Ryan Church’s journey in healthcare is rooted in the values of hard work and community service instilled in him during his upbringing in Southern Utah. Raised in a religious, blue-collar household, Ryan spent his childhood on his grandfather’s farm, developing a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors. These early experiences, from assisting his father in construction to working alongside his grandfather, equipped him with a diverse skillset that would serve him throughout his career. Today, this foundation underpins his dedicated approach to patient care at Pioneer Comprehensive Medical Clinic and across various healthcare settings in Utah.
His commitment to service led him to the United States Army after high school, where he trained as an emergency medical technician and combat medic. This foundational medical training was further broadened by a two-year mission in Australia and New Guinea. Upon returning and marrying his wife, Becky, Ryan pursued his passion for nursing, earning his Registered Nurse license after graduating from Mohave Community College. He began his nursing career serving his Southern Utah community as a home health and MedSurg nurse at Dixie Regional Medical Center, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in patient care.
Driven to expand his medical expertise, Ryan pursued advanced education at the University of Utah, obtaining both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. His commitment to his roots brought him back to Southern Utah, where he aimed to raise his family and contribute his skills locally. Initially, he joined a pain management clinic, where he deepened his understanding of MRIs, pain management practices, and the business aspects of medicine. This experience paved the way for his pivotal role as a founding member of Coral Desert Spine Surgery in St. George. Working alongside Dr. Gary Snook, a spine surgeon, Ryan honed his expertise in spinal diagnostics, MRI interpretation, and restorative medicine over nine years.
Following Dr. Snook’s retirement, Ryan took ownership of the practice, transitioning its focus to general spine care and renaming it Coral Desert Spine. The clinic’s success led to rapid growth, prompting Ryan to pursue a Doctorate of Nursing from the University of Utah, completed in 2012. This period of expansion and academic achievement culminated in an acquisition offer from Saint Mark’s Hospital, leading Ryan to Salt Lake City to franchise his clinic model. For eight years, he successfully built and managed numerous clinics across multiple states, enhancing spine care accessibility and quality.
However, the demands of corporate medicine motivated Ryan to return to his entrepreneurial spirit and explore new avenues. Currently, 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 Medical Clinic. Additionally, he maintains his surgical skills as a surgical nurse practitioner at Mountain West Orthopedics, collaborating with esteemed surgeons.
Ryan’s enduring passion for spine and orthopedics remains central to his practice. However, his diverse experiences have broadened his interests to include men’s health and family practice, with a strong focus on preventative wellness. His current roles, including his position at Pioneer Comprehensive Medical Clinic, reflect his commitment to providing comprehensive and patient-centered care across a spectrum of medical needs.
