Paging your health!

Missoula boasts an usually high amount of physicians for its population, making it an ideal place to live a happy, healthy life.

Health Care

Missoula has a thriving health care community despite being in a predominantly rural region. Two major hospitals – St. Patrick Hospital and Community Medical Center – and a plethora of physicians provide care in a wide variety of specialties. Due to Missoula’s exceptional quality of life, Missoula attracts and retains top physicians.

  • The number of physicians to Missoula citizens is 330.6 per 100,000, far above the national average of 169.7 per 100,000
  • In addition to numerous general and family practice physicians, Missoula boasts an unusually high number of specialty physicians, such as cardiologists
  • Missoula also has higher than average numbers of alternative care and complimentary care practitioners

Visit our health care sections for more information about local health care providers and facilities.

"Missoula, it's just sort of a place unto itself.
It's like, Montana, but it has feng shui and green tea."

- Garrison Keillor

Community Medical Center Presents Meredith Baxter for Voices of Hope

Community Medical Center Presents Meredith Baxter for Voices of Hope

Join us for an evening with Meredith Baxter at the Fifth Annual Voices ... more

Run Wild Missoula Encourages Community to Continue to Run and Honor Boston

Run Wild Missoula Encourages Community to Continue to Run and Honor Boston

Run Wild Missoula encourages the community to continue to run and race ... more

Returning to Missoula Marathon Training After an Injury

Returning to Missoula Marathon Training After an Injury

By DAVID SCHMETTERLING - Training for the Boston Marathon Marathon in 2... more

UM Students Team Up with St. Jude Hospital for Up ‘Til Dawn Fundraiser

UM Students Team Up with St. Jude Hospital for Up ‘Til Dawn Fundraiser

Up ‘til Dawn is a nationwide college letter-writing fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Hospital. The Feb. 28 event will be held at the University Center on campus.... more

The Missoula Marathon: You Can Do It!

The Missoula Marathon: You Can Do It!

By SILKE JAUCK - “Yes, you can do it!” So says Anders Brooker, the Missoula Marathon Race Director. Here's the scoop about local training programs.... more

From Afghanistan to the Back of the Pack

From Afghanistan to the Back of the Pack

By HEATHER JENNER - While moving from Afghanistan to Missoula was hard, joining Run Wild Missoula and the Back of the Pack was one of the smartest things I've done.... more

A Mama Ode to Oula

A Mama Ode to Oula

By ELKE GOVERTSEN - Oula is dancing. Oula is working out. Oula is social. Oula is Missoula-grown. It sounds dramatic, but it's true: My life is better since I started Oula.... more

Smoky Health Concerns: Is 2012 the Worst Smoke Season Ever?

Smoky Health Concerns: Is 2012 the Worst Smoke Season Ever?

By BEN SCHMIDT - With the long wildfire season, people are asking the Missoula City-County Health Department how it compares, and is it the worse smoke season ever?... more

Smoke Be Damned: Fall Is Headed Our Way

Smoke Be Damned: Fall Is Headed Our Way

By PAUL QUENEAU - It’s been bad around the Missoula and Bitterroot valleys these past couple months. But a Pacific deliverance and autumn may well be headed this way.... more

Calling All Divas! Join the All-Women’s 5K Run on Missoula Diva Day

Calling All Divas! Join the All-Women’s 5K Run on Missoula Diva Day

By SUE FALSEY - This year's Diva Day festivities begin at 9:30 on October 6 with the All-Women's 5K. Costumes are encouraged, so prepare to be fabulous!... more

Get Fit and Have Fun with National Run@Work Day

Get Fit and Have Fun with National Run@Work Day

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - At noon on Friday, Sept. 21, local employers will host group runs/walks to celebrate national Run@Work Day, with help from Run Wild Missoula.... more

Get into a Back-to-School Running Routine

Get into a Back-to-School Running Routine

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Autumn is one of the big running seasons in Missoula, and I find that this time of year is one of the best times to get into a running routine.... more

The Run of My Life: The Hardrock 100-Mile Endurance Race

The Run of My Life: The Hardrock 100-Mile Endurance Race

By JOHN HART - This July, I ran the 100-mile Hardrock race in Colorado. I often thought about the encouragement the Missoula running community gave me in the effort.... more

