MED Magazine, January/February 2025

SD's New Telehealth Collaborative News from Beyond the SD Border

WHERE EXPERTISE AND EDUCATION MEET

The Sanford Center for Digestive Health

Dr. Jeffrey Murray and Dr. Jorge Gilbert JANUARY/FEBRUARY

THE SOUTH DAKOTA REGION’S PREMIER PUBLICATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

JANUARY FEBRUARY

Navigating Difficult Patient Encounters

VOL. 16 NO. 1

2025

LIFE IS Better er

WITH A TEAM YOU CAN TRUST We’re on your team to provide your patients with expert orthopedic care you both can count on. Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has been recognized by the Joint Commission for providing the highest quality of patient-centered, advanced care that goes unmatched in the region.

We offer more treatments and more specialties, including: • Sports medicine

• Podiatry

• Total joint replacements and revisions

• Concussion care

• Orthopedic oncology

• Joint injections

• Wide-awake hand surgery

• Hip arthroscopy and preservation

• Trauma surgery

• Robotic surgery

• Pediatric surgery

• Pediatric scoliosis and spine

• Foot and ankle surgery

Connect your patients to a full scope of orthopedic care. Visit sanfordhealth.org to refer a patient.

358-746-921 12/24

deformity care

Become a MED VIP!a Become MED VIP!

The New The New

MidwestMedicalEdition.com MidwestMedicalEdition.com

Your Your Premier Premier Source Source for for Medical Medical Community Community News News in in the the Upper Upper Midwest.

Midwest.

News, Events, Jobs, Information & More News, Events, Information &you More Now easier than everJobs, to find what you want, when want it!

Now easier than ever to find what you want, when you want it!

For advertising inquiries and news submissions: For advertising inquiries and news submissions: info@midwestmediacaledition.com 605-366-1479 info@midwestmediacaledition.com 605-366-1479

CONTENTS

VOLUME 16, NO. 1 ■ JA N UA RY / F E B R UA RY

FROM US TO YOU PAGE 6 | This Month Online PAGE 12 | Navigating the Difficult Patient Encounter ■ By COPIC

Proven strategies for turning challenging patient interactions into opportunities for better care and stronger relationships

ON THE COVER

PAGE 14 | News & Notes

WHERE EXPERTISE & EDUCATION MEET

PAGE 18 | Beyond the Border

The Sanford Center for Digestive Health ■ By Alex Strauss

PAGE

8

The Dakotas’ first GI fellowship program anchors an ambitious vision for specialized digestive care in the new Sanford Center for Digestive Health. With colon cancer now the #1 cancer killer of men under 50, tour this state-ofthe-art facility designed by physicians to transform access to advanced GI care across the region

PAGE 20 | Future Focused: USD's Telehealth Collaborative Builds Bridges to Underserved Communities

A new interdisciplinary initiative aims to improve access across South Dakota through innovative telehealth education and rural partnerships

PAGE 21 | USD School of Health Sciences Success Spotlight: Grace Hayworth, OTS Meet the occupational therapy student combining OT expertise with behavior analysis to forge a unique path in pediatric care

PAGE 22 | American Heart Association Launches $5.05M Mission: Lifeline Stroke Initiative in South Dakota PAGE 23 | Upcoming 2025 Events

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

W

elcome to a new year with MED, your premier source for healthcare industry news in the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Iowa. In 2025, we are celebrating our 15th year of service to the local healthcare community and we are just getting started! Thank you for being a part of the journey.

In this issue of our flagship print publication, we are delighted to take you inside the new Sanford Center for Digestive Health with two of the physicians who helped make it, and the Dakota's first GI fellowship, a reality.

Our thanks to Jon Berg in Sanford's marketing department for helping to coordinate this piece. (It's not as easy as you might think to get two busy physicians in a room together for interviews and photos.)

We also have all the headlines you might have missed over the holidays, expert advice on navigating difficult patient conversations, a full roundup of 2025 healthcare events, and even a sampling of news from MED's wider coverage area.

As always, we invite you to become a digital subscriber to stay up to date between issues and to enjoy the digital version of this publication for free.

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

All the best, —Alex & Steff

2025 ADVERTISING DEADLINES ISSUE

DUE

JAN/FEB

Dec 10

MARCH APRIL/MAY

Feb 10 March 10

JUNE

May 10

JULY/AUG

June 10

SEP/OCT

August 10

NOVEMBER

Oct 10

DECEMBER

Nov 10

NEXT ISSUE Editorial contributions due February 5 Ads due February 10

Pediatric Surgery

Beating a life-threatening tumor with 3D printing?

believe it.

After 18-year-old Karys was diagnosed with a dangerous tumor, she found hope in technology.

