hospital settings, and has also provided urgent care and trauma treatment and stabilization for the military during stints in Kabul, Afghanistan, and Baghdad, Iraq.”

Physicians who practice in Van Horn have to deal with a wide range of illnesses and injuries because of the distance from larger hospitals and location on I-10.  On some days, Culberson Hospital will treat only see a few patients in the emergency department. However, on days when bad weather makes road conditions hazardous, the providers and hospital staff have cared for as many as 50 patients on a single day.  

“I enjoy taking care of clinic patients with minor injuries and illnesses, as well as chronic diseases, but know that I can address the needs of patients with more severe injuries and illnesses who come to the emergency department at Culberson Hospital,” noted Dr. Pepe.  “I look forward to getting to know all the staff, and working with patients in the community to address their healthcare needs.”

Dr. Pepe has already begun treating patients in the emergency room and clinic setting having arrived last Wednesday.  For an appointment to see Dr. Pepe in the Van Horn Rural Health Clinic, Monday through Friday, call (432) 283-1020.

Prior to relocating to Van Horn, Dr. Pepe worked in an urgent care center in a clinic located in Guam, where she provided minor emergency care for patients of all ages, including suturing, splinting and temporary casting; diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and stabilization of patients in more critical condition who required transfer to a higher level of care.

She also served as the medical director for an Indian Health Services clinic located on a remote island in Southeastern Alaska, and provided temporary coverage for hospital-based clinic in the Republic of the Marshall Islands located near the equator in the Pacific Ocean.

Dr. Pepe received her medical degree from Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and completed an internship at Darnall Army Community Hospital, Fort Hood, Florida. 

She also completed flight surgeon school at the U.S. Army School of Aviation Medicine, Ft. Rucker, Alabama, and later served as an active duty flight surgeon and as a FAA Aviation Medical Examiner.  She maintains certifications in basic and advanced life support, and is an instructor for pre-hospital trauma life support and Tactical Combat Casualty Care.

Given her background, it is not surprising that Dr. Pepe is an instrument-rated private pilot and an advanced open water diver.  She has also received advanced training in tactical and improvised weapon use.

Please join the hospital and clinic staff in giving Dr. Pepe a warm welcome to her new home here in Van Horn. If you would like to personally greet the new providers at the Van Horn Rural Health Clinic, there will be an open house to meet them on Tuesday, March 17 at 3:30 p.m. in the clinic lobby.