Great Plains Health Announces New Leadership

Great Plains Health, a prominent healthcare provider in North Platte, Nebraska, has recently announced a significant leadership change within its emergency department. This transition will officially take place on September 1, 2026, marking the end of Dr. James Smith’s tenure as co-medical director.

Dr. Smith has been an integral part of the Great Plains Health medical staff since 2004 and has held the position of emergency department medical director since 2006. In recent years, he shared the leadership role with Dr. Renee Engler. The decision to step down is part of a well-established succession plan as Smith prepares for retirement. Following this change, Dr. Engler will assume the role of sole medical director for the emergency department starting from the same date.

Despite stepping down from his leadership position, Dr. Smith will continue to be actively involved with Great Plains Health. He will maintain his responsibilities as a member of the emergency department medical staff, serve as LifeNet medical director, and retain his EMS leadership duties. Additionally, he will provide support to Dr. Engler during the transition period.

“I have truly enjoyed serving in this capacity for so many years,” said Dr. Smith in a statement. “I look forward to continuing my patient care and supporting Dr. Engler and the team as we move forward with this transition.”

Dr. Engler, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, has been a valuable member of the Great Plains Health team since 2011. She has served as co-medical director since 2013 and has held various other leadership roles, including medical director of urgent care and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program. She has also served as past chief of staff and hospital board member, as well as medical director for two rural EMS agencies.

“I am honored to continue serving in this role and to build upon the strong foundation that Dr. Smith has established,” said Dr. Engler. “Our primary focus remains on delivering exceptional care to our patients and the broader community.”

In addition to the leadership changes, Great Plains Health has also announced the arrival of Dr. Colten Hall, who will join the emergency department medical staff in August. Dr. Hall is a graduate of North Platte High School, highlighting the local connection and commitment to the community.