Seeing her operation being planned with devices like virtual reality headsets and 3D printers filled her with confidence. And her successful outcome proved that innovative surgical techniques and an unwavering commitment to kids and families is a combination that can’t be beat.

believe iN betteR ChildrensNebraska.org/Surgery

THIS MONTH ONLINE Articles and Resources Only on Our Website MidwestMedicalEdition.com

Exclusive Online Content DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR PEOPLE ARE? Looking to improve staff efficiency and patient satisfaction? See how hospitals across the Plains are using smart tracking technology to streamline workflows and enhance care delivery.

New nurse call systems are helping staff work smarter, not harder—from automated bed monitoring to intelligent patient communication. Read more in this exclusive article from our Digital Partner, DTB Systems.

HONE YOUR ANTIMICROBIAL EXPERTISE: Free Certification Opportunity The Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists is offering allied health professionals full scholarships (a $600 value) to earn their antimicrobial stewardship certification through expert-led modules and hands-on projects. One South Dakota respiratory therapist is already putting this specialized training to work, enhancing patient care through improved antimicrobial resistance strategies—and you could be next.

SKIP THE SCROLL AND GET UP-TO-DATE HEALTHCARE NEWS IN MINUTES We know you’re busy. That’s why, even while you’re sleeping, we are continually updating the MED website with the very latest healthcare industry news and information from the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Iowa.

Quickly scan all the region’s news or select a single region to review. Or save even more time by subscribing to our bi-monthly newsletter. We’ll deliver the top headlines right to your Inbox!

6

FROM OUR PARTNERS AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

PRIMARY CARE & HEART HEALTH

P

rimary care clinicians and practices are uniquely positioned to help people achieve optimal cardiovascular health through screening, diagnosing and treating the health behaviors and factors outlined in the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 health metrics to reduce the risk for heart disease and stroke, according to a new scientific statement published today in the Association’s peer-reviewed journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., however, an estimated 1 of every 4 deaths due to cardiovascular disease could be avoided by addressing modifiable risk factors with lifestyle changes and treatment. The Association’s Life’s Essential 8 are key measures for improving and maintaining optimal cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and other major health

conditions. Life’s Essential 8 outlines four health behaviors—diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure and sleep; and four health factors— body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose and blood pressure.

“Primary care plays a central role in people’s health and health care across their lifetime,” said Chair of the statement writing group Madeline R. Sterling, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., FAHA, an associate professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.

“Primary care professionals have the potential to greatly improve the identification and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors and health behaviors in their patients.”

FOR MORE ON THE MANY WAYS PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS CAN SUPPORT THEIR PATIENTS’ HEART HEALTH, READ THE FULL VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE ON THE WEBSITE.

MidwestMedicalEdition.com

GET THE “INSIDE SCOOP” in 2025

Digital Partners

7 REASONS TO BECOME A MED DIGITAL NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBER THIS YEAR

FROM OUR PARTNERS USD SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES

USD PILOTS PEN PAL OUTREACH PROGRAM

W

hat first began as a trial effort to engage youth for USD students pursuing degrees in the health sciences has developed into a full yearlong outreach initiative.

The initiative involves engaging a captive audience of 5-12-year-old elementary students, teaching them the benefits of pursuing a career in healthcare and adopting healthy habits.

Initiated by the USD School of Health Sciences, the program is based on the simple concept of pen pal writing: USD students would write periodic letters to an elementary school class, and the class would write back.

“The idea arose when we as a health sciences recruitment team brainstormed ways to better connect with a younger audience, in a more immersible way than we have before,” explained Regan Luken, USD nursing’s student services director and one

of the USD staffers to brainstorm and launch the program. “We approached the Sioux Falls Public Schools to gauge interest and the letter writing idea took off from there.”

Around 40 USD health sciences students in various disciplines, including nursing, social work, dental hygiene and health sciences, have participated in the pen pal program thus far. They write three letters per semester to their elementary class about healthcare in general, sharing tidbits about why they want to be a healthcare professional as well as some other fun experiences to engage with the children.

The children return the letters, asking questions.

At the end of the school year, the pen pal program culminates with a surprise visit day

•G et up-to-the-minute healthcare community news in your Inbox between issues

•S tay on top of upcoming area CME events and conferences

•E njoy an exclusive link to the

digital version of this publication — up to two weeks before the printed version is available

•E asily access every past issue

of MED Magazine on any digital device

•R espond to any email from us with

your own news or announcements and we will share them with tens of thousands of website visitors, email subscribers, and social media followers

•M ore than 13,000+ of your

regional healthcare colleagues are already subscribers

• I t’s FREE to become a MED Insider

Scan the QR code on this page or visit MidwestMedicalEdition.com

TO JOIN THE VIP LIST.

YOU CAN FIND THE FULL ARTICLE, INCLUDING CONVERSATIONS WITH PEN PAL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS, ON OUR WEBSITE.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

FOLLOW US!

