October 31, 2025 3:20 a.m.   

Two new physician associates are joining the care team at Myrtle Creek Family Medicine, as participants in Aviva Health’s new Rural Oregon Advanced Practice Provider Residency Program.

An Aviva release said this will help expand access to primary care in south Douglas County.

Crystal Espinoza, PA-S and Vilca “Vika” Havili, PA-S will begin their work at Aviva on Monday, November 3rd, after completing the University of Utah School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program in St. George, Utah. They will begin seeing patients at the Myrtle Creek Clinic on December 1st. Aviva Health is currently accepting new patients to help build their schedules.

Aviva Health CEO KC Bolton said, “Our goal is pretty straightforward: give new providers the support they need to hit the ground running in rural health care.” Bolton said, “Crystal and Vika are eager to serve, and we’re glad they chose to start their careers here in Douglas County”.

The 13-month APP Residency Program provides newly graduated physician associates and family nurse practitioners with structured, hands-on training focused on conditions commonly seen in rural primary care. Residents receive mentorship from experienced clinicians and participate in specialty rotations including pediatrics, behavioral health, women’s health, and dermatology, along with dedicated time for classroom learning and clinical skills development.

The program also advances workforce development efforts that support Aviva Health’s mission to recruit, train, and retain primary care providers in Douglas County, building on the success of the Roseburg Family Medicine Residency Program launched in 2020.

Bolton said, “We’re not just building strong clinicians. We’re giving them a chance to put down roots and become part of the community, and that’s how you build lasting access to care”.

Patients interested in scheduling an appointment with Espinoza or Havili at Myrtle Creek Family Medicine Clinic can call 860-4070.