The new breast cancer surgery program at GVH. (Courtesy photo)

Original Story from Gunnison Country Times
Vol. 145 No. 34 | August 20, 2026

Gunnison Valley Health’s newest surgeon, Dr. Brooke Bredbeck, is spearheading the launch of a new breast surgery service line, expanding access to specialized care for the Gunnison Valley community. Dr. Bredbeck, who joined GVH in August, quickly began collaborating across departments to bring this important service to life.  

As a board-certified general surgeon, she performs a wide range of procedures, including emergency and trauma surgeries, cancer care, hernia repairs, colonoscopies, and more. She is especially passionate about advancing surgical breast care and strengthening GVH’s commitment to excellence in rural medicine.  

“We look forward to providing the most up-to-date, high-quality, and timely care closer to home,” said Dr. Bredbeck.  

The new program will offer surgical services for a wide range of breast conditions, including breast cancer and benign breast disease. Patients may seek care for concerns such as lumps or abnormalities, even without a formal diagnosis. The program will also support individuals with a high-risk genetic mutation who want to explore risk-reducing surgery.  

Gunnison Tough generously donated $139,000 worth of equipment to make this program possible. “GVH is tremendously grateful for the support of the Gunnison Tough board and donors to help us keep more cancer care close to home. This is a true example of community collaboration at its finest,” stated Erica Rasmussen, GVH’s Director of Marketing & Communications.  

Dr. Bredbeck’s dedication to breast surgery began during her residency training at the University of Michigan, where she pursued a National Cancer Institute-funded 2-year research fellowship with a focus in breast cancer care delivery. After completing training, she managed a high volume of breast surgery cases and spearheaded numerous breast cancer quality improvement initiatives at her institution.  

Whether her patients pursue breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy, she takes an oncoplastic approach to achieve better cosmetic results after surgery. In addition, she has established collaborative relationships with nearby plastic surgeons so that patients in the valley have access to all reconstruction options, including tissue-based reconstruction.  

“I’m most excited about giving high-quality and time-sensitive care here in the Gunnison Valley,” Dr. Bredbeck said. “I don’t want our community to worry about where they receive care. While a cancer diagnosis is never easy, knowing that compassionate, expert care is available locally can make a difficult situation more manageable.”  

GVH leadership emphasized the importance of bringing specialized services closer to home.  

“This program represents a significant step forward in expanding access to high-quality, specialized care for our community,” said Jason Amrich, CEO of Gunnison Valley Health. “We are proud to support Dr. Bredbeck’s vision and to ensure that patients can receive comprehensive breast care without leaving the valley.”  

To learn more about GVH’s breast surgery program, visit: www.gunnisonvalleyhealth. org/breastsurgery