Facebook.com/medmagazinesd Linkedin.com/company/midwestmedicaledition

7

WHERE EXPERTISE & EDUCATION MEET

The Sanford Center for Digestive Health

BY ALEX STRAUSS

F

OR DR. JEFFREY MURRAY, the opening of the new Sanford

created what Murray calls

Center for Digestive Health represents the culmination of a decade-

“a perfect storm.” The

long vision—one that promises to transform digestive healthcare

change added 19 million

across the Dakotas and beyond. As he talks us through the details

Americans to the screening

of the state-of-the-art facility occupying the top floor of Medical

pool, bringing the total

Building 1 on the Sanford USD Medical Center campus in Sioux

number needing screening

Falls, his enthusiasm is contagious.

to 60 million right now. Yet

“This is going to be a game-changer for our region,” says Dr. Murray, who has served

by 2025, the nation is pre-

the Sioux Falls community as a gastroenterologist for 37 years. “We will be training

dicted to have a shortage of

future gastroenterologists right here in Sioux Falls. It’s a huge step in establishing

1,600 gastroenterologists.

Sanford Health as the destination for gastroenterology care as we become the premier

8

The center’s team is working to close the gaps

rural health system in the country.”

Meeting a Critical Need

even though the rate of

that stat, it’s truly daunting.

colon cancer has decreased

And it’s the number two

in the last 25 years, there

cancer killer in women.

The timing couldn’t be

is a gigantic increase in

This underscores the need

more crucial. According to

the number and mortality

for screening these individ-

Dr. Jorge Gilbert, who has

of colon cancers in younger

uals between 45 and 49.”

practiced alongside Murray

people,” Gilbert explains.

This troubling trend,

in preventive care. “Any screening program aims to reach about 80 percent of the population,” Dr. Gilbert says. ” We are in the 60s right now.” With the new facility’s increased capacity—averaging

as

for 23 years, the need

Murray underscores

combined with the U.S.

for specialized digestive

this point with a sobering

Preventive Services Task

dures a day—the team is

healthcare is rising dramat-

statistic: “The number one

Force’s 2021 decision to

better positioned to meet

ically—particularly among

cancer death in men under

lower the recommended

these ambitious screening

younger patients. “Data and

age 50 is colon cancer,” he

screening age for colon

targets and improve com-

studies have shown that

says. “When you think of

cancer from 50 to 45, has

munity health outcomes.

many as 80 to 90 proce-

MidwestMedicalEdition.com

A Center Designed by Physicians, for Patients

pre- and post-operative rooms, and

extends beyond clinic and procedure

space for 30 physicians. Perhaps most

spaces. Housed within the newly con-

importantly, it combines clinic and

structed Medical Building 1, the center

The new 45,000-square-foot Sanford

procedural spaces on the same floor—a

benefits from the integrated 400-space

Center for Digestive Health represents

design choice that Gilbert says can

parking deck that makes up the first

a thoughtful response to these chal-

make a big difference for patients.

four floors of the building. Onsite

lenges. Both Murray and Gilbert played

“It provides nice continuity and is

parking ensures convenient access for

integral roles in its design, creating a

practical for our patients,” Gilbert

space that prioritizes patient experi-

both patients and staff, while the

notes. “Sometimes we find that we

ence and clinical efficiency.

structure itself was built with future

have to make a hard diagnosis when

“One of the great things about the

growth in mind—capable of accom-

we finish an endoscopy. It’s so good to

new center is that we got to help plan

have the entire gamut of GI care right

modating three additional levels

and design it,” says Murray. “The

next to us—we can make a collegial

patient flow has been well-orches-

and strategic plan of care right on

trated and patients say they love the

the same site.”

above its current five stories.

Building Excellence Through Education

new space and the new building. They

Gilbert says the set-up also makes

can tell that the staff are excited to be

it possible for advanced practice pro-

The crown jewel of the new center

here. It’s a fresh new start in the field

viders to deliver the highest level of

is its fellowship program—the first

of gastroenterology.”

care by making it easier for them to

accredited gastroenterology fellow-

The center features ten procedure

ask a question or collaborate with a

ship in the Dakotas. Starting in July

rooms, with eight currently function-

physician, even if they are performing

2025, the three-year program builds

ing and two more opening soon. The

a procedure.

upon Sanford’s established reputation

facility includes 39 exam rooms, 40

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

The new facility’s strategic design

in medical education. Two new fellows

9

to be two) who do complex advanced biliary procedures to diagnose diseases of the biliary tree and pancreas, and three very experienced doctors for inpatient and acute GI problems.”

Looking to the Future As the only GI fellowship program in the Dakotas, the center aims to will be accepted each year and will be trained through a comprehensive curriculum in an environment equipped with the latest technology.

