Leadership

Program Director

Dana LaVanture, MD FACSDana LaVanture, MD, FACS

Hometown: Loveland, Colorado
Undergrad School: Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Medical School: Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
Residency: Guthrie/Robert Packer Hospital
Fellowship: University of Connecticut
What drew me to General Surgery: I was fascinated with surgery from the time I was old enough to know about it.  The science of physiology and the intricacy of anatomy continue to "wow" me.  I have always enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together (correctly!).  Surgery provides the perfect balance of daily intellectual challenges, highly technical manual skills,  a never-ending fountain of new knowledge to explore, and the ability to truly make a difference in people's lives.
What do I like to do in my free time: Climb mountains; hike, bike, and camp; incorporate my love of travel and adventure with wilderness medicine, global health, and integrative medical techniques to improve care in resource-limited environments; renovate houses; "homestead" in town; make great memories; love the life I get to live.

Assistant Program Director

Rebekah Macfie, MDRebekah Macfie, MD

Hometown: Asheville, NC
Undergrad School: Hampshire College  
Medical School: University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill
Residency: Oregon Health & Science University
Fellowship: Complex General Surgical Oncology- Mount Sinai Hospital
What drew me to General Surgery: I was first drawn to General Surgery by not only the technical aspect but the intensity and importance of the relationship between a surgeon and their patient.  I became a Surgical Oncologist because I love the longitudinal, multidisciplinary care of patients paired with technically demanding operations.
What do I like to do in my free time: Hike, run, read and spend time with my family.

Program Coordinator

Warner LauraLaura Warner, C-TAGME

Hometown: Ulster, PA
What drew me to General Surgery: I began my career in Graduate Medical Education in 1997.  In 1999, the position of residency coordinator became available for Guthrie’s General Surgery Residency Program.  I was drawn to this specialty because of the surgeons I had worked with and their unwavering commitment to their patients.  I also admired their stamina, their expertise, their perseverance, and their devotion to surgical education for each generation of surgeons who matriculate into our program.  I continue to respect our surgeons and their profession and have a passion for recruiting medical students to Guthrie, where I am confident that they will receive excellent training and full support to reach their career goals. 
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time, I love to be outdoors with my animals and my farm, especially horses.  I have always enjoyed caring for my country property, its many inhabitants, horseback riding, gardening, hiking, four-wheeler rides, or simply relaxing in the sun, listening to my vast collection of (mostly) country music.  I love to travel and explore unfamiliar places, and as of late, I enjoy traveling to Louisiana to visit my new grandson. 

Administrative Assistant 

Wendy ColegroveWendy Colegrove

Hometown: Elmira, NY
What drew me to General Surgery: I started my career at Guthrie/RPH in 1991. My positions over the years have allowed me to work with a diverse group of physicians and surgeons throughout the organization. I’ve been blessed with opportunities to get to know them; from paperwork to saving lives to lifelong learning and teaching, all while living their own everyday lives. It’s not an easy road to navigate. I’m honored to work with them, and humbled by the work they do. I respect the choice our residents and fellows have made in their chosen fields, and glad to be a small part of whatever great things they accomplish in their lives.   
What do I like to do in my free time: I’ve been a NASCAR fan for many years. I’m always getting lost in a good book. And beaches are my happy place.