Sanborn named CEO at SMC

KELLOGG — Shoshone Medical Center is under new leadership following the recent appointment of Shane Sanborn as its new chief executive officer. 

Sanborn, 39, took over earlier this month for Paul Lewis, who led the hospital for six years before accepting a position at a medical facility in Kootenai County. Lewis’ tenure included significant expansion efforts, and Sanborn will now oversee the next phase of the hospital’s development. 

Sanborn comes to SMC after eight years in Kootenai County, where he served as CEO of Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital in Post Falls. Before moving into administration, he worked as a physical therapist specializing in pediatrics, experience he says shaped his patient‑centered approach to healthcare leadership. 

According to Sanborn, the rural, nonprofit critical access hospital will continue the momentum established by former CEOs Jerry Brantz and Lewis, particularly in growing community health initiatives and expanding access to essential medical services. 

“Our passion and mission at SMC is to provide excellence in healthcare, something our team lives out every day,” Sanborn said. “It’s more than a statement; it’s a commitment we demonstrate daily through the care we provide to our patients and community.” 

Sanborn said a major piece of his vision is strengthening SMC’s role as a trusted partner in the community. That includes building on its relationship with residents, local agencies and regional health partners to promote wellness, prevention and accessible care close to home. 

“We want to be more than just a hospital and clinics,” he said. “We want to be your community health partner of choice. Focused not only on treating illness, but on promoting health throughout our county and beyond.” 

Sanborn emphasized that SMC will continue evaluating the community’s needs as it considers future services or expansions. Maintaining open communication with patients, providers and community organizations, he said, will remain essential. 

“Every community is unique,” Sanborn said. “Our goal is to understand the evolving needs and deliver services that truly support the health and well-being of the people we serve.” 

Shoshone Medical Center is a nonprofit, district‑owned facility and was recently named one of the 2025 Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals by the Chartis Group, a national healthcare consulting firm.