“In this new building we have the advantage of having state-of-the-art equipment,” Murray explains. “We have AI endoscopy technology in at least two of the procedure rooms,

A Comprehensive Approach to Care

address the region’s growing need for specialized digestive healthcare. Paul Hanson, president of Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, credits Murray’s long-

The Center for Digestive Health cur-

term vision and a generous donation

rently employs 15 gastroenterologists

from T. Denny Sanford for making the

and 12 advanced practice providers,

program possible.

offering comprehensive care for a

For Murray, the goal is clear.

wide range of digestive health con-

“When they finish with the fellowship,

ditions. Gilbert points out that the

they can practice gastroenterology or

team has begun to subspecialize, with

they can go on to learn advanced

dedicated experts for liver diseases,

endoscopic procedures,” he says. “By

complex biliary procedures, and acute

the end of the third year, we expect

inpatient care.

our fellows to be excellent gastroen-

The experienced digestive health

terologists, many of whom will be

team has the only hospital-based ASGE

practicing in this region and hopefully,

recognized GI lab in South Dakota.

some on this campus.”

They provide specialized care for the

As the Center for Digestive Health

full range of digestive disorders—from

begins this new chapter, both Murray

common conditions like acid reflux

and Gilbert see it as just the beginning.

and celiac disease to complex pan-

The building itself was constructed

creatic and liver disorders.

with the ability to add three additional

“We have expanded not only in the

levels for future growth—a testament

which will be important for trainees

number of physicians but also in exper-

to Sanford Health’s commitment to

as they learn procedures.” The center

tise,” says Dr. Gilbert. “We now have

expanding specialized medical care

also features a simulator to help

eight general gastroenterologists, two

in the region and their confidence in

fellows master endoscopic proce-

doctors that are liver-only, one (soon

the program’s success. ❖

dures—one of many requirements for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

“It’s important to realize that we are not teaching students here. We are teaching physicians who are already internists to become subspecialists in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology,” says Gilbert. “That requires that we teach at the very highest level we possibly can, which also serves to make us better doctors.”

10

MidwestMedicalEdition.com

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY

FDA Approved Indications

Before

Chemical burn

FDA Approved Indications

After

5 sessions/6 days later

Non-Approved Indications

Air or Gas Embolism

Failed Skin Grafts and Flaps

Conussions & Traumatic Brain Injury

ADHD

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning & Smoke Inhalation

Gas Gangrene

Arthiritis

PTSD

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections

Cerebral Palsy

Migraines

Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis

Non-Healing Wounds

Chronic Pain

Sports Injuries

Crush Injuries & Other Acute Traumatic Ischemias

Radiation Tissue Damage

Crohn’s Disease

Stroke

Decompression Sickness

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Fibromyalgia

And many more!

Diabetic Lower Extremity Wounds

Thermal Burns

Accepting insurance for approved indications in early 2025

Taking new patients! No referral necessary!

Discover how Midwest Hyperbarics is setting new standards in HBOT. www.midwesthyperbarics.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

info@midwesthyperbarics.com

(605) 743-0402

6300 S Lyncrest Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, 57108

11

NAVIGATING THE DIFFICULT PATIENT ENCOUNTER

D

IFFICULT PATIENT ENCOUNTERS are something all medical providers may face and patient factors such as strong emotions, somatization, unrealistic expectations, and mental health issues commonly contribute to these. Additionally, we need to take into account environmental or situational factors such as busy patient schedules, multiple people in the exam room, language or literacy

issues, and provider issues such as fatigue/burnout, anecdotal previous patient experiences, and defensiveness.

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP IN A DIFFICULT ENCOUNTER? Although it may sound obvious, it is important to first recognize that you are perceiving an encounter as difficult.

This may occur as early as seeing a patient’s name on your schedule or may not occur until you are in the middle of a visit. No matter when the sense of difficulty is recognized, it is important to reflect on why the patient and/or encounter is evoking your strong emotions.

Emotions are never wrong but can be detrimental to a provider-patient relationship depending upon how they are identified and managed. While a patient’s anger may be a frequently cited emotion in a difficult encounter, it is important to remember that anger is often the result of an underlying primary emotion such as fear or sadness.

USEFUL TECHNIQUES • ACKNOWLEDGE EMOTIONS Acknowledge the

12

• REFLECTIVE AND ACTIVE LISTENING

patient’s and your emotions. Don’t be afraid to call out

Summarize what you are hearing from the patient,

an emotion, such as, “I can see you are angry.” If the

“I hear you saying you are frustrated as your pain

patient corrects you and says, “No, I am not angry just

has not improved and it is limiting you at your job.”

frustrated,” take that as a positive as you have already

Brief summary statements are an effective way of

begun to deescalate the situation. Let the patient

expressing empathy. Pay attention to your body

know you are having challenges as well, “I am having

language as nonverbal communication contributes

difficulty as I really want to help you, and I am

more to interaction than the words you say—stay

frustrated we haven’t found a better solution for you.”

calm, lean in, and pay attention.

MidwestMedicalEdition.com

• IT’S OKAY TO SAY I AM SORRY While sorry statements are not necessarily a form of empathy, it may be appropriate to say things as, “I am sorry I kept you waiting so long,” and then follow it with an empathic statement, “I know you must be very frustrated.”

