July 7, 2026 |
Photo – Courtesy of Memorial Hospital of Carbon County
County commissioners appointed Dr. Duane Abels to the Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees.
During the June 16th Carbon County Commission meeting, the commissioners interviewed Susan Smith and Dr. Duane Abels to fill a vacant seat on the Memorial Hospital of Carbon County Board of Trustees. The five‑member board oversees operations and management of the Rawlins medical center.
The commissioners began with Dr. Abels, who also serves as the county’s public health officer. Commission Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett asked why he wanted to serve on the Memorial Hospital board, and Dr. Abels said his interest comes from having spent several years as a non‑voting member. As a full board member, Dr. Abels said he can continue serving the community and help steer the hospital’s financial direction.
Dr. Abels added that he will also focus on attracting providers to the Rawlins facility, saying he offers unique insight when hiring new doctors. He noted, however, that he will abstain from any votes related to those hires.
Dr. Abels said his years at the hospital have let him watch multiple CEOs come and go and learn what works and what doesn’t.
Next, Commission Chairman Travis Moore asked Dr. Abels to describe his qualifications to serve on the Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. Dr. Abels said his nearly 50 years at the Rawlins medical center, along with his experience as a non‑voting board member, have prepared him for the role.
Commissioner John Espy asked Dr. Abels what he believes is the most important change Memorial Hospital can make to better serve the community. Dr. Abels said he would ensure that both the chief financial and chief executive officers continue to provide the Board of Trustees with transparent financial reporting.
Commissioner Sue Jones asked Dr. Abels about his long‑term vision for Memorial Hospital. He responded that the medical center must attract more long-term providers and improve its financial position.
Commissioner John Johnson questioned if Memorial Hospital should add or remove medical services. Dr. Abels said hospital administrators must ensure that any additional services are financially sustainable and fulfill a public need.
Dr. Abels said he hopes to see more services for seniors, the addition of kidney dialysis, and enhanced orthopedic care. However, he cautioned that OBGYN services are unlikely to return.
Dr. Abels concluded that the current CEO, Kerry Ashment, is doing a good job of working with the Board of Trustees.
The commissioners then interviewed Susan Smith, a member of the Rawlins Senior Center Advisory Council, for a place on the Memorial Hospital Board. Smith was asked the same questions as Dr. Abels, including why she wanted to serve on the Board of Trustees. She said she would bring legal and administrative experience to the role.
Smith was asked what specific strengths she would bring to the Board of Trustees. Smith responded that she previously worked for a medical center and possesses the cognitive skills needed to make sound decisions. On top of those qualifications, Smith said she has over two decades of experience in the financial sector.
Commissioner Espy asked Smith to name one thing she could do to improve Memorial Hospital. Because she is not originally from the area, Smith said she could provide an outsider’s perspective. In addition, she offered her legal services, but noted that she is not certified to practice in the state.
When asked about her long‑term plans for the hospital, Smith said she would like patients to no longer have to travel to Casper or Cheyenne for needed medical care. Vice Chairwoman Bartlett then asked how she would implement those plans. Smith replied that she would need to review the hospital’s finances and identify alternative ways to pay for added services.
Smith said from the outside, the current Memorial Hospital administration appears to be making steady progress.
After interviewing both candidates, the Board of Commissioners held an executive session to discuss their selection. After reconvening the meeting, the commissioners chose Dr. Duane Abels to fill the open Memorial Hospital of Carbon County Board of Trustees position. The commissioners expressed their appreciation that more than one person applied for the role.
