Physician Bios
Orthopedics
Doctor Kevin Lee
Dr. Kevin Lee has lived most of his life in Rexburg, Idaho where he received his associate degree from Ricks College in Zoology. After graduating from Ricks College, he attended Brigham Young University in Provo where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. He pursued his medical training at the University of Washington in Seattle and graduated with honors. By 1997, Dr. Lee had successfully completed his orthopedic residency and began his orthopedic surgery practice in Rexburg.
At Madison Memorial Surgery Center he performs arthroscopic treatment of all shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, and ankle problems, with particular interest in arthroscopic shoulder stabilization and rotator cuff repair. He also performs hand, foot, ankle surgery as well as trauma surgery such as fractures of upper and lower extremities, tendon and muscle repair.
Dr. Lee is married and has six children. His main interests include spending time with his family, service in the community and church, outdoor sports including hunting, fishing, winter sports, aviation, and violin.
Doctor Michael Larson
Dr. Michael Larson was raised in Casper, Wyoming. He attended Pacific Union College in Angwin, California receiving his Bachelor of Science in biophysics. He received his medical degree from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California in 1980. He performed his surgical internship at Loma Linda University, Loma Linda California, completing this in 1981. He successfully completed his orthopedic residency in 1986 at the Loma Linda Medical Center in Loma Linda, California. Upon completing his residency, Dr. Larson began his orthopedic surgery practice in Rexburg in 1986.
At Madison Memorial Surgery Center he performs arthroscopic reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, knee, and ankle. His training was very strong in hand and upper extremity surgery and his practice includes hand, foot, and ankle surgery, as well as surgical treatment to trauma of the musculoskeletal systems, such as fractures, tendon, and muscle repair.
Dr. Larson enjoys the outdoors with particular interests in cross country ski racing, river running, backpacking, horse packing, bow hunting, and fishing. He enjoys spending time with his family and at his cattle ranch in the mountains north of Dubois, Wyoming and here in Rexburg.
Doctor Travis R. Torngren
Dr. Travis Torngren was born and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He received his associate’s degree from Ricks College and later attended Brigham Young University where he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Microbiology, with a Magna Cum Laude.
He pursued his medical training at the University of Nevada in Reno, Nevada and graduated in 2007. While attending the University of Nevada he received several honors and awards including the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
Dr. Travis Torngren successfully completed his orthopedic residency in July 2012 from the University of Tennessee, Campbell Clinic. He has completed two fellowships including an adult hip and knee reconstruction in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as a shoulder and elbow surgery from the San Francisco Shoulder, Elbow, and Hand Clinic.
Dr. Travis Torngren joined Upper Valley Orthopedics in September of 2014. In his spare time, Dr. Travis Torngren enjoys spending time with his wife and children. He also enjoys the outdoors and hunting.
Doctor Matheau G. Eysser
Dr. Matheau Eysser brings advanced technology in hip and knee surgeries to Rexburg. Eysser grew up in Salt Lake City. After completing his bachelor’s degree from BYU. He attended Medical School in Phoenix, Arizona. From there he continued to Orthopedic Training in Pennsylvania. During this residency, his practice performed the most total hip and total knee replacements in all of Pennsylvania, which created extensive training opportunities.
Here, Eysser completed over 250 total hip and 600 total knee replacements. Upon completion, Eysser chose to continue with extra specialized training in total hip and total knee replacements with a Minimally Invasive Total Hip and Total Knee Fellowship. Last year alone Eysser completed over 100 hips and 250 knees.
As a result of this specialized training, Eysser’s patients recover quickly, some walking within 2-3 hours and returning home the next day. His patients need less pain medication because the muscles and the tissue are left intact. This also results in fewer precautions upon discharge. Dr. Eysser is a general surgeon at Madison Memorial Hospital and is one of a few surgeons in the country offering these most up to date surgical techniques.
General Surgeons
Doctor Brian Christiansen
Dr. Brian Christiansen is a native of Rexburg, Idaho who jumped at the chance to return to his hometown and establish his own practice. He first attended Ricks College and later moved on to Utah State University where, in 1989, he received a Bachelor of Science in biology. The same year he began medical school at the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, Utah. Following medical school, he favorably finished an integrated surgical residency in Phoenix, Arizona in 1998.