• THIS IS A PARTNERSHIP You may discover that in your exploration that the patient has unrealistic expectations (i.e., “I want to be pain free.”) and you can work toward an agreement to work together on a reasonable goal. “I want to be transparent—I may not be able to relieve all of your pain, but we can work together to improve your symptoms such that you can return to work and enjoy your life outside of work.”

• RECOGNIZE IT WILL TAKE TIME Building a relationship and/or behavior modification takes time. Set reasonable goals on what may be accomplished in one visit.

• COMMUNICATION SKILLS REQUIRE PRACTICE Remember that we all have differing skills and patient communication is a clinical skill that is developed with practice. There are plenty of wonderful workshops on communications skills.

We encourage you to take an opportunity to be

videotaped as it is a powerful way to understand nonverbal skills in particular.

• WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, TAKE THE APPROPRIATE STEPS Despite your best efforts, not all relationships may be salvageable. You are never required to maintain a relationship that is potentially dangerous or abusive to you or your staff.

You can set limits on patient behavior that is particularly disruptive. Remember there are important guidelines to follow when terminating a relationship.

You should never terminate a relationship based on characteristics that may be considered discriminatory such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, or disability. Draft a termination letter that is succinct but spells out that you will provide emergency care and non-controlled refills for 30 days. Suggest resources for identifying a new provider and assure them that all records will be transferred. Avoid restating your side of the story in the letter and make sure your staff knows your plans.

Finally, send the letter via certified mail. ❖ This article was prepared by the COPIC Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management. Information in this article is for general educational purposes and is not intended to establish practice guidelines or provide legal advice.

“They Cared for Me Like Family.“ Julie, Breast Cancer Survivor

605.882.6800 | prairielakes.com/herefor you | Water town, SD

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

13

NEWS & NOTES

Happenings around the region

News & Notes South Dakota | Southwest Minnesota | Northwest Iowa | Northeast Nebraska

AVERA Thirty Avera-affiliated rural and community hospitals have received 2024 Performance Leadership Awards from The Chartis Center for Rural Health. The recognition spans three categories: quality, outcomes, and patient perspective. Notable achievements include multiple facilities earning recognition in two or more categories.

The awards, based on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, validate Avera’s commitment to excellence in rural healthcare delivery across the Upper Midwest.

BLACK HILLS

SANFORD BILL GASSEN Sanford Health CEO Bill Gassen has been named to Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare for the third consecutive year, ranking 32nd on the 2024 list. Under Gassen’s leadership since 2020, Sanford operates 45 hospitals and serves 1.4 million patients across the upper Midwest. Recent initiatives include a planned merger with Wisconsin-based Marshfield Clinic Health System and a $350 million investment in rural healthcare. Gassen serves on the American Hospital Association Board Executive Committee and chairs the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare.

Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls and Sanford Medical Center Bismarck have been named the top hospitals in South Dakota and North Dakota respectively in Newsweek’s 2025 Best-in-State Hospital rankings. The rankings evaluate hospitals using quality metrics from CMS, the American Hospital Association Annual Survey, HCAHPS patient surveys, and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures.

Monument Health Rapid City Hospital has earned a B Grade in the Fall 2024 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, the highest rating in South Dakota. Key improvements include a 66.66% reduction in colon surgical site infections, 92% decrease in central line infections, and 75% decline in hospital-onset MRSA bacteremia. The Leapfrog rating system evaluates up to 30 performance measures focused exclusively on hospital safety.

14

Sanford Vermillion Medical Center, Sanford Westbrook Medical Center, and Sanford Tracy Medical Center are among the Sanford facilities to earn 2024 Performance Leadership Awards for quality from the Chartis Center for Rural Health.

The recognition places the facilities in the top quartile among rural hospitals nationwide. The award is based on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, which assesses rural hospital performance across multiple operational and financial metrics. The recognition validates the facilities’ commitment to providing high-quality local healthcare access.

MidwestMedicalEdition.com

Sanford Research has provided a $100,000 donation to Mount Marty University’s biotechnology management program. The partnership aims to address pharmaceutical production capacity and biosecurity needs identified during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 30-credit virtual curriculum, launched in August 2023, combines industry expertise with hands-on experience through Sanford Research internships. The funding will provide scholarships to support future biotechnology leaders, with the program recruiting students from diverse backgrounds including business administration, science, and engineering.

