Healing Horizons: A Journey from Ranch to Rural Medicine

The vast, sweeping landscapes of North Dakota have a way of shaping those who call them home. For Bobbi Rae Thuen, M.D., Family Medicine and Primary Care at Belle Fourche Clinic, those rolling prairies and endless skies were more than just a backdrop—they were the crucible that forged her passion for medicine and community care.

Growing up on a ranch near Minot, Dr. Thuen’s childhood was a tapestry of hard work, family bonds and western grit. Between school lessons and college studies, she carved out a unique path, training horses and giving riding lessons along the rodeo circuit. These early experiences weren’t just about horsemanship—they were her first lessons in patience, understanding and the art of listening.

“I’ve always been drawn to helping people,” said Dr. Thuen. “Science was my compass, and medicine became my calling.” And for her, being a physician was about connections.

Her journey took a turn when she chose to work on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Those three years were more than professional experience—they were a transformative education in rural health care. “Working in an underserved community taught me everything textbooks couldn’t,” she explains. “It showed me that good medicine is about truly hearing your patients.”

Now practicing at Monument Health Belle Fourche Clinic, Dr. Thuen has found her home. Her practice spans generations—from pediatrics to elder care—with a special focus on women’s health and diabetes management. Patients speak not just of her medical expertise, but of her remarkable ability to listen and understand.

When she’s not in the clinic, Dr. Thuen enjoys horseback riding, hunting and fishing and outdoor adventures with her family.

A member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Medical Association, Dr. Thuen represents a new generation of rural physicians: compassionate, versatile and deeply committed to community health.

Back Row (L to R): Maxine Rysavy, Nicole Hoyme, Allan Schlechten, Bethanie Zeestraten, Jamie McKay, Karen Mosier, Alicia Porsch, Vanessa Jones. Front Row (L to R): Michelle Jensen, Karen Buresh, Abigail Marek, Dr. Bobbie Rae Thuen, Andrea Pedersen, Rebecca Bishop.

Belle Fourche Clinic Services:
•    Primary Care
•    Heart & Vascular Care
•    Endocrinology
•    Laboratory Services
•    Medical Imaging
•    Physical Therapy
•    Occupational Therapy
•    Speech Therapy

Story By Bob Slocum
Photos by Bob Slocum