Skagway’s medical clinic has seen high turnover during the last year and a half. One of the positions recently vacated was the medical director. This month the municipality hired a new permanent provider to fill the role. KHNS’ Mike Swasey caught up with him to discuss his vision for the clinic’s future.
Brent Kunzler booked a one-way ticket from the lower 48 to Skagway for his final in-person interview because he was convinced he’d take the job as physician’s assistant and medical director at Skagway’s Dahl Memorial Clinic. He says he has always been interested in working in Alaska.
“Mainly where it’s not too snowy. And here I am,” said Kunzler.
He says he hopes to make some changes in the next few months, like expanding access to mental health services.
“The problem, obviously, in remote areas is accessibility to doctors. So the best way in remote medicine is to do telehealth, tele-psych, those are easier to you know, get in touch with the right person, and I think that’s what we’re gonna end up doing, for sure,” said Kunzler.
He says Skagway’s response to the pandemic has been proactive and he sees that as a positive. He also says continuing current policies will help mitigate the potential spread of the virus.
“Number one, vaccination is a good thing. Mask wearing, hand washing, being aware, I think is a big thing. I know the cases have been fairly small. And that’s the intent is to keep them small,” said Kunzler.
Right now, COVID-19 testing for travelers looking to get into Canada from Skagway is limited. Kunzler says he thinks that will change soon.
“I know that we have four machines we’re going to start opening up for travel pretty soon. And I would guess in the next week or so,” said Kunzler.
He was born in Utah then entered military service in 1969 to be a medic for the Green Berets. He earned his degree as a physician’s assistant from Stanford University and his master’s from A.T. Stills University in Arizona.
“Funny thing. My last paper, I was 20 miles south of Syria. I was getting ready to send it and mortar hit our generator and knocked it out. So my last paper was late to be sent in. It’s kind of annoying,” said Kunzler.
He would go on to earn a doctorate from A.T. Stills University as well. Kunzler has three daughters and three grandchildren. He says he’s a people person and a strong believer in government transparency — including what happens at the municipally-run clinic.
“I (am) always a pretty straight shooter, I don’t really mince words too much. I don’t like that much.I think when you ask a question, I’ll answer the question. And if I know the answer, then I’ll tell it. If I don’t know it I’ll find it out. That’s the kind of guy I am,” said Kunzler.
Earlier this year Skagway officials invited a regional tribal healthcare organization to make a proposal to take over operations at the Dahl Memorial Clinic; that proposal hasn’t been made yet. Kunzler offered no opinion on the potential deal saying “whatever happens, happens.”