Senator Lee Metcalf: Champion of Conservation, Montana Legend

Senator Lee Metcalf: Champion of Conservation, Montana Legend

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - Perhaps no U.S. Senator ever was more faithful to sensible, proactive resource management than Montana's Lee Metcalf.... more

Montana Wildernesses: Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge

Montana Wildernesses: Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 as a habitat for migratory birds and is home to a diversity of wildlife.... more

Former Olympian Suzy Favor-Hamilton’s Path to Happiness

Former Olympian Suzy Favor-Hamilton’s Path to Happiness

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - While 3-time Olympian Suzy Favor-Hamilton's public persona was upbeat, inside she fought depression. Today, she shares her path to happiness.... more

Missoula Day Hikes: Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

Missoula Day Hikes: Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - The 61,000-acre Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is positioned at the northern city limits of Missoula. It's heaven on earth for avid hikers!... more

What Does the Future Hold? Long-Range Planning for Run Wild Missoula

What Does the Future Hold? Long-Range Planning for Run Wild Missoula

By DAVID SCHMETTERLING - Here in Missoula, we have a successful running club: 1400+ runners of all levels, a fantastic marathon, and more. What does the future hold?... more

Get Inspired by Run Wild Missoula’s Beginner Runner Training Class

Get Inspired by Run Wild Missoula’s Beginner Runner Training Class

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Were you inspired by the Missoula Marathon? Run Wild Missoula will offer a eight-week Beginner Runner Training Class starting Aug. 15.... more

10 Heavenly Montana Hikes West of the Continental Divide

10 Heavenly Montana Hikes West of the Continental Divide

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - Nothing inspires like a heart-pounding hike into Montana's high country. Put these ten picks for memorable hikes on your Montana bucket list!... more

The Clumsy Ninjas Take on the Waterton-Glacier Relay

The Clumsy Ninjas Take on the Waterton-Glacier Relay

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - The Waterton-Glacier Relay is a 100-mile race from Cardston, Alberta to East Glacier. My team, the Clumsy Ninjas, were up for the challenge.... more

Missoula Marathon Cool-Down: Set a Post-Race Running Goal

Missoula Marathon Cool-Down: Set a Post-Race Running Goal

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Scores of competitors from around the world ran the Missoula Marathon last weekend. To keep up the running mojo, try setting a post-race goal.... more

The Run-Up to the Marathon: Ingredients for a Great Race

The Run-Up to the Marathon: Ingredients for a Great Race

By TRISHA DROBECK - The Missoula Marathon has a formula for putting on a good race: Focus on participants' experience instead of gimmicks to rack up the numbers.... more

The Run-Up to the Marathon: Missoula Marathon Gear Bags

The Run-Up to the Marathon: Missoula Marathon Gear Bags

By WAYNE CHAMBERLAIN - It's the little things, like water stops, first aid, and good food that make a race special. So it is with the Missoula Marathon Gear Bag Program.... more

The Run-Up to the Marathon: Back of the Pack Cheerleaders

The Run-Up to the Marathon: Back of the Pack Cheerleaders

By PAM GARDINER - Long after the crowd has thinned, the Back of the Pack cheerleaders stay until the very last (best) runner has crossed the Missoula Marathon finish line.... more

The Run-Up to the Marathon: Co-Course Director Mike Foote

The Run-Up to the Marathon: Co-Course Director Mike Foote

By MIKE FOOTE - As a Missoulian and Co-Course Director, it is so important to me to support so many runners in realizing their goals at the Missoula Marathon on July 8.... more

Montana Wildfires: What Are the Odds?

Montana Wildfires: What Are the Odds?

By MARK VOSBURGH - With the Scratch Gravel Hill fire burning near Helena, our wildfire season has begun in Western Montana. What are the odds of forest near you burning?... more

The Great Pre-Race Missoula Marathon Course Clean-Up

The Great Pre-Race Missoula Marathon Course Clean-Up

By VO VON SEHLEN - The Missoula Marathon showcases Missoula to runners from all over the world. We need your help to clean up the course and put our best foot forward! ... more

Missoula Marathon Volunteers Have More Fun!

Missoula Marathon Volunteers Have More Fun!

