The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Andrea Lewis was inspired to pursue a career as a medical provider after more than a decade of working in cardiac ultrasound. Most of the time, the patients she encountered were dealing with the aftermath of heart failure or a heart transplant. She found herself wanting a more preventative role in their care - a role in which she could help to prevent disease in the first place and promote a healthy lifestyle.

"I wanted to help people before they got to that point," Dr. Lewis said. "By providing preventative care, I could help patients with their health in every stage of their life."

Dr. Lewis, DO, MPH, was recently added to the Haxtun Health Clinic team and will begin visiting with patients on Saturday, Jan. 23, as a family practice provider and osteopathic and manipulative/neuromusculoskeletal (OMT) specialist. She will be available for weekend primary care, women's health and osteopathic manipulation appointments, increasing availability and care options for Haxtun Health patients. Her addition will also help ensure Haxtun's current healthcare providers are fully supported.

"I hope to serve as a support system for Haxtun patients and to be an additional resource for community members when it comes to their healthcare needs," she said.

Medical Background

Dr. Lewis has always been interested in medicine and science. She received her bachelor's degree in biological sciences, emphasis in genetics, from the University of Missouri in 1998. She then pursued a master's degree in health science, specifically for diagnostic medical ultrasound, from her alma mater in 2004.

After a move to the Centennial State, Dr. Lewis began to chase her dreams of becoming a doctor and attained another master's degree in public health from the University of Colorado in 2013. She received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in 2017 from the Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in California.

Dr. Lewis is excited to share her experience in OMT medicine with the community, as it's a modality that allows her to have a more hands-on approach that is supportive of healing in the body. She views it as another tool in her toolkit - something new and different that she can offer patients when approaching their healthcare.

Dr. Lewis is also passionate about women's health and can offer several lifecycle services for the family, ranging from pre-conception to menopause.

"I approach patient care as part of the team," she said. "I like to tell my patients that they're the expert on their body and I'm the expert on books and medicine. Together, we can come up with a comprehensive healthcare plan."

Dedicated to Rural Healthcare

Much of Dr. Lewis' research and professional experience has catered to underserved and rural populations. Specifically, she's always had a heart for rural Colorado.

Dr. Lewis enjoys working in rural communities because it allows her to help patients in all stages of life. She can work with them in various scopes, from inpatient medicine to clinic services to the emergency room.

She also appreciates the teamwork that goes into small town care and loves getting to know every patient on a personal level.

"It's a great privilege to help people on that level," Dr. Lewis said. "You get to know them, their family and the legacy of their family - it's a more personal approach to healthcare. The relationships you develop with patients in a small town is not something you get in larger cities."

On a Personal Note

Dr. Lewis was born and raised in Missouri and she met her husband, Thad Horrell, while an undergraduate student at University of Missouri. Growing up, she remembers being drawn to Colorado. Her family had annual summer vacation camping trips to the state as an excuse to escape the humid Missouri heat.

With friends and family in the state, the couple decided to make the move official in 2004. Dr. Lewis and Thad initially lived in the Denver area, then made their way to Pueblo for her residency. It's been their home base ever since. The couple have two adult rescue cats, Smokey and Otis.

When she isn't providing care to her patients, you can catch Dr. Lewis with a book in her hands or doing something traditionally "Colorado" like hiking and camping. During non-pandemic times, she plays symphonic percussion in various musical groups, including the Pueblo Symphony and the Pueblo West Concert Band.

"I'm excited to start working with the Haxtun patients and to provide inclusive healthcare to the whole community!" she concluded.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lewis, call the Haxtun Health Clinic at (970) 774-6187.