Dr. Banks joins PCHS as general surgeon

By Brooke Pankonin

Grant Tribune-Sentinel

Perkins County Health Services will begin offering full-time general surgical services Aug. 1 with the addition of Dr. Shane Banks.

Banks, who joins PCHS after four years at Banner Health in Ogallala, said he’s heard nothing but good things about the PCHS facility and is looking forward to joining the medical staff and building a broader spectrum of care for the community. 

For Banks, he considers each day a journey in regards to collaborating with the staff for patient care. 

“I believe as a physician, we are servants of the patients. We’re here for them. We’re here to take care of their needs and take away burdens they are suffering with to live a better life.”

He said he knows there will be difficult cases and challenges, but knowing how to navigate those challenges is important, and that comes with experience. 

“It’s truly a privilege to take care of patients and do operations.”

Growing up on a small farm in southwest Missouri, Banks wanted to further his education and was selected as a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, graduating with honors in 1997.

Giving credit to a great support system in his instructors/officers, he was accepted into medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he received his Doctor of Osteopathy degree in 2001. 

When Banks began his clinical rotations in surgery, he intended on becoming a family physician. His attending surgeon encouraged him to complete his rotations with an open mind so as not to miss out on a great career. 

He ended up enjoying surgery, and although it was a difficult decision, surgery was his final choice. 

To finish this story, click here to purchase this week's e-edition for just 99 cents.