About Us

Your treatment. Your hospital. Your choice.

Animas Surgical Hospital gives you a local choice in hospital facilities—one that's close, convenient, and of exceptionally high quality. Because we're locally owned and operated by area physicians, bringing you the very best care is a matter of pride.

Why choose Animas Surgical Hospital?

• Closest hospital to downtown Durango
• More nurses for better care (3:1 patient-to-nurse ratio)
• Short-wait ER
• Urgent care clinic for fast walk-in treatment of injuries and illnesses, plus convenient preventive care
• Same-day diagnostic imaging appointments
• Fast, convenient scheduling
• Less pre-operative waiting
• Locally owned and managed
• State-of-the-art techniques and equipment
• Gives you a choice in hospital facilities
• High patient satisfaction
• Manageable, easy-to-navigate hospital
• Private inpatient suites with catered gourmet meals and a view
• Flexible visiting hours

Your neighborhood hospital.

As an integral part of the Four Corners region since 2004, Animas Surgical Hospital employs highly educated, long-term residents who contribute time, energy, and vibrancy to our community. Our annual payroll and benefits inject approximately $7 million into the Four Corners and Durango.

Philanthropic giving.

Our institution supports the Four Corners community by giving generously to nonprofit causes, and we encourage our physicians, nurses, and staff to engage in community-building efforts.

Animas Surgical Hospital is proud to support events and organizations like Leadership La Plata, Rio Rapids Durango Youth Soccer Association, Durango Turkey Trot, La Plata Economic Development Alliance, Durango Chamber of Commerce, Local First, True Western Roundup, United Way of Southwest Colorado, Riverview Elementary School PTO, Snowdown, Miller Middle School PTO, Pedal Durango, Mountain Marmot Trail Run, Durango Winter Sports Club, CU Nursing Fort Lewis College Collaborative, Girls on the Run of Western Colorado, and the San Juan Mountains Association.

If you would like your organization to be considered for a donation or sponsorship, please fill out the Community Giving Request form here.

Designed for patients by physicians.

Back in 2004, a group of local physicians created Animas Surgical Hospital to bring Four Corners residents specialty care. Our aim isn’t to be the only Durango hospital, but to be the very best for surgery, diagnostic imaging, emergency care, occupational medicine, and internal medicine.

The concept is obviously working. Patient satisfaction is through the roof, judging by national and statewide awards. Our patient outcomes are better, due to low patient-to-nurse ratios (3:1), a near-zero infection rate and a manageable hospital size. Our nurses, staff, and doctors report that they love working in our Durango hospital because they have more opportunities to really make a difference in people’s lives.

The local touch.

Animas Surgical Hospital remains owned and operated by physicians who live and work in the Four Corners area. They’re your neighbors and friends—and they’re highly responsive to the healthcare needs of the community we all share. Every one of our physicians has a personal interest in improving the daily operations of Animas Surgical Hospital, from fast scheduling to the latest equipment to trouble-free patient recoveries.

Choice is good.

Research shows that communities supporting a physician-owned hospital and a larger community hospital raise the quality of care at both institutions. Patient-to-nurse ratios remain lower overall when people have a choice where they receive care. At Animas Surgical Hospital, we applaud your right to select your physician, your treatment options, and your Durango hospital.

What We Believe

Our mission.

Our mission is to provide innovative, exceptional healthcare that patients recommend, physicians prefer, and employees are proud of.

Our values.

Animas Surgical exists to provide exceptional surgical care in a patient-focused, physician-empowered environment. Our core values are:

INTEGRITY:  Doing the right thing; holding ourselves and others accountable.

COMMUNITY:  Acknowledging that each team member is valued, and that we are all bound by a common purpose to serve our patients. Encouraging each other to aspire and grow and supporting those who are struggling with adversity.

EMPOWERMENT:  Ensuring staff, medical staff, and our patients have the tools and confidence to problem-solve, take action, and exceed expectations.

COLLABORATION:  Recognizing that trusted relationships are the key to achieving success; participating in direct and open engagement focused on healing people.

EXCELLENCE:  Committing to the highest quality and safety standards in all that we do while supporting innovation, learning, and improvement. Demonstrating accountability for safety and quality while pursuing our goal of zero preventable harm to patients.

Our commitment to improving health equity.

At Animas Surgical Hospital, we aspire to create an inclusive organization where every team member, patient, and family member feels safe and valued, and where all patients benefit from the highest quality care, outcomes, and experiences. We believe that health equity is achieved when everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to attain their highest level of health.

Patient & Family Advisory Council.

Animas Surgical Hospital is seeking patients, family, and community members to share their experiences, feedback, and ideas. Help us improve and continue to provide exceptional patient and family-centered care! Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) meetings are held once a quarter in the Animas Surgical Hospital Conference Room inside Suite 106 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Our 2025 PFAC meeting dates are: February 12, May 13, August 13, and November 12. Refreshments provided. RSVP here.

Physician Owners

• Kane Anderson, MD | Orthopedics | Elevate Orthopedics
• Brian Butzen, MD | Orthopedics | Animas Orthopedic Associates
• John Brach, MD | Ophthalmology | Four Corners Eye Clinic
• Rachel Cain, MD | Otolaryngology | Southwest Colorado Ear, Nose & Throat Associates
• Domenic Esposito, MD | Orthopedics | Animas Orthopedic Associates
• Moss Fenberg, MD | Ophthalmology | Southwest Eye Consultants
• Mark Forrest, MD | Urology | Animas Urology
• Gareth Hammond, MD | Orthopedics | Animas Orthopedic Associates
• Sara Haug, MD, PhD | Ophthalmology | Southwest Eye Consultants
• Nicholas Hugentobler, DPM | Podiatry | Four Corners Foot and Ankle
• Kayse Lake, DPM | Podiatry | Four Corners Foot and Ankle
• Patrick McLaughlin, MD | Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation | Animas Spine
• Eric Meyer, MD | Ophthalmology | Four Corners Eye Clinic
• Ryan Naffziger, MD | Plastic Surgery | Animas Plastic Surgery
• Brinceton Phipps, MD | Orthopedics | Animas Orthopedic Associates
• Sejal Quayle, MD | Urology | La Plata Urological Associates
• Stuart Saslow, MD | Gastroenterology | Digestive Health Associates
• Gregory Shackel, MD | Otolaryngology | Southwest Colorado Ear, Nose & Throat Associates
• David Silva, DO | Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation | Animas Spine
• Philip Wiley, MD | Otolaryngology | Durango ENT
• Jeffrey Williams, DO | Plastic Surgery | Peak Rejuvenation
• Joshua Zastrocky, MD | Ophthalmology | Four Corners Eye Clinic