<p>Dr. Emily Lieuallen is getting acquainted with her new post and community.</p>

JOHN DAY Dr. Emily Lieuallen, who started practicing at Strawberry Wilderness Community Clinic in October, says Grant County is an ideal location for her, and her family.

We knew we wanted to get closer to where we grew up, and its perfect in terms of rural, full-scope medicine, including obstetrics and c-sections, she said

I have a real passion for womens health, OB and pediatrics, she said. I really love getting to know all the family members and taking care of mom, dad and kids. Its nice to have that continuity of care with the entire family.

After graduating from Tacoma Family Medicine Residency in Washington in August, Lieuallen took a couple months off to spend with her husband Aaron and their 15-month-old son, hiking and camping.

We love being outdoors it was another draw to this area, she said.

Lieuallen said she chose the Tacoma residency program for its focus on rural medicine, and she received extra training in high risk obstetrics and procedures.

Her husband works remotely, from Grant County, as a residential developer.

Both grew up in Madras, and their parents still live there; she also has a brother who lives in Bend with his family.

When shes not practicing medicine, Lieuallen says she enjoys cooking, crafting and skiing. She and her husband also enjoyed sailing while living in Tacoma.

Were excited to become a part of a smaller community and get to know the residents, she said.

She added that she enjoys the staff and her colleagues at the clinic. Some of them encouraged her to participate in the recent Zombie Run 5K.

Im getting well immersed, she said.

Lieuallen is accepting new patients. For appointments, call the clinic at 541-575-0404.