SSM Health is welcoming Ryan Butcher, DO, a board-certified internal medicine physician, to its Sleep Services team at St. Agnes Hospital, 430 E. Division Street. He is now accepting patients.

As a sleep medicine physician, Dr. Butcher specializes in obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, parasomnias, hypersomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, restless legs syndrome and other sleep disorders.

Dr. Butcher is especially interested in the different ways that obstructive sleep apnea can develop and how those differences shape treatment.

“Sleep apnea isn’t the same for everyone,” according to Dr. Butcher, “Some patients are affected more by anatomy, some by how their brain responds to breathing changes during sleep, and others by how easily they wake up during episodes of apnea. Understanding these patterns allows us to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.”

Dr. Butcher chose sleep medicine because sleep impacts every aspect of a person’s well-being. “I find it meaningful to help patients improve not only their nights but also their daily lives.”

Watching patients reclaim their lives – whether having more energy for family, a better focus at work or simply feeling well-rested – is what Dr. Butcher enjoys most about his role.

“My approach to care is patient centered and focuses on education,” according to Dr. Butcher. “I want each patient to understand their condition and the different treatment options available so they can make informed decisions about what fits them best. By providing the tools and knowledge they need, I aim to empower patients to take an active role in their care and feel confident in the path we choose together.”

A graduate of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Butcher completed his internal medicine residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin and fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American College of Physicians.

Dr. Butcher enjoys spending time with his wife, Molly, traveling, exploring the outdoors (hiking, biking and fly fishing), and spending time with family and friends.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Butcher, call 920-926-8730.