Can you feel it?

A Message from CEO Dave Ressler

The air is feeling just a little crisper as the days are getting shorter. You can check me on this, because I say it every year, but we are entering my favorite season in Aspen, when the leaves start to change and our summer winds down. Truthfully, I enjoy every change of season here in our high mountain community. It always feels like a new beginning and the anticipation of what comes next – in this case fall and then the holidays…and snow. All of these bring both change and yet a sense of comfort for their familiarity, like a return visit from an old friend.

Continue reading Dave Ressler's letter.

New Focus on Vision and Eye Care at AVH

For Dr. Ellen Chance Sanders, her new role as Aspen Valley Hospital’s ophthalmologist is a homecoming. When the possibility to practice at Aspen Valley Hospital opened up, it was an opportunity she couldn’t overlook.

Dr. Sanders’ passion for eye and vision care is reflected in the expertise she brings to the Hospital and to her patients, especially with cataract surgery. She's intrigued by the intricate nature of the eyes and the prospect of restoring or enhancing people's vision.

She plans to develop a state-of-the-art cataract program at the Hospital that uses cutting-edge lenses and incorporates the latest advancements in technology and surgical techniques. 

Cutting-edge Eye Care

February 21st started as an ordinary day for Marion Garrett of Snowmass Village. She woke up and went to Snowmass Chapel where she works as a ministry coordinator. She felt a little lightheaded and had some soreness near her ribs but chalked it up to overdoing it at yoga the day before.

“Marion told me that she thought she’d pulled a muscle,” said Dr. Mears, DO, Internist. “She said she just felt ‘a little off’ but her vital signs were irregular. I ordered some lab work to rule out anything serious.”

Marion went home and received a phone call later that evening. It was Dr. Mears.

Read Marion's Story

Brakes over Breaks

eBikes, Single-Tracks and Steep Grades are a Recipe for Road Rash

As the Trauma Medical Director at Aspen Valley Hospital, Chris Roseberry, MD, FACS, is keenly aware of the numerous bicycling injuries that come in the ER, especially as an avid mountain biker himself. To give you an idea, Aspen Valley Hospital’s emergency department treats 300 or more people each year for serious injuries suffered in bicycling accidents, and many more are treated at the Snowmass Clinic and After-Hours Medical Care in Basalt. To us, that’s a serious problem. If you are planning on getting out on your bike, here are some tips to help you avoid injury so you can enjoy the roads and trails all year-round.

Bike Safely

Creating a Back-to-School Morning Routine

It’s that time of year – shorter days, school supply lists and parents doing their best to get the family back on a routine before school starts. A well-structured morning routine is a powerful tool for everyone. It establishes the tone for the day, sends kids off to school well fed and energetic, and lessens the morning madness of trying to get everyone to school on time. Here are a few tips to help you get you and your kids ready for the new school year by creating a thoughtful back-to-school morning routine.

Optimize Your Mornings

Welcome, Physicians!

Ellen Sanders, MD

Ophthalmologist

Aspen Valley Ophthalmology Clinic

Dr. Ellen Sanders is an ophthalmologist who recently joined Aspen Valley Hospital. She began practicing ophthalmology in 2008, and has been living in the Roaring Fork Valley and working in Grand Junction since 2020.

In 2004, she completed her medical studies at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and remained at Wake Forest for her internship and residency in ophthalmology. In 2008, she received the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Resident Research Award for her work in the treatment of corneal intraepithelial neoplasia. Dr. Sanders spent a decade in private practice in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she was recognized for having the community’s “best bedside manner” by Shenandoah Valley Magazine. She is excited by the opportunity to work closer to home and bring her expertise to Aspen Valley Hospital, where she can care for her friends and neighbors. Outside of work, she and her family enjoy the natural beauty of the valley, our recreational opportunities and close-knit community.

Meet Dr. Sanders

Patric Knecht, MD

Family Medicine

Aspen Valley Primary Care

Dr. Patric Knecht is a family physician at Aspen Valley Primary Care, and he sees patients of all ages. Dr. Knecht began his studies as an undergraduate in philosophy at Colorado College. He earned his medical degree at Central Michigan University College of Medicine in 2017 and completed his residency at Fort Collins Family Medicine Residency in northern Colorado. He took a position at Stony Brook University to support his wife while she was working on her PhD. They moved back to Colorado to live and work in the mountains and take advantage of the many cultural and social amenities that Aspen is known for. They love to ski, hike, raft, camp, flyfish and explore the mountains and rivers with their friends and two dogs.

Meet Dr. Knecht

Emily Misch, MD, MPH

ENT Specialist

Aspen Valley Otolaryngology Clinic

Dr. Emily Misch is an otolaryngologist who specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Misch earned her MD at Rush Medical College in Chicago in 2016, and completed her residency in 2021 at University of Colorado Hospital, Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Before studying medicine, she completed a Masters in Public Health at Emory University. Dr. Misch performs all aspects of cosmetic facial plastic surgery – facelifts, neck lifts, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, otoplasty, Mohs surgery reconstructions for skin cancer and facial trauma reconstructions. A native of the Midwest, Colorado’s sunshine hooked her. The beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley solidified her desire to live and practice in Aspen.

Meet Dr. Misch

Events, Updates and Hospital Happenings

We look forward to hosting our next Health Fair this fall. Please save these dates!

Aspen Valley Hospital

Friday, October 20

Saturday, October 21

Eagle County Community Center (EL Jebel)

Sunday, October 22

The fair will feature blood draws by appointment only—no walk-ins. Visit our website for test descriptions and frequently asked questions.

Make your appointment online or by phone starting Wednesday, September 13.

Mark Your Calendar

Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation

Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation’s Summer Polo Charity Classic was held on August 27th and was a tremendous success!

Our thanks go out to Marc and Melissa Ganzi and the Aspen Valley Polo Club, who once again hosted lovers of Polo and supporters of the Hospital for a spectacular day of sport, wonderful food, and time with friends new and old. It was a beautiful summer day, and the live auction and paddle raise were spirited. The Hospital will receive $500,000 in proceeds from the event which will go toward hospital operations to support the continued health of the Roaring Fork Valley. 

Support Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation

Network of Care