‘It isn’t sustainable.’ Casper, Wyoming, OB-GYN weathers maternity care shortage
The private-practice OB pool has fallen from six to two, forcing longer call shifts and delaying prenatal and gynecologic appointments.
- Casper's obstetrical care has dwindled to two providers, Dr. Sheridan and Dr. Melissa Hieb, forcing them into an overwhelming on-call schedule serving the central Wyoming community of roughly 80,000 residents.
- Five years ago, the private-practice OB pool in Casper began shrinking due to retirements, a practice closure, and a death in 2024, leaving Sheridan and Hieb to manage coverage that now alternates every other day.
- Dr. Sheridan regularly works 12-hour days bouncing between hospital, office, and surgery center, saying the situation "isn't sustainable over the long term," while recruitment efforts fail because competing states offer more favorable call schedules.
- While the Banner Wyoming Medical Center invested over $3 million in a night laborist program, state-level efforts to raise Medicaid payouts for maternal healthcare providers failed during the 2026 legislative session.
- Wyoming was recently awarded $205 million from the Rural Health Transformation Fund to address rural health gaps, with applications for new residency positions and programs due August 2 and August 3.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Check for marmots in cars on Casper Mountain, Game & Fish advises
CASPER, Wyo. — Motorists frequenting trailheads and campgrounds on Casper Mountain are facing an unconventional mechanical hazard: marmots. According to wildlife officials with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, the small mammals are increasingly seeking shelter in vehicle engine bays, leading to damages and costly repairs. According to Game & Fish wildlife biologist Kylie Sinclair, […]
'It isn't sustainable.' Casper, Wyoming, OB-GYN weather
Longtime obstetrician Susan Sheridan understands well that on-call coverage is part of her vocation. But with the number of OB-GYNs who serve Wyoming’s second-largest city plunging from an average of six to just two, the schedule has become overwhelming. “When there’s five of us, every fifth day you’re responsible for ER coverage and consults, in addition to whatever you have scheduled in your day,” Sheridan said. “At this point, it’s now every …
‘It isn’t sustainable.’ Casper OB-GYN weathers maternity care shortage
CASPER—Longtime obstetrician Susan Sheridan understands well that on-call coverage is part of her vocation. But with the number of OB-GYNs who serve Wyoming’s second-largest city plunging from an average of six to just two, the schedule has become overwhelming. “When there’s five of us, every fifth day you’re responsible for ER coverage and consults, in addition to whatever you have scheduled in your day,” Sheridan said. “At this point, it’s no…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
