Last week High Country Healthcare announced the addition of its newest doctor, family practitioner Benjamin Cole, M.D.

Cole, who will be based in Silverthorne, will see children and adults and provide general care for a full range of health concerns.

An avid outdoorsman, Cole always dreamed of building a medical career in Colorado where he plans to combine his lifestyle interests with his special training in wilderness medicine, according to a High Country Healthcare news release. He already has served stints with the emergency physicians and ski patrollers at the base of Keystone Resort.

“Living in Colorado has been a lifelong goal and learning to care for people in extreme or emergency settings has been a fascinating addition to my interests in general medicine,” Cole said in the release. “From a general treatment perspective, people will find that I am a motivated partner and health care coach. I have a professional but informal approach to those under my care which creates a relaxed environment to address their individual concerns.”

Born and raised in Ocala, Fla., Cole enjoys hiking, fishing, skiing and boarding and spent much of his youth visiting with family in Edwards and Telluride. Like other High Country Healthcare providers, Cole has provided medical care to underserved populations in remote locations, including Uganda and Ecuador, the release stated.

Cole completed his internship and residency in Saint Vincent Health System in Erie, Penn., having earned his Medical Doctorate from the University of Florida. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

“High Country Healthcare continues to grow with an interesting mix of new arrivals to Summit County and those who’ve practiced here for 30-plus years,” said hospital CEO Rhonda Koehn in the release. “Dr. Cole’s interests are a great match with our local community.”

As one of his first orders of business Cole will lead a “Walk with a Doc” community education program entitled “Stress and its Effects on the Body.” The program takes place from 9 to 10 a.m. on August 17.

Interested participants, including well-behaved leashed dogs, can meet at the Summit Medical Office Building at 360 Peak One Drive, next to St. Anthony Summit Medical Center. A casual 45-minute walk-and-talk will follow a brief presentation.