By JERI DELYS - The Missoula Marathon is just weeks away, and the buzz is really starting to hit the streets of Missoula. It's not too late to sign up to be a volunteer!... more

A Saturday Breakfast Walk/Run on Waterworks Hill

A Saturday Breakfast Walk/Run on Waterworks Hill

By MARILYN MARLER - Each Saturday at 8, a group of runners meet for the Breakfast Run. Last week, we headed to Waterworks Hill to see spring's latest wildflowers.... more

Will Our Forests Burn this Summer?

Will Our Forests Burn this Summer?

By MARK VOSBURGH - You are a fire-adapted Missoulian. Wildfires don't come as a surprise, but the question lingers: Will this be one of those summers that brings fires?... more

Gluten-free with PMD: Wild Morel, Sausage & Fiddlehead Fern Pizza

Gluten-free with PMD: Wild Morel, Sausage & Fiddlehead Fern Pizza

By P.M. DEVLIN - Featuring locally-foraged morel mushrooms and fiddlehead ferns, this gluten-free mushroom-sausage pizza recipe makes a gourmet Montana meal.... more

Missoula Non-Profit Spotlight: The AWOL Institute

Missoula Non-Profit Spotlight: The AWOL Institute

By TOM DIDDEL - The AWOL Institute is a Missoula non-profit organization in its first year that takes girls ages 10 to 18 on a week-long overnight outdoor adventure.... more

May 30 Training Run for the Missoula Kids’ Marathon

May 30 Training Run for the Missoula Kids’ Marathon

By KATHLEEN DEVLIN - Hey families! The Missoula Kids' Marathon training run is May 30 at 5:30 at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. There will be music and a Monte visit!... more

Run for Fun with Missoula Youth Track

Run for Fun with Missoula Youth Track

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Kids in kindergarten through middle school can join Missoula Youth Track, a four-week program that introduces kids to the fun of running. ... more

Start ‘Em Young! The Paxson Elementary School Running Club

Start ‘Em Young! The Paxson Elementary School Running Club

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - When my son started kindergarten at Paxson Elementary, I was really excited for him to be part of was the Paxson Running Club.... more

Eat Local and Eat Well with Community Supported Agriculture

Eat Local and Eat Well with Community Supported Agriculture

By ERIN TURNER - Community Supported Agriculture farms have started to become popular in Missoula. They're a great way to eat healthy, local, economical food.... more

Running a Long Way: The Spokane River Run Ultramarathon

Running a Long Way: The Spokane River Run Ultramarathon

By ANNA RUSSELL - I never thought I would run an ultramarathon, but after racing in the River Run 50K Ultramarathon in Spokane recently, I think I've changed my mind.... more

Frugal Living: Eat Tapas, Cut Your Grocery Bill

Frugal Living: Eat Tapas, Cut Your Grocery Bill

By ERIN TURNER - Serving tapas-style food, a traditional Spanish small-plates meal, is a delicious, easy way to cut your grocery budget significantly.... more

Frugal Living: Go Green and Grow Your Own Food

Frugal Living: Go Green and Grow Your Own Food

By ERIN TURNER - Growing your own food is making a huge comeback. Not only are homegrown fruits and veggies healthier, but you can save a ton of money, too.... more

Safety and Self-Defense for Runners

Safety and Self-Defense for Runners

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - On Monday, Run Wild Missoula and the Runner’s Edge hosted a “Safety and Self-Defense for Runners” seminar. Here's some tips for running safely.... more

Running Buddies Forever: At the Back of the Pack

Running Buddies Forever: At the Back of the Pack

By PAM GARDINER - A year ago, Carol Drake and Donna Bennett were new runners. Today, they sport a great friendship and matching Back of the Pack tattoos.... more

Catch the Run Wild Missoula Bus to Bloomsday

Catch the Run Wild Missoula Bus to Bloomsday

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Run Wild Missoula’s bus to Bloomsday on May 6 is an easy way for runners to get to Spokane for the race and back in one day. And it's fun!... more

Join Run Wild Missoula’s Tuesday Track Workouts

Join Run Wild Missoula’s Tuesday Track Workouts

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Olympian Courtney Babcock coaches Run Wild Missoula's Tuesday Track workouts at Dornblazer Field. All ages and abilities are welcome!... more