SIOUXLAND

The Siouxland Chamber of Commerce celebrated MercyOne Siouxland Wound Clinic’s expansion with a ribbon-cutting this fall. The clinic, managed by Healogics, has earned the President’s Circle award for the past two years, making it Healogics’ most honored center among over 600 nationwide facilities. The expansion includes the addition of a new provider, Selena Meacham, ARNP, who will help handle the increasing volume. The facility has been providing wound care in the area for 20 years, including diagnostic assessments, a variety of specialized treatments, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

MIKE TRACHTA

Employees at Spencer Hospital in Spencer, Iowa embraced the spirit of the holiday season by adopting 15 senior citizens as part of the Upper Des Moines Opportunity and Elderbridge “Santa for Seniors” program. Through the “Santa for Seniors” program, employees fulfilled over 85 wish list items to bring joy and comfort to local seniors.

Spencer staff also led a collection drive for pantry items for the middle school, donated pet toys and supplies for animals in need, supported a canned food and winter clothing drive in November, and helped serve a Thanksgiving meal for families affected by the flood in 2024.

Mike Trachta, MercyOne VP of Rural Hospitals and Regional Operations, was recently awarded the 2024 Jerry Karbeling Award from the Iowa Rural Health Association. Karbeling was an active member and past president of the IRHA. THe award named in his honor is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to rural health in Iowa and exemplify leadership, community dedication and a strong commitment to public health policy. Trachta has provided executive support for MercyOne’s eight owned and 20 affiliated rural hospitals for the last ten years.

You’re not a policy number.

You’re a human.

Protecting the humans of healthcare.

800.421.1834

copic.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

15

• Happenings around the region

News & Notes

NEWS & NOTES

Happenings around the region

INDEPENDENTS Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Huron Regional Medical Center have joined the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Stroke initiative to enhance stroke care access across South Dakota. The program aims to integrate all components of acute stroke care into a coordinated system, connecting hospitals, EMS, rehabilitation facilities, and regulatory agencies. The initiative addresses critical needs in rural South Dakota, where access to neurologists is often limited to telemedicine. In 2022, stroke accounted for 393 deaths in South Dakota.

Kirsten Wiese, CNA, has received Huron Regional Medical Center’s Beyond Exceptional Everyday (BEE) Award. The recognition honors employees who demonstrate the hospital’s REACH values: respectful, engaged, available, competent, and helpful. Wiese, who has served on the medical floor for nearly a year, was nominated by a patient for her exceptional care and timeliness.

The quarterly award includes professional development opportunities and recognition benefits.

Registration is open for the Childbirth Support Specialists Birth and Postpartum Doula workshop scheduled for Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at Brookings Health System. The workshop will provide hands-on education for providing physical and emotional support to birthing women and their families and is recommended for doulas, nurses, nursing students, lactation counselors, childbirth educators and other health care professionals.

Class will be held in Brookings Hospital’s conference room A from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

It is worth 16 CEUs and is one step in meeting the requirements for becoming a doula at Brookings Health System.

16

Representatives from Gallagher present the Best-in-Class Employer recognition to Brookings Human Resources Director Lacey Ellsworth, President and CEO Jason Merkley, Chief Nursing Officer Tammy Hillestad and Chief Financial Officer Melissa Wagner.

Brookings Health System has been designated a U.S. Best-in-Class Employer by Gallagher in their 2024 Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey. The recognition reflects excellence in benefits management, compensation strategies, and employee communication. Selection criteria included evaluation of benefits planning, workforce engagement, HR technology implementation, healthcare cost management, and turnover rates. The designation acknowledges Brookings Health’s success in maintaining competitive benefits while controlling costs in today’s challenging healthcare labor market.

Brookings Health System’s Ambulance Director Gordon Dekkenga accepted the Career EMS Service Award on behalf of the health system at the South Dakota Emergency Medical Services Association conference this fall.

GORDON DEKKENGA Brookings Health System’s Ambulance Service has received the 2024 Career EMS Service Award from SDEMSA. The service, operating since 1974, maintains four advanced life support vehicles and handles over 2,500 calls annually. They serve Brookings County and provide ALS assistance to surrounding communities. The Brookings Health System Foundation conducted a fundraising campaign in December to buy a new advanced life support ambulance, with the first $10,000 matched by donors.

Registered Dietitian Katy VanderWal visits with a family on the inpatient care unit at Brookings Health System.

Brookings Health System has earned its eighth consecutive Performance Leadership Award in quality and outcomes from The Chartis Center for Rural Health. The recognition places the system in the top quartile of rural hospitals nationally.

This achievement follows their earlier 2024 recognitions as a Top 20 Rural Community Hospital by the National Rural Health Association and inclusion in Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list.

Horizon Health employees have contributed nearly $355,000 over eight years through their annual Employee Giving Campaign, with total investor donations reaching $3.8M to support patient care initiatives. The 2025 campaign, themed “Rooted in Our Communities,” has already impacted over 5,000 patients, providing critical assistance for medical, dental, and behavioral health services. The campaign’s success includes the Employee Emergency Fund, which has assisted 76 staff members, including an Aberdeen clinic interpreter who recently received support during her successful cancer treatment journey.

MidwestMedicalEdition.com

OTHER JEFF BURG

GLEN MARSHALL

The Horizon Health Foundation has appointed Jeff Burg of Wessington Springs and Glen Marshall of Vermillion to its board.

