Experienced Surgical Group Joining Methodist Physicians Clinic

COUNCIL BLUFFS – A team of three surgeons, with nearly 50 years of expertise combined, are now part of the Methodist Physicians Clinic system of providers.

The group, which has operated under the name of Council Bluffs Surgical Associates since 2005, includes Dr. Patrick Ahrens, Dr. Eric Bendorf, Dr. Michael Zlomke and physician assistant Cleo Beckham, the surgeons will remain in their current location in the Ridge Building attached to Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, in Suite 214.

“We could not be more excited to have this group of surgeons join the Methodist organization,” said Brad Hansen, vice president with Methodist Physicians Clinic. “To be able to expand our surgical offerings to our patients in the community is tremendous.” 

Dr. Ahrens earned his undergraduate degree from Carroll College and his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine.  He also completed his general surgery residency at the Henry Ford Hospital. Dr. Ahrens is board-certified in general surgery. He is also a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Bendorf earned his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and his medical degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He completed his general surgery residency at Mercy Catholic Medical Center. He is board-certified in general surgery and is a member of the Iowa Medical Society and the Iowa Medical Political Action Committee.

Dr. Zlomke earned his undergraduate degree from Nebraska Wesleyan and his medical degree from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency at Rush-Presbyterian – St. Luke’s in Chicago, Ill. He is board-certified in general surgery.

Cleo Beckham earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and her Masters in physician’s assistant studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She is a certified physician assistant. She is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Nebraska Academy of Physician Assistants.