MED Magazine, June 2024

South Dakota Named a Top State for Doctors

Luverne Nurse Retires After 60 Years of Service

How Home Again Helps Vulnerable South Dakotans Return to Independent Living

Advancing GI Care at Monument Health

Ali Zakaria, MD

Issam Turk, MD

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Gregory Nissen, MD

Angelo Santos, MD

Patrick Kelly, MD

Advancing GI Care at Monument Health

Ali Zakaria, MD, and Issam Turk, MD

■ By Alex Strauss

Monument Health has expanded both its team and its capabilities to detect and treat even complex gastroenterological problems in the Black Hills.

PAGE 5 | [Sponsored]

Assist in the Journey Home

How healthcare professionals can help the SD Department of Social Services return disadvantaged patients to their homes.

PAGE 6 | This Month Online

Exclusive online articles, SD named a top state for doctors, & upcoming summer/fall events

PAGE 8 | The Importance of an Accurate Problem List

■ By Eric Zacharias

Symptomatic evaluations can get lost to follow-up during routine screening visits. Here's why that can spell trouble for you and your patients.

PAGE 11 | [Sponsored]

Dollars & Sense: Private Banking Takes the Pressure Off for Busy Healthcare Professionals

PAGE 10 | [Sponsored]

Sanford Nurse and 'Everyone's Friend' Retires After 60 Years

Meet the LPN who's dedicated her long career to caring for patients in Luverne, Minnesota

PAGE 16 | NEWS & NOTES

Avera's big building project, Monument Health's new nuclear pharmacy, Sanford research gets a major grant, expanded virtual care in Siouxland, a rebrand for Horizon Health & more

PAGE 19 | USD School of Health

Sciences Success Spotlight: Kacee Reddden-Benz

FROM US TO YOU

Publisher / MED MAGAZINE, LLC

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Vice President Sales & Marketing

STEFFANIE LISTON-HOLTROP

Editor in Chief / ALEX STRAUSS

Staff Writer / KIM LEE

Magazine Design / ANGELA CORBO GIER

Client Relationship Manager / BARBIE MUNOZ

Digital Media Director / HYA AMURAO

CONTACT INFORMATION

STEFFANIE LISTON-HOLTROP

VP Sales & Marketing

605-366-1479

Steff@MidwestMedicalEdition.com

ALEX STRAUSS

Editor in Chief

605-759-3295

Alex@ MidwestMedicalEdition.com

WEBSITE

MidwestMedicalEdition.com

MAILING ADDRESS

PO Box 90646, Sioux Falls, SD 57109

elcome to the June issue of MED Magazine!

In this issue, we shine a spotlight on Monument Health’s expanding interventional gastroenterology service. Launched with the arrival of Ali Zakaria, MD, in 2022, the service took another leap forward with the addition of Zakaria’s partner Issam Turk, MD, and still another with new endo-dedicated surgical rooms at Rapid City Hospital. Find out what it means for Black Hills patients in our cover feature.

Also in this issue, a cautionary tale from the experts at COPIC about the problems you can run into as a provider without an accurate problem list. Sanford honors a nurse who’s been caring for patients in Luverne for 60 years. And how Home Again helps vulnerable South Dakotans transition from nursing facilities back into their homes.

You’ll also find a full roundup of the latest regional healthcare news and upcoming events. We want to hear from you too. Send news, announcements, and events to News@MidwestMedicalEdition.com any time and stay up-to-date between issues with our bi-monthly digital newsletter. Subscribe for free on the website.

All the Best!

—Alex & Steff

VOLUME 15, NO. 4 ■ JUNE 2024 ADVERTISING DEADLINES

JAN/FEB

Editorial contributions due June 5 Ads due June 10

[ SPONSORED ]

ASSIST IN THE JOURNEY HOME

HOME IS A CHERISHED PLACE

A place for making memories. A place to gather. A place to be yourself and be happy. Everyone deserves the comfort of home. Thankfully, with Home Again, you can help vulnerable South Dakotans get back on the path to living independently. As a program under the South Dakota Department of Social Services, Home Again can provide one-time services to transition, as well as ongoing service support, that isn’t typically covered by South Dakota Medicaid. Services provided are as follows:

TRANSITION SERVICES

With the help of Home Again, we can assist disadvantaged South Dakotans secure a housing unit, set up a brand-new housing unit, or make minor modifications to a current unit.*

COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION

Our transition coordinators can help individuals secure services that go beyond the transition back to home, like day-to-day transportation. Whether individuals need to get to and from appointments, social events, or trips to the store, Home Again can help them get started and ensure they are familiar with the transportation options available to them.*

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

We can also ensure help with getting vulnerable South Dakotans access to available supplies and home modifications that can better support them in becoming independent in self-care. This can help cover items such as daily sensors, medication dispensers, grab bars and more.*

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

South Dakotans should have a say in where they live. Home Again’s goal is to help them get there, with an Operational Protocol that is approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Participation is open to any adults aged 18 or older that meet the following criteria.

• Is a South Dakota resident.

• Resides in a nursing facility, ICF/ID or other qualifying institution for 60 or more consecutive days.

• Meets Medicaid level of care.

• Is financially eligible.

• Will reside in qualified housing upon transition.

• Is willing to enroll in and can be supported in the community through the provision of an existing 1915(c) HCBS waiver.

If you know, or currently care for, someone that has expressed an interest in transitioning back home or to their community, Home Again may be able to help. With your referral, you can help someone receive the services they deserve to become independent in self-care and put them on the path back home. ❖

*Services vary depending on where someone transitions

THIS MONTH ONLINE

Exclusive Online Articles

G&R Controls, Building Controls Specialists, Can Upgrade your HVAC System

In the world of healthcare, the importance of an HVAC System that operates seamlessly is essential. G&R Controls, a local company with established experience, is the expert in providing upgrades that serve as a reliable back-up plan while also boosting efficiency and cost savings for your facility. GET THE DETAILS IN THIS EXCLUSIVE ONLINE ARTICLE.

