Dr. Ethan Armistead Ferrel, MD

Five stars do not feel like nearly enough for Dr. Ethan Ferrel at North Idaho Endoscopy and Surgical Specialists. My daughter recently learned that the pathology from her emergency appendectomy showed an extremely rare growth and raised the frightening possibility of cancer. She is a military widow whose husband passed away after being hit by an IED while serving in Afghanistan. As his surviving spouse, her insurance was changed from TRICARE to CHAMPVA. When we arrived for her appointment, we were told that the office does not accept CHAMPVA and that seeing the doctor would cost nearly $200. We could not afford that out of pocket, so we said we would need to be referred elsewhere and began to leave. A nurse then came running after us and said Dr. Ferrel had told her no—he wanted to see my daughter. Dr. Ferrel explained that he could not send us home to wait for another appointment while we worried about what this pathology report meant. He chose to see her completely pro bono, even… though he had absolutely no obligation to do so. And this was not a rushed courtesy visit. He had studied her unusual case, consulted with cancer specialists and an oncologist in Spokane, and patiently explained the complicated pathology and every possible next step. He was honest, thorough, gentle, and incredibly compassionate. As a mother sitting beside my daughter and hearing the “C-word,” I was an emotional mess. I cried through the appointment and hugged him afterward. He met my fear and tears with such kindness and never once made either of us feel rushed or like a burden. We entered that office terrified and left feeling informed, supported, and hopeful. Whatever frustrations we may have with the medical and insurance systems, Dr. Ferrel reminded us what genuine compassion in medicine looks like. Our family will never forget what he did for my daughter that day. Dr. Ferrel is the kind of physician every patient deserves—knowledgeable, generous, compassionate, and truly devoted to caring for people. I recommend him with my whole heart.