Sanborn named CEO at SMC

KELLOGG — Shane Sanborn is the new CEO of Shoshone Medical Center.

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. 

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 pediatric physical therapist.

According to Sanborn, the rural, nonprofit critical access hospital that employs about 150 will continue expanding health initiatives and access to medical services. 

He said a significant piece of his vision is strengthening SMC’s role as a trusted partner in the community. 

“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.” 

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.