MRH Pulmonology Clinic Maintains Care During Dr. Andrew Hersh’s Military Deployment

Additional pulmonologists will provide coverage while Hersh serves on temporary Air Force assignment

MONTROSE, Colo. (July 7, 2026) — Andrew Hersh, M.D., a pulmonologist at Montrose Regional Health (MRH) and a member of the U.S. Air Force for 19 years, has been deployed on a temporary military assignment. He is expected to return in November.

“We’re incredibly grateful for Dr. Hersh’s service to our country and equally committed to ensuring our patients continue receiving the high-quality pulmonary care they expect from MRH,” said Jeff Mengenhausen, CEO of Montrose Regional Health.

Patients with existing appointments should plan to keep their scheduled visits unless contacted directly by the clinic. MRH Pulmonology continues to provide robotic navigation for lung nodule cancer diagnostics without interruption. Patient evaluations, lung nodule workups, and diagnostic testing will continue throughout Hersh’s deployment. The clinic will also continue evaluating pulmonary valve patients, with procedures tentatively scheduled following his return.

During Hersh’s deployment, board-certified pulmonologists Heather Howe, M.D., and Bruce Suckling, M.D., along with visiting pulmonologist Rage Geringer, M.D., will provide coverage to ensure continuity of care. Howe will assume Hersh’s lung nodule diagnostic responsibilities, with support and mentorship from Geringer, a NOAH Robotics superuser recognized for achieving one of the nation’s highest first-pass diagnostic yields using robotic bronchoscopy. Geringer will focus on supporting the clinic’s advanced diagnostic program rather than seeing clinic patients. Suckling will provide additional support for both diagnostic procedures and outpatient clinic care.

Howe has more than 15 years of medical experience and has provided pulmonary care in partnership with Montrose Regional Health for four years. Before joining MRH in March 2026, Suckling spent more than 20 years practicing pulmonary medicine in Colorado Springs. Both are board-certified pulmonologists. Geringer is a pulmonologist at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and is board-certified in pulmonary medicine and critical care. He has more than eight years of experience in pulmonary medicine. He was recently named an “Early Career Rising Star to Watch” by CHEST Magazine.

The expanded physician coverage allows MRH to continue offering advanced pulmonary diagnostics locally, helping patients avoid unnecessary travel for specialized lung nodule evaluation and care.

For more information about services available through the MRH Pulmonology Clinic, visit montrosehealth.com/pulmonology or call 970-252-2753.