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For Bob Hayes, finding the right primary care physician wasn’t just about medical treatment, it was about trust, compassion, and a shared commitment to health. His journey, filled with both personal and professional experiences, led him to a doctor who not only understood his medical needs but also valued him as a person. That doctor is Joel Woodruff, MD, of TriState Health Family Practice & Internal Medicine.

Bob grew up in a small town in Southeastern Idaho before pursuing his education at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, and then earning a degree in sociology and human behavior at Montana State University. His career path led him to work in substance abuse and psychiatry, including time with the Department of Corrections at an all-women’s prison. Passionate about recovery, he authored Journey to Recovery, a published book, and later became an educator, teaching courses on substance abuse, psychology, crisis intervention, and drugs in society at Lewis-Clark State College.

Around 2010, shortly after retiring, Bob had a life-changing accident. While working on his wood shingle roof on a rainy day, he slipped. “I thought, ‘I can’t get off here,’ Bob said, “and the next thing I knew, I was face down in the middle of the lawn.” At first, he thought he had only sprained something, but after dragging himself across the lawn and experiencing anaphylactic shock, his wife arrived and they knew it was time to get him to TriState Health.

“The ER was on it. Like that, they got me in, got me settled down, and helped things calm down. And that was the beginning of a great relationship because we’ve always come here,” Bob continues.

After several local surgeries for his injuries, Bob was advised to seek a primary care doctor. Due to the complexities of his case, finding one was a challenge. Instead of seeking care out of town, Bob waited. Then, unexpectedly, he received a call from TriState. 

“Someone from TriState called and said, ‘We have a really good physician named Joel Woodruff who would be a great match for you.’ They set me up with an appointment the next day. I almost fell out of my chair.”

From that moment on, Bob knew he had found a physician who truly cared. “Joel is reserved, but I’ll tell you what, he pays attention to the science, and he pays attention to what you’re saying. He explains things and he tells you the why, and it’s just so much nicer than getting a prescription and being told to check back in 30 days. He’s got savvy. He’s got common sense. He speaks to you on a level you understand.”

Bob appreciates Dr. Woodruff’s ability to balance professionalism with genuine care. “He’s on time, and punctuality is important to me. When I get there, he’s got the treatment plan already figured out in his head. He gives direction, asks what I want to talk about, and builds on my strengths. He and his medical assistant make a great team, she anticipates his every move. Every visit, he asks, ‘Is there anything else we need to talk about?’ That, to me, is priceless.”

One visit in particular stood out to Bob. “I told him, ‘I don’t want to waste your time.’ And he said, ‘It’s your time. We’ll take whatever time we need.’” That level of dedication has made all the difference in Bob’s healthcare journey.

Dr. Woodruff’s thorough approach exceeds routine check-ups. “Every X-ray, every test—he ensures they’re coordinated with my specialists in Spokane. I’m on blood thinners, and when I have surgeries, I have to be off them for a time. He makes it simple so I don’t have to think. That gives me peace of mind, and that’s important to me.”

More than just a doctor, Joel and his team have become trusted friends. “He’s polite, soft-spoken, and genuinely good-hearted. You can’t wait to go back because they’re your buddies. He’s always happy to see you, and these relationships are what keep me coming back to TriState. And the care, the care is awesome!”

Bob describes Dr. Woodruff as someone who truly sees his patients. He’ll say, ‘You’re looking better, you’re walking better.’ He asks the right questions, does the right things. It’s not just me coming in and telling him. He notices himself, and pays attention to what’s going on. It’s a full package.”

“He has a humanitarian heart and approach. He is so smart, capable, and knowledgeable,” said Bob in gratitude. “He knows his limits and refers to specialists when needed, one in Spokane saved my ability to walk. Joel has worked hard to improve my mobility and health, and I appreciate his compassion a great deal. He’s a specialist in whole health, the whole person. He is beyond description in so many ways.”