BY KAREN BOSSICK
A bilingual family medicine doctor with a special interest in obstetrics has joined St. Luke’s Wood River Family Medicine.
Dr. Peter Ferrara, who had been working at St. Luke’s Jerome, is currently accepting new patients, offering a full spectrum of care.
Originally from the Philadelphia suburbs, he earned his medical degree from Pennsylvania State University. He completed his residency at University of Pittsburgh and an Advanced Women’s Health fellowship at the University of Tennessee-Memphis.
He’s following in the footsteps of his father, a family doctor.
"I remember deciding to become a doctor when I was 12 on a ride home from a wrestling match with my dad. He shared a story about how he listened to a patient and encouraged him to get a heart test, ultimately finding a clogged artery before it caused the patient trouble," he said.
Ferrara says he loves obstetrics and family medicine because of the ability to help children grow into healthy adults, while providing healthcare for the entire family.
“While bringing a life into the world can be physically and mentally challenging, the reward of bringing a life into the world brings me great joy,” he added.
Ferrara speaks Spanish proficiently from years of learning the language in school and many small trips to Honduras to help with global health projects. He has a history of international volunteer work, particularly in Honduras, where he has worked to reduce infant and maternal morbidity and mortality through the Pittsburgh-based organization "Shoulder to Shoulder."
Moving to the Wood River Valley allows Ferrara’s wife to get closer to her work, as she has been working remotely for POWER Engineers. Ferrara is also excited about living in such a beautiful place where skiing, climbing and whitewater kayaking opportunities are nearby. He also enjoys playing guitar and raising pigs, goats and chickens.
Ferrara is located at the St. Luke’s Clinic—Family Medicine at 1450 Aviation Drive and at Family Practice Associates on Maple Street in Hailey. To schedule an appointment, call 208-788-3434 or schedule on St. Luke’s myChart.