Ryan Church embodies a Pioneer Comprehensive spirit in healthcare, stemming from his diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to patient well-being. Born and raised in Southern Utah, his upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a love for community, values that have shaped his distinguished career as a healthcare professional.
From his early days on his grandfather’s farm and assisting his father in construction, Ryan developed a versatile skillset and an appreciation for hard work. His involvement in high school sports, debate club, and scouting, culminating in earning the Eagle Scout award, showcased his drive and leadership potential. This foundation led him to serve in the United States Army as an emergency medical technician and combat medic, providing him with invaluable hands-on medical experience. Following his military service and a two-year mission in Australia and New Guinea, Ryan pursued his passion for nursing, marrying his longtime friend Becky Eves shortly before embarking on his higher education journey.
Ryan’s academic pursuits led him to become a Registered Nurse through Mohave Community College, after which he dedicated himself to serving the Southern Utah community. He gained experience as a home health nurse and at Dixie Regional Medical Center, before furthering his education at the University of Utah. There, he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, qualifying as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Driven by a desire to give back to his roots, Ryan returned to Southern Utah to raise his family.
His career path then led him into pain management, where he honed his understanding of MRIs and the complexities of pain management practices. A pivotal moment arrived when he joined a new spine surgery practice in St. George, becoming a founding member of Coral Desert Spine Surgery alongside Dr. Gary Snook. For nine years, Ryan worked alongside Dr. Snook, absorbing extensive knowledge in spinal diagnostics, MRI interpretation, and therapeutic restorative medicine. Following Dr. Snook’s retirement, Ryan took ownership of the practice, transforming it into “Coral Desert Spine,” shifting the focus towards comprehensive spine care. The practice thrived, reflecting Ryan’s dedication and expertise.
Driven by a desire for continuous improvement and expanded knowledge, Ryan earned a Doctorate of Nursing from the University of Utah in 2012. This achievement opened new doors, leading to an acquisition offer from Saint Mark’s Hospital, with the vision of franchising his successful clinic model. For the next eight years, Ryan spearheaded the establishment of numerous clinics across multiple states, significantly enhancing spine care accessibility and quality.
Currently, Ryan’s pioneer comprehensive approach is evident in his diverse roles. He serves as the Medical Director for Salt Lake Surgical, a personal injury clinic, and contributes his expertise as a staff nurse practitioner at Pioneer Comprehensive. Additionally, he maintains his surgical skills as a surgical nurse practitioner at Mountain West Orthopedics. This multifaceted career showcases his adaptability and commitment to serving patients across various healthcare settings.
Beyond spine and orthopedics, Ryan is passionate about men’s health and family practice, emphasizing wellness and preventative care. His journey exemplifies a commitment to lifelong learning and a desire to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care, truly embodying the spirit of a healthcare pioneer.
