Benefis Internal Medicine Clinic Expands Access for Patients

It was a “small win” with big results for a patient.

When a patient in the Benefis Internal Medicine Residency Clinic came to Khushal Khan, MD, for help with blood sugar, their levels were in the 300s.

“They needed a proper insulin regimen, and when we started that and saw their glucose levels come down, it felt really good to be making a difference,” Dr. Khan said.

Patients at the new residency clinic are seen by resident physicians such as Dr. Khan and experienced attending physicians. The clinic is on the second floor of Medical Office Building 12 (between the Emergency Department and Sletten Cancer Institute). To schedule an appointment, call 406-771-6300.

The clinic is expanding access to healthcare for those without primary care providers and patients who leave the hospital or Emergency Department needing follow-up care. Patients typically have longer visits with less waiting time and benefit from two doctors working together on their care plan.

On July 1, 2025, Benefis became a teaching hospital and welcomed the first group of 10 resident physicians. They have graduated from medical school and will continue their hands-on training at Benefis for three years before either beginning their own practices or continuing in a residency for a specialty such as cardiology.

The residents divide their time between the clinic and the hospital, where they work alongside hospitalists taking care of patients and exploring specialties.

Patients at the outpatient clinic have “no sacrifice in care,” said Brad Nieset, MD, an attending physician working with the residents.

“We all start our careers the same way, and we’re passing on what we’ve learned like with any apprentice program,” Dr. Nieset said.

“Within these first six months, you can see they are all growing and learning from the experience. They have a unique opportunity for access to all types of care, and having more diversity in your education makes you a better doctor. Here they are learning how to become the doctors they want to be.”

Resident physicians nationwide are a good investment in healthcare’s future. Benefis is counting on many of them staying put for their medical careers.

“This is something with long-term benefit to our community,” Dr. Nieset said. “The goal of taking our hospital in this new direction is improving outcomes and access to care for our community far into the future.”

Being in the first group of residents means being able to set the tone, helping employees adjust to what residents do, and lots of one-on-one time with providers showing them the ropes.

“The attendings are giving us golden guidance,” Dr. Khan said.

“You see videos online about how toxic the residency years can be, how hard they work you and run you into the ground, but it isn’t like that here,” Dr. Kahn said. “Everyone has been really supportive. We work a lot, but the other co-residents have become like a family.”