The Healing Power of Passion – and Horses

The Healing Power of Passion – and Horses

By SUZANNE MILLER - As I recover from back-to-back surgeries, the images of me with my horses that form in my head are my lifeline back to health and inspiration to heal.... more

Running, Walking, and Connecting at a Conversational Place

Running, Walking, and Connecting at a Conversational Place

By PAM GARDINER - The Run Wild Missoula Back of the Pack is celebrating its one year anniversary. We run, walk, converse, and socialize. Everyone is welcome - join us!... more

Gluten-free with PMD: Just for the Halibut

Gluten-free with PMD: Just for the Halibut

By P.M. DEVLIN - This week, whip up an easy, gluten-free meal of halibut with roasted garlic rosemary potatoes and an Asian pear green salad. It's good to eat!... more

Walk a Marathon? You Can Do It with Run Wild Missoula!

Walk a Marathon? You Can Do It with Run Wild Missoula!

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Run Wild Missoula's class will help you train to walk the Missoula Marathon. Learn how to walk more efficiently, increase endurance, and more.... more

So Many Reasons to Run for the Luck of It!

So Many Reasons to Run for the Luck of It!

By JEN VON SEHLEN - On Saturday, March 10th, Run Wild Missoula presents the third annual Run for the Luck of It! 7-Mile, 5K, and Kids’ Dash.... more

Frugal Flu Season Remedies

Frugal Flu Season Remedies

By ERIN TURNER - Last week, the Missoula Health Department issued an Influenza Alert. Here are some tips for staying healthy and save a few bucks at the same time.... more

Gluten-free with PMD: One Pot Curry with Fried Tofu

Gluten-free with PMD: One Pot Curry with Fried Tofu

By P.M. DEVLIN - This week, whip up an easy, gluten-free recipe for tofu-vegetable curry with basmati rice.... more

Back of the Pack Runners’ Book Club

Back of the Pack Runners’ Book Club

By PAM GARDINER - A spotlight on books written for the slower runners at the Back of the Pack. John “The Penguin” Bingham is a master of books for the BOP.... more

Ready, Set, Train! for the Missoula Marathon

Ready, Set, Train! for the Missoula Marathon

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Is completing a marathon on your bucket list? Join Run Wild Missoula for its Missoula Marathon training class that begins on March 4. ... more

Gluten-Free with PMD: Scallops Over Red Quinoa with Maitaki Mushrooms

Gluten-Free with PMD: Scallops Over Red Quinoa with Maitaki Mushrooms

By P.M. DEVLIN -This week's gluten-free recipe is inspired by Quinoa. Quinoa is positively ancient, and about as simple to cook as Top Ramen. It makes proper rice look like rocket science.... more

The Importance of Running (and Playing)

The Importance of Running (and Playing)

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Running is an important part of my life, but it’s easy to put it on the backburner. But I always realize when I get out and run that it makes me more efficient, creative, and energetic.... more

Gluten-Free with PMD: Seared Opaka Over Lentils

Gluten-Free with PMD: Seared Opaka Over Lentils

By P.M. DEVLIN - I live a gluten-free lifestyle to the utmost. This week's recipe is inspired by the very reasonably priced and quite nice fillets of wild-caught Opaka from Pattee Creek Market.... more

No One Pushes Me Around Like My Chiropractor

No One Pushes Me Around Like My Chiropractor

By BOB WIRE - I first noticed the pain in the summer of 2009, and two years later, it's still there. So, cautiously pessimistic, I went in to see Dr. Jim the Chiropractor for my initial consultation.... more

How I Started Running

How I Started Running

By WALT MAX - My non-runner friends ask, "How did you get started running?" And I tell them, "It was a '69 Kawasaki 500 H1."... more

Holiday Safety for Children

Holiday Safety for Children

By KIM MCKEARNAN. To keep the holidays happy, safe and injury-free, please consider the following child safety precautions:... more

The Art of Letting Go When Race Disaster Strikes

The Art of Letting Go When Race Disaster Strikes

By ANNA RUSSELL - At some point or another, most runners have experienced a letdown in some form or another. The best thing to do is to learn from it and move on to the next race.... more

