Meet Our Doctors — Appleton Clinics™ - A Family Doctor Primary Care Clinic in Grand Junction, CO
Craig A. Gustafson, M.D.

Craig A. Gustafson, M.D.

Founder, Appleton Clinics

Board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine

  • Doctor of Medicine Degree, University of Arkansas (2001)

  • Diplomate, American Academy of Family Physicians

Dr. Gustafson has particular interests in preventive medicine, dermatologic procedures and orthopedic injury management. He enjoys skiing, family camping trips and riding dirt bikes.

Dr. Gustafson is married with three children.

 

Lawrence Stelmach, M.D.

Lawrence Stelmach, M.D.

Board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine

  • Doctor of Medicine degree, University of New Mexico School of Medicine (1993)

  • Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, University of Mexico School of Allied Sciences

  • Biology / Chemistry, University of Hartford

Dr. Stelmach's special medical interests include: Nutritional and lifestyle, travel and tropical medicine, diabetes and infectious disease. He enjoys cycling, jazz guitar, fly fishing, aviation and travel. 

Dr. Stelmach is married with three children.

 

 

Stacia Baker, M.D.

Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine

Practicing family medicine in the Grand Valley since 2011

  • Doctor of Medicine Degree, Albany Medical College (1993)

  • Residency of Family Medicine, Bangor, Maine

  • BA Population and Environmental Biology, Minor in Chemistry, University of Colorado

Dr. Baker has particular interests in care of the family, women's health, pediatrics, teen health, and palliative care.

She enjoys spending time with family, cooking, gardening, yoga, hiking, biking, travel and acrylic painting.

 

David Carlson, M.D.

Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine

Practicing medicine in the Grand Valley since 2009

  • Doctor of Medicine, The University of Colorado, 2009

  • Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, The Colorado College, 2004

Dr. Carlson's medical interests include internal medicine, pediatrics, and preventative care.

Dr. Carlson is married with two children. He enjoys telemark skiing, running, camping, and playing with his kids.

 

R. Fletcher Colwell, M.D.

Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine

Sports Medicine Certificate of Added Qualification

Practicing Medicine in the Grand Valley since 2009

  • Doctor of Medicine, The University of Washington School of Medicine, 2009

  • Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, Emory University

  • Clinical Faculty, St. Mary’s Family Medicine Residency Program

  • Diplomate, American Academy of Family Physicians

Dr. Colwell’s medical interest focuses on musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment and includes preventative medicine and the vast spectrum of primary care.

Dr. Colwell is married with two children. He enjoys following where the river leads and exploring the outdoors.

Dr. Colwell is joining Appleton Clinics in January 2022.

 

Denise Burnett, M.D.

Board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine (1997)

27 years of practicing medicine including 3+ years in the Grand Valley

  • Doctor of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland Canada (1994), Family Medicine Residency completed in 1996

  • Bachelor of Science with major in Biology at Memorial Hospital of Newfoundland (1990)

Dr. Burnett enjoys hiking, travel, playing piano, and spending time with family and friends. Dr. Burnett has three adult children.

 

Elvi Whiteford, M.D.

Board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine

  • Diplomate of American Academy of Family Physicians

  • OB/GYN Fellowship, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (2004)

  • Doctor of Medicine Degree, Loma Linda University School of Medicine (2000)

  • Bachelor of Science in Biology with minor in Chemistry, Fort Lewis College

  • Former Faculty Member, St. Mary’s Family Practice Residency Program

  • Women’s Health Director, VA Hospital

Dr. Whiteford has particular interests in preventive medicine, women, and children’s health and delights in the care of entire families. She enjoys spending time with her two sons and husband, traveling, running, hiking, reading and gardening.

Dr. Whiteford provides limited coverage for Appleton Clinics.

 

Jill Hilty, M.D.

Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine

  • Doctor of Medicine degree, University of Colorado School of Medicine (1993)

  • Assistant Clinical Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine 1997-present

  • Co-chairperson of Continuing Medical Education for St. Mary's Hospital 2004-present

  • Board Member for West Springs Hospital 2013-2016

  • Diplomate, American Academy of Family Physicians

  • Dr. Hilty has particular interests in dermatology, adolescent medicine and mental health.

Dr. Hilty is married with three children. She enjoys skiing, hiking and painting. She maintains a limited schedule at Appleton Clinics.

 

Jared Barjenbruch, C-PA
QuickCare™ Director

Board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

  • Masters of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2014

  • Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife with minor in Mathematics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2012

Jared’s medical interests include acute care management, orthopedics, and antibiotic stewardship. He enjoys outdoor adventures with his wife and two dogs including camping, backpacking, hiking, and traveling. Jared also enjoys running, mountain biking, hunting, and fishing.

 

Alyson J. Weirich PA-C

Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

Three years as a Hospitalist Physician Assistant

  • Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Services from Midwestern University

  • Bachelor of Biological Science, minor in Biomedical Sciences from Colorado State University

Alyson’s medical interests include internal medicine, acute care, and neurology. She is married with one son and enjoys camping, crocheting, time with her family, and working on their bison ranch.

 

Julie Kissner, FNP-C

Board Certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners

  • Masters of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Maryville University, 2020

  • Bachelors of Science in Nursing, University of Northern Colorado, 2006

Julie’s medical interests include women’s health, trauma and emergency medicine, as well as heath education. She is married with one young daughter. In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading, traveling, helping with the family cattle operation and coaching her daughter’s athletics.

 

Patrick Pick PA-C

  • Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

  • Master of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2014

  • Bachelor of Science in Biology with Minor in Biochemistry, Northwest Missouri State University

Patrick’s medical interest include acute care management, dermatology, otolaryngology, and minor surgical procedures. He enjoys hiking, skiing, and traveling with his wife and two kids. He also enjoys golfing, fishing, and biking.

 

Our Board Certified Family Physicians Have Over 80 Years of Experience Taking Care of Families Just Like Yours.

As a patient, the choice of your health care provider is always your choice.  Craig A. Gustafson, M.D., P.C. (“CAG”) is the health care provider for Appleton Clinics GJ, LLC members.  As a member of Appleton Clinics GJ, LLC your patient records will continue to be kept at Appleton Clinics under the supervision of CAG (your provider) and in accordance with Colorado law.  Patients wishing to access their records, or who have any other questions regarding care, or who are needing to reach their provider (CAG), may reach us during normal business hours at 970.242.1566.