More than a Dozen Years of Healthcare Service in Bend
Our History
Fall Creek Internal Medicine, LLP is private practice that was established in Bend Oregon in February 2003. The founding Physicians, Kathryn Kocurek, Patricia Nibler, Brenda Johnson and Gerda Tapelband, all came together to offer personalized, compassionate care to the Central Oregon Community. Through the years, there have been a few changes. In February 2016 Dr. Brenda Johnson left Fall Creek to pursue her passion for lifestyle medicine, please click on the link to find out more about her new practice at: http://brendajohnsonmd.com. Dr. Kristin VanDomelen joined Fall Creek in February of 2016 and Dr. Leila Perry joined us in April of 2019. Dr. Nicholson retired from Fall Creek Internal Medicine at the end of July 2019. Currently Drs. Kocurek, Nibler, VanDomelen and Perry provide award winning, exceptional healthcare here in Bend.
We continue to be grateful to our Central Oregon community for supporting our wonderful practice!
The Mission & Purpose of Fall Creek Internal Medicine
Fall Creek Internal Medicine, LLP provides comprehensive preventive care and management of complex health challenges for adult patients, with an emphasis on compassion, respect, and empowering the patient to be a partner in their health. We emphasize healthy lifestyle, prevention, and use state of the art medical care with a strong foundation in evidence-based medicine. We provide the cornerstone primary care relationship from which we coordinate a patient’s referrals and interactions with the health care community at large.
Meet Our Staff
Emily Certified Medical Assistant
Emily is a Certified Medical Assistant and has worked alongside Dr. Nibler since 2008. She has worked in the Bend medical community since 2001. She loves to connect with her patients and support them in all aspects of their care. She enjoys the challenging intricacies of internal medicine and continues her education in this area. She has lived in Bend since childhood. She is married and has a sweet but sassy son and a dog that is full of energy. Together with her family she enjoys biking, camping, hiking and traveling. She loves a great book that she can get lost in. As music and her faith are a big part of her life, she is also involved in the music ministry at her church.
Lynette Certified Medical Assistant
Lynette is passionate about helping people to stay healthy, has a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from the University of Oregon, and has been a Health Educator and Fitness Instructor in Bend for many years. Her interest in patient care led her to complete her training as a Certified Medical Assistant. Lynette enjoys biking, hiking, gardening, reading, traveling and cooking. She has been in Central Oregon for over 13 years. Fall Creek is thrilled to have Lynette as part of our team!
Tillie Billing Supervisor
Tillie has been a part of the Fall Creek team since October 2013. She has an Associates Degree in Health Information Technology. She enjoys medical administration because it is ever changing, which allows her to learn and apply new skills. She was raised in Central Oregon and loves being a part of her community. When she is not at Fall Creek Internal Medicine, she is spending time with her family and friends taking advantage of everything Bend has to offer.
Carolyn Clinic Administrator
Carolyn joined Fall Creek Internal Medicine as the Clinic Administrator in May of 2018. With over 20 years of administrative experience in the medical field, she leads with a hands-on approach to the daily operations of the organization and is developing strategies in the management of personnel, budgeting, contracting, accounts payable, accounts receivable and strategic planning. Carolyn is committed to the mission of Fall Creek Internal Medicine to provide the best care in Central Oregon.
Originally from San Diego, California, Carolyn and her husband took a leap of faith and moved to Central Oregon in 2007. Looking for that small town vibe, they settled in Redmond. “Friends and family told us we would move back after a couple of winters. After visiting, now they are looking for property in Central Oregon for themselves!” Carolyn enjoys all activities outdoors, quality time with her dog JoJo, DIY projects, reading and gardening.
Emily "Em-J" Care Coordinator, Certified Medical Assistant
Emily, fondly known as Em-J around Fall Creek, was born and raised in Bend, OR. She left to earn her bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies and Native American Studies at Humboldt State University in Northern California. After working in social services and mental health related fields for 8 years, she decided to become certified as a Medical Assistant and begin her career helping patients navigate the healthcare system and achieve their health goals. She moved back to Bend in 2023 to be closer to her parents and is excited to join Fall Creek in the Care Coordinator position. Outside of the clinic, Em-J loves spending time doing pretty much anything outdoors with her wife and two dogs. Her other passion includes juggling and goofing around as a colorful clown named Wiggles, hoping to bring more smiles to her community with everything that she does.
Zakkary "Zakk" Certified Medical Assistant
Zakk joined our team while attending college full-time to become either a Nurse Practitioner or an exercise physiology researcher. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology June 2024. He has a strong background in skilled nursing, family care, and pediatrics. He enjoys weightlifting, hiking and playing with his dogs. He plans to continue his education to become a Nurse Practitioner.
Jessica Medical Assistant
Jessica recently relocated to Bend from California. She enjoys camping and hiking with her family. They have a couple of dogs that keep them on their toes. She completed her Medical Assisting course at the Modesto Junior College and is ready to help take care of all of the patients at Fall Creek.
Sharrol Front Desk Reception
Sharrol was born and raised in Oregon. She loves to hike and walk with her dog, gardening, and outdoors in nature. Sharrol likes to surprise people with the unexpected.
Marissa Front Desk Reception
Marissa has lived in Bend her whole life. She is mother to one daughter. She is experienced in medical reception and enjoys interacting with patients! She also enjoys spending time with her family, her pets and in the outdoors.
Michalea Medical Assistant
Michalea just recently graduated OSU-Cascades with a Bachelors of Science in Biology, minor in Chemistry. She aspires to be a physician assistant in the future. When she is not working, Michalea enjoys hiking with her dog, reading, writing, crafting and puzzles. Just taking a break from anything science for a while.
Rachel Certified Medical Assistant
Rachel, originally from Colorado, relocated to Oregon and became a certified medical assistant in 2020. Her passion is providing the highest level of care to her patients. She holds a degree in Health Information Management. Her hobbies are riding her ebike, seed bead crafting and she loves to share her creativity with everyone. She enjoys Bend life, antiques, Star Wars (original series). She also enjoys hanging out with her dog Ripley, named after the lead character in the movie Alien!