Missoula St. Pat’s Life Flight Program: We Will Find You

Missoula St. Pat’s Life Flight Program: We Will Find You

By RUSSELL GREENFIELD - St. Patrick Hospital’s Life Flight paramedics, nurses, and pilots often find themselves in remote corners of Montana. Russell Greenfield takes a look behind the scenes of this elite pr... more

2011 Missoula Festival of Trees

2011 Missoula Festival of Trees

Mountain Home Montana's annual Missoula Festival of Trees is one of the merriest ways for the whole family to put the Christmas season in full swing. Festivities begin on December 1.... more

Diabetes and Running: A Beginner Runs the Missoula Half-Marathon

Diabetes and Running: A Beginner Runs the Missoula Half-Marathon

By GINA BROWN - I am a runner, and I happen to have type one diabetes. But I wasn't going to let that stop me from running the Missoula Half-Marathon.... more

Back of the Pack Runners Welcome New Members

Back of the Pack Runners Welcome New Members

By PAM GARDINER, Wellbuddies Coaching Run Wild Missoula’s Back of the Pack mailing list started up just a year ago. Since that time, more than 100 dedicated runners and walkers have gathered around the mot... more

Important Summer Safety Tips

Important Summer Safety Tips

Summer in Montana can be a lot of fun, but care should be taken to stay safe. Read these tips from Community Medical Center. ... more

Missoula – A River Runs Through It
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Missoula – A River Runs Through It

Missoula - a river does indeed run through it. In 1992, the Oscar-winning feature film A River Runs Through It brought notoriety to a town in the Pacific Northwest and the world was introduced to Missoula, Mon... more

The Facts of Life
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The Facts of Life

By VERINA PALMER MARTIN. If I were to name two things I learned during my college years that have resonated with me throughout my life, it would be these: 1. Always check your facts. 2. Never forget how little ... more

Holiday Safety for Children

Holiday Safety for Children

Montana winter holidays are magical and memorable, but also can present unique child safety issues many of us neglect to consider. We decorate our homes, host guests, and indulge in a frenzy of activities that... more

The Growth of a Nation

The Growth of a Nation

11/10 Blog by Bob Zimorino. I thought about calling this segment “The Girth of a Nation” because according to the Centers for Disease Control while men have gained an average of an inch and a half in height... more

Staying Fit Outdoors

Staying Fit Outdoors

When heading outdoors on a trip we’ve all heard the saying,... more

Missoula Wins Playful City USA Award

Missoula Wins Playful City USA Award

In 2009 KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organization, confirmed what many Missoulians already knew to be true – Missoula is one of the most Playful Cities in the nation. Playful City USA is a KaBOOM! progra... more

Run for Your Life

Run for Your Life

Missoula runners.  They are everywhere.  On Blue Mountain, on the river trail, downtown…usually followed by a dog that looks like he just entered canine nirvana.  What are they doing?  Why do they run? ... more

Missoula’s Markets
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Missoula’s Markets

Saturday mornings aren’t just for cartoons or sleeping in. In Missoula, Saturday mornings are for shopping Missoula’s outdoor markets – at least when the weather is warm. When market season hits, three... more

Missoula History
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Missoula History

The first inhabitants of the Missoula area were Native Americans from the Salish tribe.  They called the area “Nemissoolatakoo,” which translates roughly to “river of ambush," and eventually gave rise to... more

Cycling City

Cycling City

If you spend any time in Missoula, you'll notice lots of bikes on road. Cycling is a way of life for many residents of the city. Missoula’s biking heritage can be traced back to 1976 when a group of 4 Ohio... more

Currents Indoor Waterpark

Currents Indoor Waterpark

If it’s January and you feel like a swim, where do you go? Currents Indoor Waterpark! Open 12 months a year, the Currents Aquatic Center features both leisure pools and lap pools with 20-yard lap lanes, tw... more

Take a Hike

Take a Hike

The seemingly endless hiking and backpacking opportunities in and around Missoula offer thousands of miles of trails in wilderness areas, Forest Service lands, and BLM lands. Information on hiking in the bac... more

Missoula in Motion

Missoula in Motion

Missoulians embrace green living and you'll find sustainable transportation options readily available in the city. Missoula in Motion aims to promote the city’s popular sustainable transportation system and i... more