Burg, who manages Firesteel Ranch, brings agricultural business expertise and serves on the Farm Credit Services of America board.

Marshall, a former U.S. Army service member and Boys & Girls Club CEO, is pursuing advanced degrees at USD.

USD’s Department of Addiction Counseling & Prevention has received a $2 million SAMHSA grant to expand substance use disorder treatment in Minnehaha County drug courts. The SCIPIRS project will implement prevention, harm reduction, and recovery services for people who’ve come through the court system. The grant funds a justice navigator position, medical services for medication-assisted treatment, and expanded peer support services. The initiative aims to improve treatment access while reducing incarceration rates and criminal justice involvement.

KATIE KASSIN Katie Kassin, PA-C, a faculty member in the University of South Dakota’s Physician Assistant Program, recently became the first physician assistant appointed by the governor to serve on the state’s Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.

Kassin will serve on the board for three years.

She also serves on the South Dakota Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee in her role as a physician assistant.

KENDRA ERICSON Kendra Ericson, Ph.D., RN, president of St. Luke’s College, has received the 2024 Recognition Award from ‘The Way Up’ Conference for advancing women in higher education. The award acknowledges her contributions to academic leadership, including development of a state-of-the-art simulation center and mentorship initiatives.

Her selection highlights her impact on higher education and commitment to empowering women in academic leadership roles.

❱ Intrigued by something you’ve read here? Want to go deeper?

Read the full versions of these and other recent news items on our website.

Visual Motor Therapy Occupational therapy helps kids develop functional skills needed for daily life, which includes their visual motor skills.

• Therapy addresses visual motor difficulties that can affect reading, writing, balance, coordination, self-care skills, self-esteem, peer relationships, and more.

• Exercises target visual motor integration, including ocular motor function, visual perception, and hand-eye coordination.

Therapy To learn more, visit LifeScapeSD.org or call 605-444-9700.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

17

• Happenings around the region

News & Notes

BEYOND THE BORDER NEWS In addition to MED Magazine in South Dakota, MED also curates and shares medical community news with 13,000+ digital subscribers in North Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. We periodically print some of the most notable news items from our wider coverage area.

IOWA

MercyOne Genesis Expands Eldridge Family Medicine

M

ercyOne Genesis has broken ground on a significant expansion of its Eldridge Family Medicine facility, adding 7,669 square feet to accommodate growing

patient demand. The expansion will create 13 new exam rooms, two procedure rooms, and enlarged laboratory and a larger Convenient Care space at the North 4th Avenue location.

“The expansion will provide the opportunity to grow primary care services with four additional providers,” said Beau Dexter, Regional VP Operations, MercyOne Medical Group. Two physicians have already committed to joining the practice, with the first arrival scheduled for August 2025.

The facility currently serves over 10,000 patients annually, with more than 47,000 combined visits to its family practice and Convenient Care services in fiscal year 2024. Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2025.

NEBRASKA

Regional West Introduces Advanced Robotic Joint Replacement Technology

R

egional West in Scottsbluff has enhanced its orthopedic capabilities with the addition of Mako SmartRobotics™ for total knee, partial knee, and total hip replacements. The tech-

nology combines 3D CT imaging with robotic-assisted precision to enable personalized surgical procedures.

Columbus Community Hospital Unveils Plans for Comprehensive Cancer Center

C

olumbus Community Hospital has announced plans to construct a 25,000-square-foot cancer center, bringing advanced oncology services to the local community. The facility, slated to

break ground in spring 2025, will consolidate cancer treatment services in one location adjacent to the hospital’s emergency department.

The state-of-the-art center will house Columbus

“With Mako SmartRobotics, we can perform

Radiation Oncology and Hematology & Oncology Consul-

surgeries with much greater precision compared to

tants, featuring advanced technology including a Varian

using manual instruments alone,” said Dr. Austin

TrueBeam linear accelerator for precise radiation therapy

McPhilamy, surgeon at Regional West Physicians Clin-

and an on-site PET/CT scanner. The facility will also

ic-Orthopaedics. Clinical studies indicate patients may

include expanded infusion services with private treatment

experience less pain, reduced opiate use, shorter hospital

rooms, addressing current space limitations.

stays, and improved outcomes compared to traditional techniques.

“This center will give our patients access to cancer services typically only found in larger communities,” said

The advancement comes as joint replacement proce-

Mike Hansen, president and CEO. The development

dures are projected to increase significantly by 2030.

represents a significant advancement in regional healthcare

Regional West supports patients throughout their

delivery, offering comprehensive cancer care services to

surgical journey with comprehensive services including

patients who previously needed to travel for treatment.

consultation, surgery, and rehabilitation.

❱ Interested in more news from MED’s wider coverage area?

Select your preferred regional newsletters on our website.

