Ryan Church, originally from Southern Utah, embodies a wealth of experience and dedication within the healthcare sector, particularly at Pioneer Comprehensive Medical. Raised in a close-knit, religious family in Southern Utah, his upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors. Growing up on his grandfather’s farm, he developed practical skills working alongside his father in construction and as a brick mason helper, experiences that proved invaluable throughout his career. His formative years were marked by diverse involvements, from excelling in high school sports and debate club to achieving the Eagle Scout award at 16 and attending Boys State.
This foundation led him to the United States Army, where he trained as an emergency medical technician and combat medic, marking his initial foray into healthcare. Following his military service and a two-year mission in Australia and New Guinea, Ryan married his longtime friend, Becky Eves. His commitment to nursing led him to Mohave Community College in Arizona, where he earned his Registered Nurse license. He began his nursing career serving the Southern Utah community as a home health and MedSurg nurse at Dixie Regional Medical Center, gaining crucial hands-on experience in patient care.
Driven by a desire to expand his expertise, Ryan pursued further education at the University of Utah, obtaining both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. His dedication to his roots brought him back to Southern Utah, where he aimed to raise his family near loved ones. Initially, he joined a pain management clinic, deepening his understanding of MRIs, pain management practices, and the business aspects of medicine. This experience paved the way for a pivotal role as a founding member of Coral Desert Spine Surgery in St. George, where he collaborated closely with spine surgeon Dr. Gary Snook. For many years, under Dr. Snook’s mentorship, Ryan honed his skills in spinal diagnostics, MRI interpretation, and therapeutic restorative medicine.
Following Dr. Snook’s unexpected retirement due to illness, Ryan took ownership of the practice, transitioning its focus to general spine care and rebranding it as Coral Desert Spine. This new direction proved highly successful, but the demands of rapid growth began to impact his work-life balance. During this demanding period, Ryan’s commitment to professional growth led him back to the University of Utah to earn a Doctorate of Nursing in 2012. Shortly after, an acquisition offer from Saint Mark’s Hospital presented an opportunity to expand his vision. He accepted, leading to the development of numerous clinics across multiple states, enhancing spine care accessibility. While many of these clinics continue to thrive, the evolving landscape of corporate medicine prompted Ryan to return to his entrepreneurial spirit and explore new avenues.
Currently, Ryan Church holds several key positions within the Southern Utah and Salt Lake City medical communities, demonstrating his comprehensive expertise. He serves as the Medical Director for Salt Lake Surgical, a personal injury clinic in Murray, and contributes his skills as a surgical nurse practitioner at Mountain West Orthopedics. Crucially, Ryan Church is also a dedicated staff nurse practitioner at Pioneer Comprehensive Medical, where he brings his extensive experience to patient care. This role at Pioneer Comprehensive Medical allows him to apply his broad medical knowledge in a comprehensive setting.
Ryan’s passion for spine and orthopedics remains strong, and he values the diverse opportunities nursing offers to explore other medical interests. He currently focuses on men’s health and family practice, with a strong emphasis on wellness, further expanding his comprehensive approach to healthcare at Pioneer Comprehensive Medical and beyond. His journey reflects a lifelong commitment to medical excellence and patient-centered care, making him a valuable asset to Pioneer Comprehensive Medical and the wider healthcare community.
