KELLOGG — The Shoshone Medical Center Board of Directors recently announced Katie VanHoose as SMC’s 2026 Employee of the Year.

VanHoose serves as the hospital’s health information management and medical records manager and has worked at SMC for 24 years. Her responsibilities include maintaining and safeguarding patient information, ensuring records are accurate, accessible and compliant with healthcare regulations. At a rural critical access hospital, the role is among the many essential positions that operate behind the scenes. 

“Throughout her career, Katie has played a vital role in ensuring the integrity, security, and accessibility of our patients' medical records while overseeing the many complex functions of the HIM department,” SMC Chief Executive Officer Shane Sanborn said. “Her expertise helps keep our clinical and administrative operations running smoothly, supports regulatory compliance, and enables our providers to deliver exceptional patient care. She is widely respected for her depth of knowledge, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence.” 

During the announcement, Sanborn referred to VanHoose as one of the facility’s “silent heroes,” describing her as humble, kind, selfless and willing to take on additional responsibilities, even when they fall outside her normal scope of work. 

“Katie approaches every task with integrity and a positive attitude,” Sanborn said. “Her dedication has had a lasting impact on our organization, our employees, and the patients we are privileged to serve. This recognition reflects not only Katie's exceptional work ethic and leadership but also the compassion and servant-hearted culture that defines Shoshone Medical Center.” 

For VanHoose, the recognition is a point of pride, but she was quick to credit her colleagues for their support and contributions. 

“I’m very thankful for this recognition,” she said. “I also think there’s a lot of other people at SMC who deserve to be recognized, but I’m very grateful. I love working at Shoshone Medical Center.” 

VanHoose was not the only employee recognized during the meeting. 

The board also honored staff members celebrating five- and 10-year service anniversaries with the organization. Those employees included Hayle Thompson, Bryan Humphrey, Amy Paul, Erin Jerome, Randie Melton, Ana Campo, Annette Nevills and Emma Marlow. 

“Congratulations, Katie, and congratulations to all of our years of service honorees,” Sanborn said. “Thank you for your hard work, compassion, and commitment to caring for our community every day.”