Physician Assistant Faculty Member Acquires Grant to Deliver Opioid Use Disorder Training

Through a federal grant, a University of South Dakota professor is seeking to help end the devastating impacts that opioid misuse has on individuals, families and communities by organizing a conference for healthcare professionals. FIND OUT HOW THAT’S EXPECTED TO HELP.

From Pregnancy To Parenthood: Managing Cardiovascular Risks For New Moms

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new mothers, making it vital for women and their doctors to fully understand how to minimize their risks and care for themselves and their babies. THIS ARTICLE FROM THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION dives deeper into several ailments that arise during pregnancy may have lasting effects on women’s long-term health.

South Dakota and Nebraska Named Top States for Doctors

A REPORT RELEASED by the personal finance website

WalletHub ranks South Dakota as the nation’s second best state for doctors, just ahead of Nebraska and right behind Montana.

WalletHub released the 2024 list of Best and Worst States for Doctors to coincide with national Doctor’s Day in March. To make the list, they compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 19 key metrics, running from the average annual wage of physicians to the number of hospitals per capita to the quality of the public hospital system.

PRACTICING IN SOUTH DAKOTA (1=BEST, 25=AVG.):

Overall Rank: 2nd

8th – Avg. Annual Wage of Physicians (Adjusted for Cost of Living)

3rd – Avg. Monthly Starting Salary of Physicians (Adjusted for Cost of Living)

7th – Hospitals per Capita

10th – Projected % of Population Aged 65 & Older by 2030

19th – Projected Physicians per Capita by 2030

14th – Punitiveness of State Medical Board

5th – Malpractice Award Payout Amount per Capita

6th – Annual Malpractice Liabilit y Insurance Rate

“Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska are the best states for doctors, and they share a lot of characteristics,” says WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe. “These states have a high number of hospitals for every 100,000 residents, high wages for doctors, and nationally accredited health departments. The states have their individual strengths, too. For example, South Dakota and Nebraska have very low malpractice insurance premiums.”

MED ON THE ROAD

The MED Staff has been busy this spring, taking part in conferences across our coverage area and making new friends. Do you know of a conference or meeting we should consider? Drop us a line at Info@MidwestMedicalEdition.com.

THE SWING OF THINGS

HURON, S.D. – Swinging a golf club without fear of losing balance wasn’t something Alan Bales was sure he’d be able to do anytime soon. But with the help of the newly installed Solo-Step overhead track and harness system and the physical therapy team at HRMC Pro Rehab, he’s doing just that.

“Getting back on the (golf) course is a goal for me,” said Bales, as he navigated the distance of the overhead track several times. “It’s going to be a huge challenge, but it’s something exciting to work toward.” Now, it’s an activity he’s more confident to do with the harness system to prevent falls and increase stability.

Saren Kahre, physical therapist assistant at HRMC Pro Rehab, says the overhead track and harness system will also allow Bales and other patients to challenge themselves more in therapy with less fear of falling when fatigued. “There are a number of benefits to this new equipment, with safety being first and foremost, but the most exciting aspect is it allows patients to challenge themselves without the fear of falling, giving them more strength and confidence to try tough exercises like swinging a golf club.”

Go online to learn more about how HRMC is using the Solo Step system to protect and support rehab patients.

Upcoming EVENTS

June 6 – June 7

3:30 pm Thursday – 5:00 pm Friday

Avera Sports Medicine Symposium

Location: Ramkota Hotel, Sioux Falls

June 25

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Rural Health Leaders Conference

Location: Drifters Event Center, Fort Pierre, SD

July 12 – 13

7:00 am – 4:30 pm, 7:15 am – 12:15 pm

41st Annual Sanford Black Hills Pediatric Symposium

Location: The Lodge at Deadwood

September 18 – 19

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

South Dakota Statewide Trauma Conference

Location: Highland Conference Center, Mitchell, SD

September 25 – 27

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

98th Annual SDAHO Convention

Location: Holiday Inn Rapid City Downtown

September 27

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

CNOS Orthopaedic Symposium

Location: Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Dakota Dunes, SD

Visit the online calendar at MidwestMedicalEdition.com to find more information on these and other upcoming events between issues. You can also add your own event to the calendar for free.

Scan the QR code on this page or visit MidwestMedicalEdition.com TO JOIN THE VIP LIST.

Alex Strauss & Steffanie Holtrop at the first Iowa Healthcare Leaders Association Spring Conference in Ames, Iowa.

Client Relations Manager Barbie Munoz at the NHM Association meeting in Hastings, Nebraska.

The Importance of an Accurate Problem List

BY ERIC ZACHARIAS, MD

CASE STUDY

A58-year-old male went to see his physician for a physical exam. He had a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia controlled on an ACE inhibitor and a statin. On review of systems, the patient complained of bright red blood per rectum when he had a bowel movement. The physical exam was unremarkable, and the patient’s stool guaiac was negative. The office visit notes suggested a gastrointestinal referral was planned for a colonoscopy. There was no separate referral form or distinct electronic referral communication for the colonoscopy. Three days after the visit, the patient’s lab tests were unremarkable except for a mild anemia, (HCT of 36). At the time of reviewing the labs, the physician did not act on the anemia because he remembered that a colonoscopy had been ordered at the time of the appointment.

