GVH welcomes new surgeon

On Jan. 23, Gunnison Valley Health welcomed Augustine J. Lee as the newest member of its medical staff.

Lee is board certified in general and colon and rectal surgery and brings over 20 years of experience to the health system. Most recently, Lee worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida where he was named a “Top Doc” by Tampa Magazine in 2022.

Gunnison Valley Health CEO, Jason Amrich, said Lee’s experience and specialized training in colorectal surgery will bring new opportunities and services to the Gunnison Valley.

“Dr. Lee is an experienced and talented surgeon who will support expanded offerings through our general surgery clinic,” Amrich said. “His commitment to collaboration, quality and innovation make him the perfect partner for our existing surgeon, Dr. Andrew Salim. I believe that togeth- er they will build a surgical program at Gunnison Valley Health that will allow more people to receive cutting edge care without leaving Gunnison County.”

Lee received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed his general surgery residency at Suny Downstate Health Science University. Lee also completed a colon and rectal surgery fellowship at UT

Southwestern Presbyterian Hospital. He practiced for 11 years in hospitals in the Fort Worth, Texas area before moving to Florida.

Lee wanted to join the Gunnison Valley Health team not only to fulfill a lifelong dream of living in the mountains, but also for the opportunity to partner with Salim and build high-performing surgical services in a rural setting.

“I am already in love with the Gunnison Valley and am thrilled to have this opportunity to put down roots in the community,” Lee said. “Dr. Salim will be an incredible partner and I know that together we can build the services that everyone living in or visiting this beautiful area need to support their health and wellbeing.”

(Source: Gunnison Valley Health.)