Gunnison Valley Hospital welcomes new surgeon as Dr. Richard Anderson retires after 23 years of service
GUNNISON – A significant chapter in the history of Gunnison Valley Hospital has come to a close, and a new one has begun. After 23 years of dedicated service, Dr. Richard Anderson, M.D., officially retired on Aug. 13, marking the end of an era for the hospital and the community. In his place, the hospital is excited to introduce Dr. Tanner Allen, D.O., who began his tenure on Aug. 1 and will continue to uphold the high standard of care that Dr. Anderson has provided for over two decades.
Dr. Richard Anderson: A legacy of service and dedication

Dr. Richard Anderson
Dr. Anderson’s career is a testament to his commitment to his patients and his profession. Having received his master’s and doctorate degrees from Pennsylvania State University, and attended medical school at the University of Utah, where he completed a prestigious cardiothoracic fellowship, Dr. Anderson brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Gunnison Valley Hospital.
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Anderson expressed deep gratitude for the experiences and opportunities he had throughout his years of service. “I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to make a difference in my patients’ lives and to work alongside my friends,” he shared. “While I will miss the daily interactions and challenges, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing personal interests.”
Dr. Anderson’s impact on the community and the hospital staff cannot be overstated. His colleagues describe him as a trusted, kind, and highly respected member of the medical team. Brenda Bartholomew, CEO of Gunnison Valley Hospital, praised Dr. Anderson’s unwavering dedication to his patients and the community. “The staff at Gunnison Valley Hospital will miss Dr. Anderson’s presence deeply. He has dedicated his life to healing and serving our communities, often with frequent personal sacrifices. He is a trusted member of our team who is vigilant about patient care, who is respected by all, and has always treated everyone with kindness,” Bartholomew said.
Dr. Anderson’s retirement marks the end of an era, and his absence will be felt by the many patients whose lives he has touched over the years. However, his legacy will continue to inspire the staff and new surgeons who follow in his footsteps.
A new era: Welcoming Dr. Tanner Allen

Dr. Tanner Allen
As the hospital bids farewell to Dr. Anderson, it also warmly welcomes Dr. Tanner Allen, D.O., who is stepping in to fulfill the general surgery needs of the community. Dr. Allen comes with an impressive background and a deep connection to the Sanpete County area.
Dr. Allen is a Sanpete County native, having graduated from North Sanpete High School with both his High School Diploma and an Associate of Science Degree simultaneously. He then pursued his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Utah State University before attending Medical School at A.T. Still University- Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri. After medical school, Dr. Allen completed a rigorous 5-year residency in general surgery in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, where he gained extensive experience in a wide range of surgical procedures.
Dr. Allen is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in various surgical procedures, including minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries, hernia repairs, and gastrointestinal surgeries. His expertise, combined with his innovative approach to surgery, makes him a valuable addition to the Gunnison Valley Hospital team.
Brenda Bartholomew, CEO of Gunnison Valley Hospital, expressed her enthusiasm about Dr. Allen’s arrival. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Tanner Allen to our surgical team. His exceptional skills, dedication to patient care, and innovative approach to surgery make him a valuable addition. We are confident that Dr. Allen will enhance our team’s capabilities and contribute significantly to our mission of providing the highest quality care to our patients.”
Dr. Allen’s return to his hometown to serve the community where he grew up is a testament to his commitment to giving back and making a difference. He will be working out of Gunnison Valley Hospital’s new Gunnison Valley Surgery Clinic, located at 65 E 100 N in Gunnison. All of Dr. Allen’s surgeries will be performed at Gunnison Valley Hospital, ensuring that patients receive top-notch care close to home.
A bright future for Gunnison Valley Hospital
The retirement of Dr. Richard Anderson marks the end of a remarkable career, but it also signals a new beginning for Gunnison Valley Hospital. With the arrival of Dr. Tanner Allen, the hospital is poised to continue providing exceptional surgical care to the community.
Dr. Allen’s expertise and fresh perspective, combined with the hospital’s ongoing commitment to patient care, ensure that Gunnison Valley Hospital remains a trusted healthcare provider for the region. The new Gunnison Valley Surgery Clinic is now open and accepting patients, and the hospital is excited about the opportunities this new chapter brings.
As Dr. Anderson transitions into a well-deserved retirement, the staff and community extend their heartfelt thanks for his years of service and dedication. His legacy will continue to influence the hospital for years to come, even as Dr. Allen begins to make his mark in the community.
For those interested in scheduling an appointment with Dr. Tanner Allen at the Gunnison Valley Surgery Clinic, please call 435-528-2222.


