L-C Valley getting 3 new docs

A pair of urologists have been recruited to Valley Medical Center to meet a key health care need in Lewiston.

Dr. Tom Tieu came to the practice in August and will be joined next month by Dr. David Rice.

Tieu's arrival came on the heels of a 31/2 month gap at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston following the May 1 retirement of Dr. John Cochran. Retired urologist Dr. Steve Kronholm assisted during that time, said David Schlactus, co-CEO of Catalyst Medical Group, which includes Valley Medical. Tieu and Rice will have privileges at St. Joe's.

Bringing Tieu and Rice to Lewiston is part of an effort by medical professionals to end shortages in a number of specialties. St. Joe's hopes to attract more than 25 specialists to the community over the next few years, including a third neurosurgeon.

With the additions of Tieu and Rice, Lewiston should be adequately served in urology, Schlactus said.

Rice and Tieu's field specializes in vasectomies and treatment for kidney stones, incontinence, erectile dysfunction and cancers of the kidney, prostate and bladder.

Tieu completed his medical degree at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago and did his urology residency at Southern Illinois University in Springfield.

He earned his bachelor's degree in operations research from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master's of business administration from the University of New Mexico. He reached the rank of captain during six years in the Air Force.

Rice comes to Lewiston from Boise and has practiced urology for 27 years. He was one of the first surgeons in the country to use the Da Vinci robotic surgery system in 2001.

St. Joe's has no plans to add Da Vinci robotics, but that could change as the hospital goes through routine evaluations to see if the equipment it has adequately serves physicians and patients, said hospital spokeswoman Christina Metcalf.

"We may. I couldn't say yes or no," Metcalf said. "We're always looking at equipment that would benefit the patients that surgeons would use."

Rice is a graduate of the University of Kansas Medical School and completed his residency at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland.

In addition to the urologists, Valley Medical is gaining an ear, nose and throat specialist. Dr. Coral Tieu treats tonsillitis, thyroid issues, sinus problems, balance disorders, ear infections and cancers of the neck and head. She is married to Dr. Tom Tieu.

Like her husband, she finished her medical degree at Rosalind University of Medicine and Science, did her residency at Southern Illinois University and served in the Air Force, where she achieved the rank of staff sergeant.

Williams may be contacted at ewilliam@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2261.