W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M
37
Dr. Jeffery Palen is an obstetrician/gynecologist at
Benefis Health System who specializes in complicated
pregnancies, minimally invasive and robotic surgery,
and the surgical management of pelvic organ
prolapse. He enjoys the field of women's health
because it enables him to be involved in all the
different stages of life and to help his patients live
life to its fullest.
Can you describe your connection to Montana and your
passion for caring for its residents?
My family and I moved to Montana almost three years ago
to practice in a place where we felt a connection to the people.
I come from rural roots in Minnesota and enjoy the reconnection
to the ranchers and farmers here. My family and I enjoy the
readily available, diverse outdoor activities.
What stands out in your career as an OB/GYN?
I delivered all my children and my two grandchildren. My wife
and my daughter-in-law did all the work, of course, but those
experiences were the greatest highlights of my OB/GYN career.
Are there health challenges women face today that
are different from earlier in your career?
Things have definitely changed since I became
a doctor in 1989. I think the pressures on
women to raise their families have made
it more difficult for women to pay
attention to their own health, so
sometimes we see problems
that could have been
addressed more easily
early in their course.
What procedures do you perform involving robotic surgery?
I perform a wide range of robotic assisted surgeries including
hysterectomy, salpingoophorectomy, resection of pelvic
endometriosis, resection of pelvic masses, and pelvic organ
prolapse surgery. My favorite procedure utilizing the robot
is the laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. It is an advanced surgery
for moderate to severe pelvic organ prolapse with outstanding
long-term results.
What brings you joy in your practice?
I find joy in watching young families grow. I also find joy
in performing surgeries that are life-changing for women with
severe pelvic organ prolapse problems. When I see them back
in the office after surgery, they often tell me that I truly changed
their life for the better.
A tradition of advanced care.
Learn more at Benefis.org
Meet the Montana Doctor Who
Loves Fishing and Families
