The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Did you see last week’s article about the generous donation of land for the new clinic building? It is so good to see the community continuing to support this locally owned facility! As the new building gets established and services begin to take place there, the folks in the lab will be making some adjustments to their locale as well. The new clinic space will allow for the current facilities to be used very differently. Dave Korkowski and Mike Mebruer will take it all in stride.

Having the lab here in town is beneficial, not just when you are injured or ill, but for your routine wellness checks as well. January is National Thyroid Awareness Month. More than 12% of people in the United States have a thyroid condition. The hormone secreted by the thyroid gland affects every other cell in the body, so it is important to monitor and maintain adequate levels. You can get your thyroid levels checked or address any other concerns you or your provider have right here at the BSMC lab! Lab hours are Monday-Friday from 8 am – 5 pm and someone is on call 24/7/365 for all the immediate needs in the Emergency Department.

Dave is the Laboratory Manager. He has been here in Big Sandy for almost 2 years and is not only working in the lab, but also shares the Infection Control responsibilities. He has been a Laboratory Technician since 1992, obtaining his training while he served in the US Army Airborne Infantry in the famed 82d Airborne Division. Among his adventures he spent 10 years in Alaska. Immediately prior to coming to BSMC he worked as the Laboratory Director at Northeast Montana Health Services in Wolf Point and Poplar, MT for seven years. When managing two laboratories became more strain and struggle than pleasure, he decided it was time for a change and accepted the open position here at BSMC. He spends a lot of time reading and enjoys shooting and camping as well. Having lived in McKees Rocks, PA, Dave is an avid Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates fan and enjoys watching them play. He says he comes to work, “because I have to... But truthfully, I enjoy making a difference in people’s lives; both people I work with and the community I live in.”

Dave’s partner in crime is Mike Mebruer. Mike is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist who has been at BSMC for one and a half years. He is no stranger to the lab though, having worked for 29 years in the field. Mike is originally from Baton Rouge, LA but he is adjusting to the cold weather and higher altitudes of Montana living. He loves to go fishing and enjoys a good weekend adventure with his family; there’s no shortage of opportunities around here for that! Mike came to Big Sandy as a traveler after having spent some time in Tucson, AZ and he decided to stay here and bring his family along! He says, “I really enjoy the people that I work with and fell in love with the kindness and generosity of the people of Big Sandy. I do like being a part of the community and taking care of the people who live here.”

That’s another person whose heart was stolen by the people of Big Sandy. No wonder people are the heart of BSMC!