Dr. Christensen performs abdominal surgeries to treat diseases of the colon, rectum, stomach, gallbladder, and appendix. He also specializes in diagnosing and treating a variety of benign and malignant skin disorders. Dr. Christensen provides surgical treatment for breast complications, all types of hernias, and for trauma. A considerable portion of his practice includes endoscopy.
He enjoys the outdoors and can often be found there hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. Over the past couple of years, due to his demanding life as a physician, he has acquired the hobby of growing pumpkins and has earned the nickname “Pumpkin Surgeon.”
Doctor Robert Coray
Dr. Robert Coray and his family are originally from Pocatello, Idaho and relocated to Rexburg nearly 10 years ago. He graduated from Idaho State University with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, after which he attended the University of Utah for medical school. He soon discovered that he was most interested in surgery and spent the next five years in Springfield, Illinois completing a residency in general surgery.
Dr. Coray performs surgery on hernias, gallbladders, and the intestinal tract. In addition, his practice includes upper and lower endoscopies; advanced laparoscopic procedures; breast, thyroid, and colon cancers; and vascular procedures such as bypass and dialysis grafts. For the past 10 years, he has been active in treating varicose and spider vein diseases using lasers, as well as breast augmentation surgery. This year Dr. Coray will be adding SmartLipo laser technology to his practice, so he may be able to offer state-of-the-art liposuction procedures to patients throughout the valley.
He and his wife have five children who enjoy growing up in this valley. He and his family love the outdoors and being involved in community events. One of their favorite activities has been opening Nielson’s Frozen Custard, which has provided jobs for young people in the area.
Doctor Dwayne Hansen
Dr. Dwayne M. Hansen grew up in Logan, Utah where he ultimately attended Utah State University and graduated in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. In 1992, he graduated from Tulane Medical School in New Orleans, Louisiana. By 1997, he had successfully completed his General Surgery Residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. He worked in Sikeston, Missouri for 5 years prior to establishing his practice in Rexburg, Idaho in 2002.
Dr. Hansen specialized in General Surgery, which includes: laparoscopic hernia repair and gallbladder removal, anti-reflux surgery, surgical treatment of breast cancer, colorectal surgery, colonoscopies, and varicose vein treatment.
He is married to Jolene Hansen, and they are the proud parents of three sons. Dr. Hansen enjoys snow skiing, snowmobiling, waterskiing, hiking, and camping. He believes the best part of his job is getting to meet so many fun and interesting people. He thrives on the fact that each day is different and brings a new opportunity to help someone.
Ophthalmologists and Optometrists
Doctor Josh Fullmer
Dr. Fullmer is originally from Rexburg, Idaho. His love for this area brought him back in 2007 to begin his practice here. He is a graduate of Madison High School, Ricks College, and BYU in Provo, Utah. After completing medical school at the University of Utah, he moved to Seattle, Washington for his internship at Deaconess Transitional, after which he moved to Oklahoma City where he performed his residency.
Dr. Fullmer is an eye physician/surgeon and his practice includes pediatric eye exams, glaucoma eye care, no-stitch cataract surgery, macular degeneration care, eyelid surgery, diabetic eye care, LASIK, and eye trauma care.
Dr. Fullmer and his wife, Marie, enjoy spending time with their six children in the great outdoors. They also delight in hiking, mountain biking, and floating and fishing the local rivers with their extended family.
Doctor Richard Cannon
Dr. Richard P. Cannon performs both cataract surgery and oculoplastic surgery.
After graduating from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dr. Cannon completed his internship at Health One Alliance, Presbyterian St. Lukes Hospital in Denver, Colorado. He then completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.
Dr. Cannon is Board Certified. The most common plastic procedures performed by Dr. Cannon treat eyelid deformities (entropion, ectropion), baggy eyelids (dermatochalasis), scars, eyelid cancer (malignancy), droopy eyelids (ptosis), loss of an eye (anophthalmos), thyroid disease, birth defects (congenital), and tear duct problems.