The patient returned twice over the next year and a half for respiratory infections and allergies. The colonoscopy, bleeding, and anemia were never mentioned in any of these visits, nor were they noted in a problem list. Shortly after the second visit, the patient presented to the ER with abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. He was admitted and underwent an exploratory laparotomy which revealed widespread cancer of the colon. He was eventually found to have stage IV cancer and was treated with chemotherapy but expired six months later. His surviving family filed a lawsuit.

This case illustrates how during routine screening visits that symptomatic evaluations can be lost to follow up. Although the complaint of bleeding and anemia was noted and a colonoscopy was planned, no actual order was placed and no follow up for the issue occurred. Although the physician had the correct plan, it was not properly executed. The fact that there were several follow-up visits where the findings of anemia and bleeding were not discussed makes the care difficult to defend.

The physician did routinely update problem lists in medical records, which also made the course of care challenging to find a credible witness to support. An up-to-date problem list,

ideally updated in real time, allows one to not have to rely on memory alone to address worrisome issues. The problem list was originally created by Lawrence Weed in the 1960s as part of his innovation around problem-oriented records. A simple idea, the problem list soon became a commonly accepted part of the medical record and is used in most medical records today. In the office, the problem list helps practitioners identify the most important health factors for each patient and provides a convenient checklist of care plans. Finally, there is an issue around communication with the patient. Even without putting the issues of hematochezia and anemia in the

problem list, if the physician had clearly explained the risk and concerns he had about the possibility of cancer and documented this conversation, then some of the responsibility would have been on the patient. A reasonable patient told that they might have cancer could be expected to demand more workup. However, in this case, the lack of documentation of any such discussion adds to the weaknesses in the care.

CONSIDER THESE HIGH-RISK AREAS:

• Heads (neurologic events, CVAs, and meningitis)

• Hearts (the triple-rule-out)

• Guts (missed appendicitis, ischemic bowel, etc.)

• Severe infectious diseases

• Cancer

FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE CAN BE REDUCED WITH UPDATED PROBLEM LISTS

Failure to diagnose or delay in diagnosis is the major cause for a lawsuit against a primary care physician. Colon cancer is currently one of the most common causes for “delayed diagnosis of cancer” litigation followed by breast, prostate, lung, and melanoma. Although lack of screening can sometimes be the cause of a lawsuit, it is most often the failure to diagnose in a symptomatic patient.

LESSONS LEARNED

In this case study, there was an initial system failure in not setting up an important test and workup. This was compounded by a failure to have placed the active problems in a problem list. There were multiple chances and visits where the physician could have corrected the original miss. Being meticulous about updating and utilizing a problem list could have helped catch this cancer at an earlier, possibly curable stage and also prevented a lawsuit. ❖

Information in this article is for general educational purposes and is not intended to establish practice guidelines or provide legal advice.

DOLLARS & SENSE

Private Banking Takes the Pressure Off for Busy Healthcare Professionals

Few people understand the unique financial needs of South Dakota physicians and other healthcare professionals as well as Elizabeth Carlson, a private banker with American Bank & Trust in Sioux Falls.

“The top two most important things in a person’s life are their family and their time,” says Carlson, who has seen from her many healthcare clients how limited their time often is. “If I can save them the time it takes to make a phone call, or save them trips to the bank, or take something completely off their plate, then I’m giving them back that time.”

And time isn’t the only thing Carlson helps save for her high-net worth private banking clients.

“If they have questions about their checking account, their debit cards, mortgage, anything, they can contact me 24 hours a day,” says Carlson, who helped launch AB&T’s private banking department last year. “They never have to call an 800-number and worry about not getting a response.”

Carlson has been a fixture in Sioux Falls banking for more than two decades. Regardless of where a client currently banks, she makes it easy and painless to switch to AB&T and has the expertise to handle everything from day-to-day banking to crafting a full financial plan. Sometimes, she’s even called upon to provide a different kind of expertise - especially for healthcare providers who are new to the area.

“I recently had clients who were new to Sioux Falls and I got them set up with their family doctor, their church, their school,” says Carlson. “I also have my go-to places for amazing food or good shopping.”

At the end of the day, Carlson says private banking is about fostering long-term, trusting relationships.

“I want these people to fall in love with Sioux Falls, just as my family and I have. And if they move out of the area, I want them to know that they can stay with AB&T.”

Eric Zacharias, MD, is with the COPIC Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management

SANFORD NURSE AND ‘EVERYONE’S FRIEND’ RETIRES

Sanford LPN Carol Wieneke retired in December after working at Sanford Luverne for her entire 60-year career.

IF YOU FOLLOW HER around the hallways for a mere five minutes, or maybe even one or two, you’ll see Carol Wieneke is a friend to all at Sanford Health in Luverne, Minnesota.

In that short period of time, you’ll probably hear at least 20-30 ‘hello’s’, ‘hey Carol’s’, or maybe even a ‘there’s the legend.’

She’s been an LPN at Sanford Luverne for 60 years. And yes, you read that right.

She pretty much knows everybody.

‘I REALLY ENJOYED THESE 60 YEARS’

Three years ago, Wieneke’s friend Vicki Nelson, a former Sanford Luverne LPN, retired after 44 years.

“She texted me this morning. Just telling me to have a great day and enjoy it. Her and I spent a lot of years together and we’re really good buds,” Wieneke said.

They’re not just ‘buds,’ they’re practically sisters. They worked together for all of Nelson’s 44 years.

“We’re always there for each other,” said Wieneke.

In September of 2020, Wieneke’s husband passed away, and Nelson was there for her when she needed her most.

“He always told me that he was proud of me. He passed away three years ago, and I keep thinking to myself, ‘why isn’t he here to go through all of this with me.’ He would’ve really liked that, and I would have too,” said Wieneke.

She said ‘see ya’ later’ to her longtime co-worker and friend Nelson 3 years ago. But now, it’s Wieneke’s turn to clock out for the final time.

