Steele Memorial Medical Center Welcomes Dr. James Petersen to Family Practice OB Team

Salmon, ID — Steele Memorial Medical Center is proud to announce the addition of James Petersen, MD, as a Family Practice OB Physician, further strengthening obstetrical and family medicine services for Salmon and the surrounding rural region. Dr. Petersen joins a dedicated OB team that includes Dr. Isaac Sairs, Dr. Joe Krakker, and a highly trained OB nursing team, continuing Steele Memorial’s commitment to providing high-quality care close to home.

Dr. Petersen’s addition marks an important step forward for Steele Memorial’s growing obstetrical program. Alongside Dr. Isaac Sairs, Dr. Joe Krakker, and the hospital’s skilled OB nursing team, he strengthens local access to maternity care for families in Salmon and the surrounding rural region. His advanced surgical obstetrics training, including the ability to perform C-sections, adds important depth to the program and helps ensure that more women can receive comprehensive obstetrical care close to home.

Dr. Petersen brings broad training in family medicine and obstetrics, as well as a strong passion for rural care. He earned his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Brigham Young University–Idaho in Rexburg, received his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, and completed his Family Medicine residency at Idaho State University in Pocatello. He also completed an Advanced Surgical Obstetrics Training Track, reflecting his commitment to providing high-quality obstetrical care in rural communities.

Raised in both Bryan, Texas, and Rexburg, Idaho, Dr. Petersen developed a deep appreciation for close-knit communities and the meaningful relationships at the heart of rural medicine. He was drawn to Family Practice OB because it allows him to care for patients across a wide range of needs while also being part of some of life’s most meaningful moments, including welcoming new life into the world. His approach to care is rooted in trust, communication, and partnership. He believes in truly knowing his patients, helping them understand their options, and supporting them through every stage of care. He is also deeply committed to preventive medicine, exercise, and metabolic health, and values helping patients build lasting habits that support long-term wellness.

Steele Memorial Medical Center’s OB program has continued to grow since services resumed in early 2025 under the leadership of Dr. Isaac Sairs and Dr. Joe Krakker, supported by a skilled and committed OB nursing team. The addition of Dr. Petersen further strengthens that team and reflects the hospital’s ongoing investment in making high-quality local maternity care available to families in Salmon and the surrounding communities.

“Welcoming Dr. Petersen to Steele Memorial is incredibly meaningful for our organization and for the families we serve,” said Preston Becker, CEO of Steele Memorial Medical Center. “We know how essential obstetrical care is to this community, and we are deeply committed to protecting and strengthening that service for local families. In a rural region like ours, access to prenatal care, labor and delivery services, and C-sections close to home is critical. We also know how challenging it is to recruit OB-capable providers in today’s healthcare environment, which makes us especially grateful to have Dr. Petersen join our team. His training, his heart for rural medicine, and his ability to provide comprehensive obstetrical care make him an incredible addition to Steele Memorial.”

Together, Dr. Petersen, Dr. Sairs, Dr. Krakker, and the OB nursing team represent a strong and growing commitment to local maternity care in Salmon. For families living in this remote rural region, access to obstetrical services close to home is an essential part of protecting the health and well-being of mothers, babies, and families throughout the community.

Dr. Petersen is currently accepting new patients for both obstetrics and family practice. To schedule an appointment, please call the Steele Memorial Clinic at 208-756-6212.