Otolaryngologists (Ear, Nose, Throat)
Doctor Jay McMaster
Dr. McMaster has lived in Rexburg since 2006 with his wife and eight children. Originally from Utah, he spent four years in Missouri for medical school and then five years in Tulsa, Oklahoma for his residency training in Otolaryngology. He has been trained and received a strong background in general ENT conditions and surgeries. He has a particular interest in thyroid surgery; otologic (ear) surgeries; and sinus diseases, surgeries, and allergies.
Dr. McMaster finds it a pleasure to live and work in such a great community and looks forward to serving you with all your ENT needs.
Doctor Barry Peterson
Dr. Peterson grew up in Southeast Idaho. As a youth, he gained a background in farming and ranching which has given him a strong connection to the area and its residents.
Dr. Peterson attended Ricks College and finished his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He attended medical school in Missouri and Arizona. His residency training was received in Ohio where he received sub-specialty training in sinus surgery, allergy, ear disease, pediatric ENT, facial plastics, and thyroid/head and neck surgery.
Dr. Peterson truly enjoys his work, which makes his interaction with his patients a pleasure. He is great with kids and adults and would love to take care of you and your family.
Doctor Spencer Mauseth
When you meet Dr. Spencer Mauseth, you will find that he loves people! He especially loves serving and working with children. He has been in private practice for a number of years and has found working with children to be very rewarding. Dr. Mauseth is an ABPD board certified, pediatric dentist, where he maintains a Diplomate status. He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Mauseth completed his pediatric dental studies and residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident. There, he learned the specialty of caring for the infant, toddler, child, and adolescents’ oral health needs.
He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Creighton University School of Dentistry and graduated Cum Laude. He was awarded numerous top honors and awards for ethics, patient care, clinical abilities, and academia. Among these was the school’s top honor, the Dr. and Mrs. Philip J. Maschka award. Upon his graduation from dental school, he became a member of the prestigious dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon. During his undergraduate schooling, he unknowingly made a good impression on faculty members and was awarded a scholarship that was explained to him as a “nice guy” scholarship.
When Dr. Spencer is finished caring for your child, you will find him with his own children. He and his wife, Melodee, along with their five children love spending family time running, reading, skiing, riding bikes and enjoying life together.
Doctor Robert McWhorter
Dr. Robert Mcwhorter was born and raised the sixth child of eight children in the wonderful state of Texas. In 1985, he graduated from Atlanta High School in Atlanta, Texas. After graduation, he favorably fulfilled a two-year full-time mission in Osaka, Japan for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
After receiving his undergraduate degree from BYU, he attended dental school at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He then completed a two-year Pediatric Dental Residency at UMKC/Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He opened Dentistry for Kids in Pocatello in July of 2000.
He married his wife, Natalie DaBell, of Rigby, Idaho in 1992, and they are the proud parents of four children. They absolutely love raising their family in Southern Idaho. Dr. McWhorter enjoys sports and traveling, but most of all he loves spending time with his family.
Doctor Ryan Smith
Dr. Ryan Smith is a graduate of the University Of Kentucky School Of Dental Medicine with a DMD degree. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentists. His first-rate training and natural ability have made him adept at the things our patients need most – including porcelain veneers, dental extractions, refitting of loose dentures, TMJ symptom treatment, root canals, and, of course, general and cosmetic dentistry. He also recently completed a course in IV sedation allowing him to provide the highest level of comfort to patients with an anxiety of dental work.
He is proud to return home to Rexburg, where his family roots run deep. The Smith ancestors helped settle the Rexburg area over a century ago and they have resided there ever since. Dr. Smith looks forward to serving the people of Rexburg – many he has known for years, and others he has yet to meet. The opportunity to provide patients the best and most technologically advanced treatment available, as well as show genuine respect and care for each individual makes him excited about working at The Dental Health Center.