“I really enjoyed these 60 years. It was good, it was good,” she said while reflecting on six decades at Sanford Luverne.

FINDING JOY AT WORK

After working at the same place for 60 straight years, Wieneke said “of course” she’s gone through a few lulls here and there.

She even considered leaving at one point, “but somebody snitched on me,” she laughed.

Finding joy in the simple moments − and choosing to see all the sources of joy at work − has kept her at Sanford Health for over half a century.

“If you don’t enjoy your work, you don’t do good work. I know everybody has to have a job, and sometimes you take it because you need a job, but if you don’t enjoy it, don’t stay. Life’s too short.

“In the end, you have to find your niche of what you really, really enjoy and what you’re fulfilled with and at the end of the day, you can go home and say to yourself that you did a good job.”

And Wieneke’s niche is people.

“I like health care and I like people and there’s lots of people to see here,” she chuckled. “I’m a little bit of a social butterfly, and I make friends really easily,” she added.

One of the reasons everyone gravitates toward Carol is because she’s good at her job, and she’s genuine with her coworkers.

Just ask her fellow Sanford Luverne LPN of 13 years Cheryl Groen.

“Carol is one of those people who doesn’t put on a show. She’s not afraid to show her true feelings. You can tell immediately; she actually cares about the patients and about her fellow staff. She always intentionally asks how they’re doing, and truly listens. She’s not judgmental. She takes people for what they are and where they are in their own lives and tries to see what’s best for people,” said Groen.

“In this day and society, it’s very rare to find someone, and an employee, like Carol. She’s a genuine, good worker who you can truly rely on. And especially in the world we live in today, it is very important to have someone like Carol,” she added.

IT’S NOT GOODBYE, IT’S SEE YA LATER

Wieneke treated every person like a family member because, for 60 years, Sanford Luverne was her home away from home.

“She pretty much raised the family here with her morals and values and bringing that to our site,” Groen said.

Groen said she’d encourage anyone to show appreciation to their co-workers, because you never know what the future might hold.

“Changes in life come and you might never have that chance again to show them how much you appreciate [them], how much they’ve done for you in their life and in your work experience. We don’t hear that enough.

“Sometimes we say we hear more bad things to improve on, than good things to live on. And so, I think you need to look at Carol’s good and live on that forever. Because there was no bad,” she said.

Even though there is plenty of sadness, Groen knows this isn’t a forever goodbye. Wieneke said she’ll stop by to both volunteer at the hospital and just check in with everyone from time to time.

And if Wieneke says she’ll do it, it will happen.

“She won’t be my coworker anymore, but she’ll be my friend forever,” Groen said.

To learn more about jobs at Sanford Health, visit growthegood.com ❖

Advancing Gastroenterological at Monument ALI ZAKARIA, MD, and

A PID CITY WAS NOT EVEN REMOTELY on Ali Zakaria’s mental radar when he was studying medicine in Amman, Jordan. Nor was it a place he’d thought about during his internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship at Ascension Providence Hospital & Medical Center MSU in Michigan.

It was not until he’d completed an additional advanced endoscopy fellowship at Moffitt Cancer Center/Tampa General Hospital that he began to look for an underserved area in which to work, to secure his visa status as an international medical graduate.

“I got an interview at Monument Health and my wife, who is an oncologist, also interviewed at the Cancer Care Institute,” says Zakaria. “She really loved it here in Rapid City right away, and I liked it, too—happy wife, happy life, right?”

INTERVENTIONAL GASTROENTEROLOGY COMES TO THE HILLS

So the family relocated to the area in July of 2022.

Dr. Zakaria’s arrival launched an interventional gastroenterology service that has never before been available in the Black Hills region.

“This area has always had good basic GI care with procedures like endoscopies and colonoscopies, but they were in much need of certain skills

that I possess,” says Zakaria. “Previously, patients had to travel to Denver or the Mayo Clinic for more complex GI care. It is humbling for me to be able to offer these high-risk procedures and this advanced technology locally.”

Among the advanced technologies available since Dr. Zakaria’s arrival is interventional endoscopic ultrasound, which is especially useful in the diagnosis and treatment of complex pathologies in patients with altered anatomies, such as a gastric bypass patient who develops a mass.

Dr. Zakaria is also working to introduce endo-hepatology to the area, an emerging field which utilizes the endoscopic ultrasound to diagnose and manage liver disease. Through a collaboration with the bariatric surgeons, endoscopic procedures for weight loss such as endoscopic gastroplasty, a

same-day outpatient procedure, and transoral outlet reduction endoscopy (TORe), for those who have had a previous gastric bypass, are also now possible.

And many procedures can now be made even safer with Dr. Zakaria’s introduction of single-use duodenoscopes, which significantly reduce the risk of infection in immunocompromised patients or those at high risk for complications.

THE TEAM GROWS AGAIN

Issam Turk met Ali Zakaria while both were in training at Ascension Providence Park Hospital MSU in Michigan. Both applied for the same competitive gastroenterology fellowship and both were accepted. After training, Dr. Turk went into private practice in Michigan, his home state, while Zakarai left for his advanced interventional endoscopy training in Tampa, Florida and eventually landed in Rapid City.

When Monument Health was ready to expand the gastroenterology team, Zakaria knew just who to call. Since they had last worked together, Turk had become burnt out by a relentless call schedule at his Michigan clinic, managing patients both in and out of the hospital, and rarely seeing his wife and two young children.

Colon Day: Drs. Turk & Zakaria share information on Colorectal cancer in the lobby of Rapid City Hospital with a giant colon behind them.

Advancing Gastroenterological Care Monument Health and ISSAM TURK, MD

BY ALEX STRAUSS

“At first when Ali suggested coming out to Rapid City, I thought it sounded crazy,” he admits. “But I came out with my wife and fell in love with the city. It’s family-friendly and offers a great quality of life, especially for a young family.

