Second Year Residents

Daniel Belatti, M.D.
University of Iowa

I grew up in Omaha, NE, but discovered my love for all varieties of outdoor pursuits in the Colorado Rockies. The son of the son of a doctor, I couldn't be more excited to hone my craft in such beautiful surroundings. I studied biology & business at Creighton University, & spent time studying economics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. I received my M.D. from the University of Iowa, graduating with honors & distinction in research. My professional interests include sports medicine, medical economics, & office-based procedures. I enjoy spending my downtime exploring the American West with my wife, who is a registered nurse, & our black Lab. Dan's email: daniel.belatti@sclhs.net

Danyelle Fenner, M.D.
University of Minnesota

I grew up in Minnesota; completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, but returned for medical school at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. In my third year of med school, I completed a longitudinal rural rotation called RPAP in the small town of Ely, MN, (pop. 4000) nestled in the north woods near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. It was in this beautiful setting that my interest in rural family practice bloomed I was able to indulge my love of outdoor and activities including canoeing, hiking, camping, cross-country skiing. I consider myself lucky to join the excellent family medicine residency program at St. Mary's to further my training in a wonderful area like Grand Junction! My other interests in medicine include preventive integrative health, and other recreational interests include cooking, reading, travel. Danyelle's email: danyelle.fenner@sclhs.net 

Rebecca Fulmer, M.D.
Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

Growing up in South Carolina, I had relatively easy access to the beach & the mountains. I love anything outside, but my time at Clemson University solidified my love of both college football & the mountains. My desire to incorporate my extraverted personality with science took me to the beach to pursue medical school. During third year rotations, I found myself enjoying every rotation, however, I found my calling when I rotated through a family medicine clinic in the small town of Chester, SC (pop. 7100). Witnessing the relationships that develop through a lifetime of medical care fueled my desire to practice family medicine. I am excited to call Grand Junction my home & grow my medical & outdoorsy skills. When not in the hospital, I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee, horse back riding, hiking, & running. Rebecca's email: rebecca.fulmer@sclhs.net

Lisa Matelich, M.D.
University of Washington School of Medicine

I grew up in Vancouver, WA & have enjoyed traveling to many places around the region & around the world. I studied the History & Philosophy of Science at the University of Washington before spending a year doing health education at a community health center in southwest Washington. This was my first foray into speaking Spanish in a medical context. Again at UW for medical school, I discovered that my vision of what it meant to be a doctor fit in an uncanny way with the specialty of Family Medicine, in particular with the solid training in rural full spectrum family medicine at St. Mary's. Besides practicing medicine in a way that connects with patients serves those who are most vulnerable, I am passionate about running, hiking, cycling, backpacking, in general spending all the time outside that I can! Lisa's email: lisa.matelich@sclhs.net

Anna Jones, M.D.
Creighton University School of Medicine

I grew up in the small town of Buena Vista, Colorado where my love for the great outdoors grew & my appreciation for community flourished. I followed my love of athletics to Colorado State Univ. (Go Rams!) where I majored in Health & Exercise Science & worked in a lab studying the effects of aging. Every summer found me back home guiding rafts down the Arkansas River. My sights were always set on medicine & attended Creighton University in Omaha NE, then their Regional Campus in Phoenix AZ for the last 2 years. I fell in love with full spectrum medicine the beauty of continuity of care. My medical interests are broad. I am beyond excited to be in Grand Junction with so many opportunities amongst wonderful co-residents and faculty. When not at work, you can find me in the great outdoors mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, laughing, with my partner in crime, Dr. David Stuart. Anna's email: anna.jones@sclhs.net

Justin McCarthy, M.D.
Creighton University School of Medicine

Baptized in Coors Banquet, I grew up playing soccer & adventuring 1-3 miles high. Just when it seemed like everyone was moving to Colorado, I took my leave & nestled down in the amber waves with the good people of Omaha, NE. I attended Creighton University for Undergrad and Medical School and have much to thank the Husker folk of Nebraska for: introducing me to my beautiful bride to be, Jesuit theology social teaching, & gravel riding. I picked St. Mary's after having the joy of spending a month here for a fourth year rotation. I felt at home amongst the faculty, residents, and gorgeous desert scapes. Rachel and I are so grateful for our new start nearer family on the side of the Rockies, surrounded by the color tranquility of the desert. Justin's email: justin.mccarthy@sclhs.net

Rebecca Rueppel, M.D.
Sidney Kimmel Medical School College at Thomas Jefferson University

I was born and raised in St Louis, then went east for many yrs before landing in Grand Junction. After majoring in French & Linguistics at the Univ of Pennsylvania, I worked for several years in elementary education, pursued at Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) at the Univ of Vermont, where I first got the bug for medicine. After full time SLP practice, I took the plunge & moved to Philadelphia to Bryn Mawr college, then Thomas Jefferson Medical College. From the first day of my family medicine rotation I new that I wanted to be a family physician with a focus on full spectrum, patient centered care. I am delighted to be continuing my medical training at St Mary's, to be closer to family, who all live out west. When I'm not studying or working, I enjoy snowshoeing, hiking, singing, hanging with my two kitties honing my post-apocalyptic survival skills in the form of knitting, sewing, gardening & cooking. Bec's email: rebecca.rueppel@sclhs.net

David Stuart, M.D.
Creighton University School of Medicine

Life began at the base of Colorado's Mountains in the town of Manitou Springs; a soulful community of artists, tourists, hippies, & folks who care a lot about each other. I'm a solver and followed my mind to the School of Mines in Chemical Biochemical Engineering. After a couple years as an engineer and rock climber, I refocused on my dream of becoming a physician at Creighton. For clinical rotations (better access to the great outdoors) I joined Creighton's Phoenix campus. Residency at St Mary's will allow me to continue pursuing my broad medical interests, and prepare me to guide the health of a community like the one in which I was raised. Within medicine I am passionate about connecting with patients, preventive medicine, healthcare quality policy. Outside, I live for rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, and adoring Mother Nature with friends. Thrilled is an understatement for the opportunity to live and train in Western Colorado with my partner, the always inspiring Dr. Anna Jones. David's email: david.stuart@sclhs.net