Providing comprehensive dental treatment for both children and adults with a kind demeanor and gentle dental technique is what Dr. Smith is known for. His gentle touch is helpful in making patients feel comfortable and confident under his care. His addition will allow the practice to decrease waiting times for appointments, giving greater access to quality dental care. The Dental Health Center is excited to welcome Dr. Ryan Smith to the practice and knows that patients will feel the same.
Doctor Scott Wilkes
Dr. Scott Wilkes was born and raised in Rexburg, Idaho where he graduated from Madison High School. After studying at Ricks College, and graduating from Brigham Young University he attended Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, in Richmond, VA where he graduated in 2005.
After practicing in Boise, ID, at a children’s Medicaid clinic, he returned to Rexburg and joined The Dental Health Center in 2007. Dr. Wilkes enjoys all aspects of dentistry and appreciates working with all ages and spectrums of patients. He has completed additional training in oral conscious sedation. Dr. Wilkes also has great ability to help patients with deep-rooted fears of having their dental work performed and helps them be relaxed and comfortable. Patients comment often about Dr. Wilkes gentle touch and excellent dentistry.
Dr. Wilkes enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, reading, outdoor recreation, and performing service in his community and church.
Plastics and Oral Maxillary Facial Surgeons
Doctor Brian Bruggeman
Dr. Bruggeman is a board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon. He received both his undergraduate and his medical degree from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
Upon graduation, he completed a plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at Albany Medical Center in New York. The residency program was a combination of both general and plastic surgery training.
Dr. Bruggeman also trained at Westchester Burn Center in Valhalla, New York where he learned to surgically treat burn victims. He also spent time as a surgeon at the Pediatric Hospital in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
Originally from Idaho, Dr. Bruggeman is an avid outdoorsman. In his spare time, he especially enjoys skiing, hunting, and fishing.
Doctor Bryan Lee
Dr. Byan Lee is an Idaho native who attended and graduated from Ricks College. He graduated from Dental School at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and also from Medical School at Louisiana State University in New Orleans. He successfully completed his General Surgery Internship and six-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Louisiana State University.
Dr. Lee has extensive training in the evaluation and surgical treatment of the face, jaws, and mouth. His oral and maxillofacial surgery training allows him to offer a wide variety of treatment types to patients. These range from simple in-office procedures such as wisdom tooth removal and dental implant surgery to more complex procedures such as orthognathic surgery, facial cosmetic and plastic surgery, TMJ surgery, and facial trauma management.
He is married to Hilaree and they have five incredible children. His interests include traveling, camping, fishing, hunting, backpacking, and river running. He is an active pilot and loves to enjoy these hobbies with his family.
Podiatrists
Doctor Eric Barton
Dr. Eric Barton attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, majoring in Zoology. He received his D.P.M degree from California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco, CA. After which he received his surgical training in the podiatric surgery residency at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Santa Clara, CA.
Dr. Barton was in private practice in Cupertino, CA until he moved with his family to Rexburg in 1994. He has been in private practice with Madison Foot & Ankle Care for 20 years.
He is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He performs a wide variety of conservative and surgical procedures to correct painful foot deformities and conditions.
Dr. Barton and his wife Terri are parents to three children, Taylor, Jenna, and Hallie. He is active in his local church and community affairs and enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities, including backcountry skiing, hiking, climbing, backpacking, fly fishing, and white water rafting.
Family Practice Physicians
Doctor Jeffrey Zollinger
Dr. Jeffrey Zollinger currently practices at Rexburg Medical Center, only three blocks away from his childhood home, and has practiced there since 1980. He has delivered over 4,000 babies and has practiced at Madison Memorial Hospital longer than any other physician.
Dr. Zollinger graduated from Ricks College and continued on to receive his bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Chemistry from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Subsequently, he attended medical school at Universidad de Atonoma de Guadalejara and the University of California Davis.
He is certified in ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), NRP (Newborn Resuscitation), ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support). He is a member of AAFP (American Academy of Family Practice).
Dr. Zollinger has six children and 15 grandchildren. His wife, Mary, is a nurse. Together they have traveled 65 times to South America where they volunteer in Humanitarian Service for the LDS Church teaching Newborn Resuscitation.