“I also really liked how the leadership here works with the doctors. They meet with and really listen to the physicians. Ultimately, that is what got me interested and led me to join Monument Health. I think we are here to stay.”

Dr. Turk provides general outpatient care for a wide variety of GI conditions such as gastroenteritis and Crohn’s disease as well as liver and pancreatic diseases and performs screening and diagnostic endoscopies.

CNP Jan Purcell works with Drs. Turk and Zakaria in the outpatient setting. The inpatient team includes gastroenterologist Jeegar Jailwala, MD, CNPs Jillian Elliot, Megan Epp, and Ashley Vermeulen and PA-C Emily Steadman. The expansion of the GI team coincided with an expansion of endo-dedicated surgical rooms, as well.

“For anything advanced and complicated that would warrant complex surgery or referral, my colleague and partner can handle it,” says Turk. “Having that support is a huge help.”

It is also helpful that the GI clinic is located in the same space as the

surgery team, making it easy to set a patient up for surgery if they need it.

“It is rare for us to encounter any situation that we can’t handle here,” says Dr. Turk, the need for liver transplantation being the only exception. The hospital now works with a liver transplant team in Nebraska, that comes to the clinic every other week for followup visits..

PROMOTING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION

Given the vital role that screening plays in preventing colorectal cancer, Dr. Zakaria worked with the hospital administration to organize a comprehensive educational campaign for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March.

“With the rise of colon cancer, I wanted to help make people more aware of the risks, to realize that this is a preventable disease, and to understand that our technology is better for prevention,” says Dr. Zakaria.

Among other things, the month included TV interviews, podcasts, social media campaigns, booths at various events, Grand Rounds talks with the primary providers and even a giant walk-through colon in the lobby of the hospital for ‘Colon Day’. The event was more than a year in the making, but Zakaria says the results

have been worth the effort.

“We saw a significant increase in screening colonoscopies even well into April,” he says.

While the entire GI team is encouraged by the community’s response to their efforts, Dr. Turk says it also means that they now have their work cut out for them.

“There is an especially high need here,” he says.. “We are seeing an increasing number of referrals month after month.”

That is likely due to many factors, including greater awareness, a reduction in the recommended screening age to 45, the fact that many people over 50 are still overdue for screening, a rise in digestive diseases nationwide, and the steadily growing population of the Black Hills.

“People in this community are recognizing the quality that we offer here at Monument Health.” says Dr. Turk. “We are committed to helping as many as we can without compromising the quality of our service.”

“The takeaway is that Monument Health’s mission is to make a difference every day,” adds Dr. Zakaria. “We are truly making a difference by bringing new technologies and knowledge to the Black Hills, ensuring that the community has access to safe and excellent care, without the need to travel.” ❖

News & Notes

AVERA

Avera has announced plans to build a six-story tower addition to Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center and a three-story building on the Avera on Louise Health Campus. Combined, the projects will be the largest building project in Avera’s history at a total cost of $245 million. It will also be the largest expansion of hospital patient care space in Sioux Falls’ history at 350,000 square feet.

April 1 marked the launch of Avera St Luke’s Robotic bronchoscopy program, ushering in a new era of lung cancer detection and treatment. In conjunction with Dakota Pulmonary, the hospital now offers minimally invasive robotic-assisted procedures. The pulmonologist leading the program is Deptmer Ashley, MD. Dr. Ashley trained at The University of Texas and gained his experience with robotic assisted bronchoscopy at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston where the technology has been used since 2019.

Medical care providers and other professionals who provide care and support to sexual assault victims will have access to a free training series in 2024 through a partnership between the Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment and Avera Health’s eSANE Project. The series will be held exclusively online, with varying dates and times. It will include national and local experts on sexual assault response and medical care, featuring topics ranging from intergenerational trauma, medical evidence in child sexual abuse, male victims, gender and race-based violence, traumatic brain injury, and more.

MONUMENT

Monument Health recently announced substantial advancements in both the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade and CMS Hospital Quality Star Rating in May. Rapid City Hospital has elevated its rating from 1-star to a 3-star, while Leapfrog has confirmed its increase from a ‘C’ to a ‘B’ rating. Additionally, Spearfish Hospital has achieved CMS’s highest 5-star rating. The scores are expected to be reflected on the Leapfrog CMS websites in July.

ern Hills Hospice Ball held on Saturday, April 6. Monument Health hosts the annual event to help raise awareness and support for hospice patients and their families. Proceeds from this year’s event supported hospice care in the Northern Hills and expansion of the Monument Health Spearfish Hospital. The event also honors those who have dedicated their lives to hospice programs throughout the Northern Hills and the greater Black Hills region. Debbie Crowley, hospice care nurse aide, received this year’s Dignity Award.

Monument Health posthumously recognized Lynnett Rotert, BSRT, CBDT, with the 2024 Dr. Sydney Bonnick ISCD Award for Excellence in Densitometry. This award celebrates technologists who demonstrate exceptional quality and expertise in daily clinical densitometry practice.

Monument Health Spearfish Hospital has been chosen as a 2024 “TOP 100” Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Group. The determining factors for the top 20 rural and community hospitals are based on eight indices: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and finance.

Monument Health has opened a Nuclear Pharmacy. The Nuclear Pharmacy specializes in compounding and dispensing radioactive drugs for critical conditions like GI bleeds, cancer treatments, cardiac procedures and cancer studies. This is the second facility of its kind in South Dakota. Along with the opening of the pharmacy comes the addition of two authorized Nuclear Pharmacists to Monument Health: Patrick Novak, PharmD. and Bryan Brittain, PharmD.

