SigMT

One of Montana's first two peds subspecialists, Dr Dennis Ruggerie came to Great Falls from Case Western Reserve's Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in 1989 and has since blazed a trail across the state. "It's been quite an adventure," says Ruggerie, who has developed outreach clinics from Bue and Bozeman, to Helena and the Hi-Line. "Our phones have been ringing off the hook the last 30 years, which is a great thing," he says. Originally recruited by Great Falls Clinic, Ruggerie now practices pediatric cardiology with Seale Children's Hospital (SCH), one of the top-ranked programs in the nation, according to US News & World Report. Ruggerie, now 68, wanted to ensure sustainability of the practice beyond his service. In August 2017, he says, "I accepted the invitation to join Seale Children's Hospital as their 11th regional center and the first in Montana." RN Tammy Townsend, who has worked with Ruggerie for 15 years, says, "Being part of Seale Children's is great. We have skilled people to support what we do," not to mention additional investments in equipment, technology, and staffing. e practice has expanded to include three nurses, two family service coordinators, and two sonographers. Last December a second cardiologist, Dr. Steve Weindling, joined the team. "It's prey exciting," Ruggerie says. "I've been on call the last 30 years, every day, every night; had to gain the confidence of people and the state, that we were available, reliable, and provide really good care. It took three decades—though it's never been a day of work for me." Angela Swingley recalls how in 2014 her healthy teenage son suddenly developed an abnormally rapid heartbeat—so fast, in fact, "that you could see the heart beating outside his body." By the time Cade was seen at the ER , the problem was gone. Weeks passed before the next episode occurred, once again ending at the hospital. And then, "ey finally caught one at the ER ," says Angela. "And Doctor Ruggerie knew exactly what it was—superventricular tachycardia (SVT)." SiG MT 37 SiG MT 41 A heart model, toy stethoscope, and Cincinnati Reds mascot are among the ways Dr. Ruggerie engages children. The Great Falls facility, according to Dr. Ruggerie, "is a special building, very comforting to parents, kids, and families." The SCH team in Great Falls includes, from left: Tammy Townsend, RN; Amber Kelly, sonographer; Steven Weindling, MD; Dennis Ruggerie, DO; Lisa Fischer, family service coordinator; and Sarah Chandler, administrative supervisor. Nurse Tammy Townsend describes the clinic's lodge-like atmosphere: "It doesn't feel like going to the doctor's office; it's more like going to a family member's home."

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