Helena specialty center opens with orthopedic care, outreach services

HELENA, Mont. — Great Falls Clinic announced the opening of a new specialty center in Helena that will start with orthopedic care and add pulmonology outreach services.

The Great Falls Clinic Capital City Specialty Center, at 2231 N. Montana Ave. in Helena, expands specialty care access for patients and families across Central Montana, according to the clinic.

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Peter D. Hanson leads the orthopedic practice with more than 30 years of experience, caring for people in Helena and nearby communities and specializing in foot and ankle surgery, the clinic added.

Jeremy Clark, interim CEO of Great Falls Hospital and Clinic, said the new center is part of a broader effort in Helena.

“The opening of the Great Falls Clinic Capital City Specialty Center reflects our commitment to serving the Helena community with compassionate, personalized specialty care,” Clark said. “This new center strengthens our ability to meet patients where they are and support the long-term health of families across Central Montana. We’re proud to invest in this region and honored to become part of the community we now call home.”

The clinic also announced that pulmonology provider Patrick Smith, FNP, would offer outreach services several days each month in Helena.

Jessie Harris, director of clinical outreach at Great Falls Clinic, said the organization is still looking at what could come next for the Helena location.

“We are excited to continue expanding specialty care access in Helena and throughout Central Montana,” she said. “As we grow this location, we are actively evaluating additional services and we welcome community feedback on the types of specialty care residents would like to see offered locally.”

The clinic said Hanson cared for patients in Helena and Central Montana for more than two decades. He continued a family connection to orthopedic care in Helena as the son of Dr. Harris D. Hanson, who founded the Helena Orthopedic Clinic more than 60 years ago.

Hanson said joining the clinic gave him a chance to keep serving Helena patients close to home.

“Joining an established and respected organization like Great Falls Clinic is something I’m truly excited about,” he said. “I look forward to continuing the relationships I’ve built throughout the Helena community while welcoming new patients and providing patient-centered orthopedic care close to home.”

The clinic said Hanson is accepting new and established patients beginning July 2026. More information and appointments are available through the Great Falls Clinic website or by calling 406-268-3960.