SANFORD

SHELLY KOCH AIMEE MIDDLETON

Shelly Koch, vice president of operations of home-based services for the Good Samaritan Society and Aimee Middleton, chief operating officer for the Good Samaritan Society took part in panels on leadership and surviving workforce shortages at the 2024 McKnight’s Women of Distinction Awards and Forum. The event took place May 14 in Chicago. Koch is a 2024 “Rising Star” and Middleton is a 2023 Hall of Honor inductee.

Mental Health America (MHA) has awarded Sanford Health the 2024 Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health. Sanford Health underwent a rigorous evaluation of its policies and practices in four areas: workplace culture, benefits, compliance and wellness programs. The Bell Seal is a workplace mental health certification that recognizes employers who strive to create mentally healthy workplaces for their employees. This is the second year in a row Sanford Health has received this recognition.

Grade for spring 2024. This national distinction recognizes Sanford Health’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error while in the hospital. The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns a grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and

Scholar, a distinguished honor from the ACS recognizing trailblazing women researchers. The focus of the lab’s four-year American Cancer Society Researcher’s Scholar Grant is to study a novel set of biomarkers and their role in progression and drug resistance in ovarian cancer.

Healthcare 150 top places to work. According to Becker’s, the health systems and companies included on this list are top-tier employers that prioritize workplace excellence, invest in professional development, offer wellbeing programs and wellness benefits and give back to the communities they serve. Sanford Health, along with its senior care division, the Good Samaritan Society, has more than 44,000 employees in 17 states and nine countries.

For the second consecutive year, Fortune has named Sanford Health to its list of “America’s Most Innovative Companies.” Sanford Health is ranked 150th – a jump of 48 spots from 2023 – and is the only South Dakota or North Dakota-based company recognized on the list, which includes businesses from a multitude of sectors across the United States. Out of the 200 companies honored by Fortune, 44 are in healthcare and 21 are health systems. Other healthcare companies named to the list include Johnson & Johnson, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Pfizer, Henry Ford Health System and UPMC among others.

Sanford Health USD Medical Center has been recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ for maternity care by the Blue Cross Blue Shield. According to Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Distinction Centers and Blue Distinction Centers+ for maternity care demonstrate expertise and a commitment to quality care for vaginal and cesarean section deliveries. These centers demonstrate better overall patient satisfaction and a lower percentage of early elective deliveries.

SIOUXLAND

JOSEPH MORRIS

Joseph Morris, MD, has joined the team at UnityPoint Clinic General Surgery and Gastroenterology and will continue surgery services for the Siouxland area. Dr. Morris received his medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine and completed his residency at University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Morris has lived in Siouxland for more than 33 years providing a variety of surgical services including general, thoracic, cancer and vascular surgery. He has played a central role in the evolution of laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery in the area.

UnityPoint Health’s on-demand virtual care offerings are expanding to patients located in Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. Patients at least 2 years old living in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska or South Dakota are now able to access on-demand care virtually with UnityPoint Clinic providers for treatment of many common conditions and ailments. There are two virtual care options available every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., SmartExam and virtual urgent care. Both virtual care options

UnityPoint Health–Sioux City opened a new clinic in Dakota Dunes in March. The new space houses UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine services and urgent care services. This is UnityPoint Health’s first location in South Dakota.

ROBERT CUNNING HAM

Robert Cunningham, MD, has joined the team at Unity Point Clinic General Surgery and Gastroenterology.

Dr. Cunningham earned his medical degree at University College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland. He completed his residency at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska and his fellowship at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania. He is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Obesity Medicine with a Master of Public Health degree from Imperial College London. He specializes in foregut, general and bariatric surgery.

UnityPoint Health on their 2024 list of “150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare”. The list highlights hospitals, health systems and healthcare companies that prioritize workplace excellence and the happiness, satisfaction, wellbeing, and fulfillment of their employees. UnityPoint Health, which provides care across Iowa, western Illinois and southern Wisconsin, is the only health system headquartered in Iowa to be named to this year’s list and is one of only a handful of health systems in Illinois and Wisconsin to be included.

Siouxland made miracles happen for local children during the UnityPoint Health–St. Luke’s Children’s Miracle Network 2024 Mediathon event in March. The three-day event was broadcast live on local TV and radio channels. This year is the 35th anniversary of St. Luke’s Children’s Miracle Network. A total of $107,604 was raised by the community, supporters and sponsors.

Ashlesha Kaushik, MD, pediatric infectious disease physician at UnityPoint Health–Sioux City, has received a Special Achievement Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics for distinguished service and dedication to the mission and goals of the academy. Dr. Kaushik serves as an Infection Prevention and Control Ambassador for the Iowa Chapter of Project Firstline, which aims to educate all US healthcare workers with the foundational understanding of IPC.

named an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 Heartland Award finalist. The Heartland program celebrates entrepreneurs from the Dakotas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas. Nolan Lubarski was one of 28 regional entrepreneurs selected as finalists by an independent panel of judges.

TRACY MEIS

The CNOS clinic in Dakota Dunes recently announced the addition of Sport and Performance Psychology to its comprehensive list of services. The addition of this specialty service will be led by Tracy Meis, a Mental Performance Consultant who focuses on youth, high school, and collegiate athletes and performers. Meis is offering free 15-minute initial consultations for those who are interested in learning more about this service.

INDEPENDENTS

Horizon Healthcare, a leading provider of healthcare services in rural South Dakota, became Horizon Health and launched its new logo and brand May 8 during an invitation-only event in De Smet, South Dakota. The organization is enhancing its use of telemedicine, expanding behavioral healthcare services, and introducing teledentistry— all aimed at increasing accessibility and quality of care in remote areas.

history on March 1, 2024, when he was the first patient to receive the life-altering Cardiac Contractility Modulation Therapy procedure at MercyOne Siouxland Heart and Vascular Center.

