Life and Health

Over the past several years, Grande Ronde Hospital has had great success recruiting new providers, bringing an amazing array of skills to our patient care team.

Recruiting new providers to work and settle in a rural community is no easy task. Less than 1% of new residents looking ahead to the next step in their career are interested in practicing medicine in a community of our size. Within that 1%, those who want a rural lifestyle have a wide choice, to settle in states like Montana, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming and more.

Part of our recruitment philosophy is that if we capture their attention long enough to consider all Northeast Oregon has to offer, then perhaps we can get them here for a site visit. And if we can get them here for a site visit, they see firsthand that GRH is not your typical small rural hospital—what they see is a forward-thinking, growing, independent health system full of opportunity.

Meet your newest providers to join Grande Ronde Hospital & Clinics

Elena Bandel-Ramirez, AGACNP-BC, Hospitalist—Grande Ronde Hospital. With a 25-year history of working and volunteering in a broad spectrum of both emergency response services and health care, Elena became a paramedic, a registered nurse, a critical care nurse, and then earned her Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner accreditation in 2017. With a passion for palliative care and patient recovery, Elena's interest in complex medical diagnoses fuels her passion for helping patients find relief of symptoms and an improved quality of life.

She and her husband, their two children and their dogs come to La Grande from The Dalles. They enjoy family time together, attending their children's school and sporting events, and exploring the great outdoors. They are particularly excited to discover all the Grande Ronde Valley has to offer.

Tracy Epperson, MD, Behavioral Health—Regional Medical Clinic. Before earning her medical degree, Dr. Epperson devoted more than 20 years to working as a sign language interpreter. Working with the deaf community to help address their unique mental health needs is a professional passion of hers. Another professional focus is nutritional psychiatry and teaching people how strongly diet and lifestyle influence mental health.

Her personal interests include hiking, kayaking, reading, photography, crocheting and gardening. Dr. Epperson and her husband and son have come to La Grande from Arkansas and are excited to be here.

Tylo MacKay, LCSW, Behavioral Health—GRH Women's and Children's Medical Clinic. Tylo is native to the Eastern Oregon area, having graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Eastern Oregon University. She then received her Master of Social Work degree from Walla Walla University. With more than five years of clinical experience, Tylo is professionally interested in improving interactions and relationships within children and family systems. Tylo is certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, with specialties in addressing anxiety, depression and behavioral challenges in children. Tylo enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and spending quality time with her husband and four children. Other personal hobbies include watching movies, reading and crafting.

Brandy McLendon, DO, General Surgery—Specialty Clinic. Dr. McLendon earned her medical degree in osteopathic medicine from Des Moines State University in Iowa. She enjoys all aspects of general surgery, from acute care to abdominal procedures.

Dr. McLendon uses the most minimally invasive surgical techniques during procedures to ensure her patients' comfort. Her scope of services also includes endoscopic colorectal and upper GI screenings, as well as diagnostic care.

Dr. McLendon enjoys spending her personal time on her favorite hobbies—reading, cooking and enjoying the outdoors with her husband and son and their three Labradors.

Emma Peiris, MD, Internal Medicine—Regional Medical Clinic. Dr. Peiris is a primary care internist at the GRH Regional Medical Clinic. She is board-certified in internal medicine. Her practice focuses on general internal medicine, with emphasis on older adults. She believes in fostering lifelong relationships with her patients and their families, which allows her to provide the outstanding medical care they expect and deserve. Dr. Peiris enjoys guiding patients through the medical system and making sure they understand her recommendations and the recommendations made by their other doctors. A passion for rural health care and love for the outdoors brought Dr. Peiris to GRH. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, doing outdoor activities and playing complicated board games.

Categories: New Providers