High Plains Surgical Associates

Bios

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  Dr. Sara Hartsaw

  Dr. Hartsaw was born in the small town of Chappell, Nebraska. Even as a child the practice of medicine fascinated her, and she knew from a very young age she would one day become a doctor. Growing up in Cheyenne, WY new doors opened for Dr. Hartsaw that enabled her to chase her dream of one day entering the medical profession. Graduating from East High in Cheyenne, she made her way to the top becoming a Fellow of The American College of Surgeons in 1992. This is considered to be the premier surgical association worldwide. Taking her desire to a new level, Dr. Hartsaw joined the United States Navy Reserve in 2013 where she now holds the rank of Commander. Along with new experiences and challenges, this opportunity has also taken Dr. Hartsaw into the heart of Afghanistan. She notes that she was 'not too busy' while deployed which is certainly better than our troops needing her services. In addition to her title of “Dr.”, she also holds the title of “mom.” Dr. Hartsaw is the mother of 5 children, the youngest of whom is currently attending High School locally in Gillette. Driven by discipline and grit, Dr. Hartsaw continues to strive to be the best surgeon not only for herself but also for the patients she serves daily in our community. The medical field has given Dr. Hartsaw the honor of interacting with specialists from across the country thus introducing her to better, faster, and more efficient ways to succeed in her surgical techniques and therapies. However, Gillette has given Dr. Hartsaw the home base she has always dreamed about. She continues to dedicate her life to growing with the latest developments and treatments. Her hometown also provides the opportunity to serve and strengthen the bond between community members and the certified professionals they put trust in daily.

  Link: Dr. Sara Hartsaw

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  Dr. Jacob Rinker

  Born May 24th in the same hospital he practices medicine in today, Dr. Jacob Rinker comes from a strong background with deep community ties; his mother, a school teacher for over three decades – and his father, a local miner at Eagle Butte coal mine. Dr. Rinker grew up loving everything this community had to offer, including hands-on experiences. Because of Wyoming's endless opportunities, Dr. Rinker found passion in hunting, fishing, camping, and marksmanship from an early age. These hobbies carried through into his college years where he competed in the Men’s Air Pistol category during both the 2002 and 2003 Junior Olympics. He continues to be an avid hunter and fisherman. Perhaps one of the most fundamental building blocks that led Dr. Rinker to where he is today would be his involvement in the local Fire Cadet program. Because he loves assisting people in need, he volunteered as a firefighter during his college years where he earned his EMT basic certification. Dr. Rinker also worked diligently at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT to earn a degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience. With each patient he worked with, Dr. Rinker found himself drawn more and more to the workings of the medical profession. Finding himself filled with questions and a desire to learn more, Dr. Rinker knew he had found his calling in medicine; ultimately surgery. It’s the connection that Dr. Rinker feeds on. His desire to be present from the very beginning reassures his patients that it's not only about the procedure, but he wants to make sure that you are taken care of in the process. His impeccable bedside manner shows just how much his dedication to being there for his patients means to him. His love for science and medicine has turned into a passion for healing. If you ask Dr. Rinker what keeps him going you’ll get one simple answer, “I believe in what I do.”

  Link: Dr. Jacob Rinker