Mohammad El Baba, MD, an electrophysiologist at MercyOne Siouxland Heart and Vascular Center, and his team performed the procedure. A minimally invasive, implantable device called the Optimizer provides precisely timed electrical pulses to the heart for five hours daily in one-hour treatments separated by regular intervals. Two weeks after the procedure, Hedlund said his quality of life had drastically improved.

Career Physician of the Year award. This award is physician-peer nominated and chosen by the leadership of the ACP.

PEACE OF MIND

BEYOND

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LifeScape broke ground in April on its new state-of-the-art Children’s Campus. The $98 million campus will be located in Northwest Sioux Falls at the intersection of N. Career Ave. and W. 34th St. N. LifeScape is a non-profit organization that handled more than 700 diagnoses for more than 3,600 children in the last year alone.

LifeScape has been awarded a $4,000 safety grant from Risk Assessment Services, Inc. The money will be used to upgrade personal protective equipment, specifically for staff who support children in LifeScape’s Intermediate Care Facility, LifeScape serves many school-aged children with severe behavioral disorders.

The KFC Foundation, based in Louisville, KY, has awarded LifeScape with a $10,000 grant to purchase a workforce readiness curriculum for its Pathways to Life school. Pathways is a transition-to-adulthood learning program for 18 to 21-year-olds with disabilities.The curriculum, Project Discovery, is evidence-based and designed to retain students through high school by engaging their interest in career paths. Its second aim is to provide job-ready candidates for the workforce. :

Brookings Health wound care specialists Jaclyn

All three wound care professionals at Brookings Health System’s Wound Center have earned their wound care specialization certification from the Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board. Erica Sanderson, RN, now holds the credential Certified Wound Care Nurse and Jaclyn Nielsen, RN, and Katie Jones, CNP, both hold the Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse credential.

Registration is now open for the Childbirth Support Specialists Birth and Postpartum Doula workshop scheduled for June 29 and 30 at Brookings Health System. The workshop will provide hands-on education for providing physical and emotional support to birthing women and their families. The workshop is recommended for doulas, nurses, nursing students, lactation counselors, childbirth educators and other healthcare professionals. More information may be found at brookingshealth.org/doula.

Brookings Health System announced during National Nurses Week in May that it is partnering with the DAISY Foundation to recognize the health system’s nurses. Starting in 2024, two Brookings Health nurses will annually be honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Any licensed or registered nurse involved in direct patient or resident care at Brookings Health System may be nominated for the The DAISY Award by patients, families, medical staff and fellow employees.

Brookings Health System was again named a Top 20 Rural Community Hospital in the United States by the National Rural Health Association. The health system scored in the top one percent among peer rural and community hospitals across the nation on the winter 2024 Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, the tool used to recognize the Top 20. This is the seventh time since the award was established in 2016 that the NRHA has named Brookings Health to the elite Top 20 list.

Brookings Health System recently upgraded its sleep diagnostics system for in-lab sleep studies. The new sleep diagnostics system transmits sleep data via a wireless Bluetooth connection. The wireless data transmission means patients are not tethered to a bed. Patients who are tested without a CPAP device can move freely while they sleep and may get out of bed by themselves if needed while undergoing testing. The polysomnography device that attaches to patients also has fewer wires than the previous device.

Nielsen, RN, Erica Sanderson, RN, and Katie Jones, CNP

AJ SPANEL

Yankton Medical Clinic, PC - Norfolk Internal Medicine Physician Dr. AJ Spanel was recently named Team Physician for Northeast Community College in Norfolk. Dr. Spanel is a Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician with Yankton Medical Clinic-Norfolk location and is a native of Norfolk.

the Sanford School of Medicine in April. The Anton Hyden Award was given by the Sanford School of Medicine Class of 2024 to the faculty member who helped and inspired them most during their clinical years. Dr. Eichfeld is an OB/GYN at Yankton Medical Clinic. She also sees patients at the Vermillion Medical Clinic.

JASON ZUKOSKY

Jason Zukosky is the new Director of Surgical Services at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. Zukosky comes to Prairie Lakes with 12 years of experience in the medical field with the last four of those years in surgical leadership roles. He holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s in healthcare management. In his new role at PLHS, Zukosky will oversee the surgery team and surgical services which include pre-operative, anesthesiology, post-operative, and operating room.

Kacee Redden-Benz

Degree: Master of Social Work, Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling & Prevention

Current Position: Sexually Transmitted Infection Program Manager, SD Department of Health

Adjunct Instructor in Addiction Counseling and Prevention Program, University of South Dakota School of Health Sciences

By her own admission, Kacee Redden-Benz, originally from Faulkton, didn’t have much direction when she entered the University of South Dakota as an undergraduate.

Knowing that she wanted to help people in some capacity, she settled on a psychology major. That turned out to be a pivotal decision.

“As soon as I took the introduction to alcohol and introduction to drug use courses, I immediately thought this is so fascinating,” says Redden-Benz.

Redden-Benz had found her calling. She minored in addiction counseling and went on to earn both a Master of Social Work and a Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling and Prevention at the USD School of Health Sciences.

“There are very few addiction master’s programs and the University of South Dakota’s is one of the top,” says Redden-Benz.

Although she completed her entire master’s journey online, Redden-Benz says she always felt deeply connected to the program.

“Feeling connected makes you feel like your homework assignments matter, like you as a person matter,” she says. “You matter to our profession. You are our future. We want to provide you with an education that will serve you in your future career.”

Today, Redden-Benz is helping others make the leap into that career as an Adjunct Instructor in Addiction Counseling and Prevention at USD. She is also the Sexually Transmitted Infection Program Manager for the SD Department of Health.

