NEWPORT — When Brian Taft, PA-C, joined Newport Health Center in 2018, it felt like coming home. As a physician’s assistant student under Keith Bell, PA-C, Taft fell in love with the people and the area. Now, he’s developing his own practice in the community where he hopes to plant roots.

Although future plans include settling closer to Newport, the Coeur d’Alene native laughed and said, “I claim North Idaho.” Taft graduated from Lake City High School and went on to study at North Idaho College. He later received his physician’s assistant training through the University of Washington and became a certified physician’s assistant in 2018.

Taft’s decision to practice in Newport follows his own ideals, “I consider myself down-to-earth and small town. I was a P.A. student here and everyone has been so supportive,” he said.

Taft and wife, Amanda, have two children, Evie, 6; and Isla, 5; and consider their family “super outdoorsy”, especially when it comes to hiking, biking, hunting, and fishing. Taft also enjoys working with wood and creating special projects. Taft hopes to carve a niche for himself in the Greater Newport Area as a health and fitness guru and looks forward to helping others achieve their own exercise and nutrition goals.