“It really has been pretty eye opening for me to see what avenues are available with these degrees,” she says. “I am now using many of the micro-level skills I learned in my program at a macro level.”

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Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is one of the first healthcare systems in South Dakota to implement Ion, a robotic-assisted technology for minimally invasive biopsies deep within the lung not accessible through a traditional bronchoscope. Dr. Svien Senne, Pulmonologist at Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic, performed the first three Ion assisted procedure on April 18th. He is board certified in Pulmonology and sought extra training to perform this advanced procedure.

The Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation raised more than $99,550.00 at its annual BASH (Building A Superior Healthcare System) fundraising gala. The BASH event was held on Saturday, April 6th, at the Watertown Event Center. All proceeds raised will be used to enhance the Maternal Child Health Unit. Construction on the Labor & Delivery floor is scheduled to start in the summer.

Award for nurses at Huron Regional Medical Center. Comes works as a nurse in the HRMC medical floor/ICU department. She was nominated for the DAISY Award by a colleague.

OTHERS

Avel eCare hosted a ribbon cutting and open house at its newly renovated facility in Sioux Falls on May 7th. Avel is a clinician-toclinician telemedicine provider that partners with hospitals, health systems, government entities, schools, senior care communities, and law enforcement and EMS agencies around the country. Avel provided tours of the Clinical Hub, Avel’s provider workspace, and the Innovation Center, a brand new area designed to showcase Avel’s groundbreaking telemedicine technology.

Avel eCare has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Ambulatory Care Accreditation. Avel underwent its first accreditation survey in 2018. To earn reaccreditation, Avel underwent a rigorous review in March.

Kari Termansen, an instructor in the University of South Dakota Department of Addiction Counseling & Prevention, has been appointed to the South Dakota Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals.

The BAPP, which is affiliated with the South Dakota Department of Social Services, also sets standards of professionalism in the practice of addiction counseling and prevention services; issues and renews certificates and licenses; and investigates complaints and determines disciplinary action.Termansen will serve a term of nearly three years.

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The USD Geriatrics Fellowship is extending a call for abstracts for the 9th Annual USD Geriatrics Symposium on October 11th. The Program Planning Committee is seeking original abstracts describing research, quality improvement, innovations in care, medical education, case findings, advocacy projects focused on improving geriatric health, and abstracts addressing social determinants of elder health. Please contact mary.zajicek@ usd.edu or dan.rath@usd.edu for additional information.

Vance Thompson, MD, founder of Vance Thompson Vision, is the new president of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Dr. Thompson has been a member of ASCRS for over 35 years also serving as an advisor on the ASCRS Refractive Surgery Clinical Committee. Over the years he has been an ASCRS presenter and webinar host for a variety of clinical education topics. He will officially become president of the society during this year’s annual meeting in Boston in April.

Children’s Nebraska Accredited as Level 4 Epilepsy Center by National Association of Epilepsy Centers

Children’s Nebraska, the region’s pediatric health care leader, has been accredited as a Level 4 Pediatric Epilepsy Center for 2024 and 2025 by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC). Recognized as the highest level of accreditation for epilepsy care, the designation is earned by programs that offer clinical expertise, facilities and capabilities necessary to provide advanced medical and surgical evaluation and treatment. The accreditation is the latest achievement for Children’s growing Pediatric Neurosciences team, which offers the region’s most comprehensive pediatric epilepsy program and is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families experiencing epilepsy and seizures.

Level 4 centers such as Children’s provide routine care as well as specialized services to treat the most complex forms of epilepsy, providing intensive neurodiagnostic monitoring; extensive medical, neuropsychological and psychosocial diagnosis and treatment; complete evaluation for epilepsy surgery and a broad range of innovative, leadingedge surgical interventions for uncontrolled seizures.

“The level 4 epilepsy center designation attests to our ability to provide the highest levels of comprehensive care to our young patients with epilepsy,” said Sookyong Koh, M.D., Ph.D., Children’s division chief of Pediatric Neurology.

“Children and their families no longer need to travel far out of the state of Nebraska to seek specialty care to adequately control their seizures. I am most grateful for our Neurosciences team for their dedication and effort to achieve this honor and recognition.”

“The rigorous standard required for level 4 epilepsy certification attests the ability, heart and resolve of Children’s Nebraska to provide the highest echelon of treatment and support for children and their families suffering from epilepsy,” said Arnett Klugh III, M.D., Children’s division chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery.

“Harnessing expertise in stereotactic EEG, advanced neuroimaging, robotic assisted surgery, 3D 4K microscopy, neurostimulation and laser therapy, we stand poised to directly impact the quality of care for pediatric epilepsy patients. Our strength resides in collaboration across multiple disciplines, propelling us to serve and lead in pediatric epilepsy care. We are committed to delivering the excellence our patients deserve wrapped in compassion and understanding.”

Children’s Neurosciences team collaborates in its specialized epilepsy care from Children’s Neurosciences Center, led by division chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery Arnett Klugh III, M.D., division chief of Pediatric Neurology Sookyong Koh, M.D., Ph.D., surgical director of epilepsy and pediatric neurosurgeon Afshin Salehi, M.D., M.S., and epileptologist Spriha Pavuluri, M.D. The team comprises three neurosurgeons, eight neurologists including three sub-specialized epileptologists, seven advanced practice providers, dozens of nurses and many more support team members. It partners with colleagues in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, Hospital Medicine, Neurodiagnostics, Neuropsychology, Neuroradiology, Nutrition, Surgical Services and more to deliver the best outcomes and experiences for children and families.

Sponsored by Children’s Nebraska

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Laura Spanbauer, Ashlea Semmens, M.D., Kendra Storm, DNP, Kelsee Bachmeier, Joanne Larson