18

MidwestMedicalEdition.com

FROM MED’S MULTI-STATE COVERAGE AREA

KRMC Performs First Convergent Procedure for AFib Treatment, Advancing Cardiac Care

D

r. Zane Atkins and the cardiology team at Kearney Regional Medical Center recently completed the hospital’s first convergent procedure, a hybrid treatment for atrial fibrillation that combines

minimally invasive surgery with catheter ablation.

Dr. Atkins will work in tandem with Dr. Brian Kim, elec-

trophysiologist at KRMC, to create scar tissue in the heart and disrupt the electrical signals that cause AFib. This collaboration is a result of the new AFib Clinic being offered

by Dr. Kim.

NORTH DAKOTA

Essentia Health Launches Mobile Mammography Services Across Region

E

ssentia Health is expanding its rural healthcare reach with a new mobile mammography program serving eight communities across Minnesota and North Dakota. The initiative, launching November 11,

will provide routine screening mammograms to patients in Ada, Aurora, Deer River, Deerwood, Hibbing, Pine River, and Staples in Minnesota, and Valley City in North Dakota.

“Mobile mammography brings essential screening services

directly to rural communities, eliminating travel barriers for patients,” explains Dr. John Valesano, Essentia Health radiologist. The program aims to improve early detection rates and health outcomes in underserved areas.

The healthcare system unveiled the new unit this fall at the Essentia Health St. Joseph’s-Pine River Clinic.

Patients can schedule screening mammograms through their local Essentia clinic, making preventive breast care more accessible throughout the health system’s service area.

Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center Named Among Nation’s Top Oncology Programs

S

anford Roger Maris Cancer Center has earned recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the country’s top 100 oncology programs for the second consecutive year. The center, which serves approxi-

mately 600 patients daily across North Dakota and Minnesota, was selected for its advancement of cancer care through clinical trials and research.

Recent expansions include a new chemotherapy infusion center partnership with Perham Health and planned infusion services at Sanford Thief River Falls. The center launched the upper Midwest’s first blood and bone marrow transplant program in 2021 and has received national recognition for its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from the American Medical Association.

“This honor illustrates the hard work and dedication our staff provides to the communities we serve,” said Tiffany Lawrence, Sanford Health Fargo president and CEO.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

19

FUTURE FOCUSED

USD’s Telehealth Collaborative Builds Bridges to Underserved Communities

T

HE USD SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES, Sanford School of Medicine, Department of Communication

Sciences

&

Disorders,

and

Department of Psychology are working together

to establish infrastructure and talent to support the telehealth collaborative, which will allow for expanded services offered at spoke sites without the need for travel by the patient or care provider.

Supported by the office of South Dakota Sen. Mike

Rounds, the Telehealth Collaborative will build on

• Recruit and further develop faculty and staff with expertise to establish a telehealth core team.

• Expand existing collaborations to recruit and support rural spoke clinical sites across the state in a hub-and-spoke telehealth design model with a focus on rural and underserved communities.

• Establish a regional telehealth consortium to stimulate resource sharing, education, training, service and research.

USD Health Affairs’ existing investment in cutting-edge

Telehealth must be integrated into educational models

technology to educate the next generation of healthcare

if it is to be successfully utilized in traditional healthcare

providers in interprofessional and collaborative learning

settings. Training is essential for healthcare providers to

and simulation, ensuring trained professionals are

feel confident in their ability to extend their reach and to

workforce ready.

engage in quality, safe, efficient and effective telehealth

“We are grateful to Senator Rounds for his support

interactions with patients. Through this project, the USD

of the Telehealth Collaborative and the state’s future

healthcare curricula will provide observed, simulated and

healthcare leaders,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring.

actual patient/client encounters.

“This grant not only strengthens USD’s commitment to

“I congratulate the University of South Dakota for

innovative, accessible healthcare, but also reinforces our

receiving a grant to help establish and expand its Tele-

dedication to serving communities across South Dakota.

health Collaborative, an initiative that will significantly

By creating hands-on training in telehealth, we’re ensuring

enhance healthcare access and education across our

our graduates are prepared to meet the needs of all

state,” said Sen. Rounds. “This investment will build crit-

South Dakotans, regardless of where they live.”

ical infrastructure for telehealth education, equipping future healthcare professionals with cutting-edge tools

THE TELEHEALTH COLLABORATIVE WILL: • Build an interdisciplinary/interprofessional telehealth platform to train healthcare students in the state.

• Create an interdisciplinary/interprofessional education network to cultivate future leaders in telehealth and healthcare services, to include development of telehealth curriculum, a telehealth certificate, and integration of telehealth content and courses within the existing educational curricula.

20

and technologies. By expanding access to quality care, particularly in rural and underserved communities, this collaborative will strengthen healthcare delivery in South Dakota and foster the development of the next generation of healthcare leaders.”

Haifa Samra, PhD, dean of the School of Health Sciences, is the principal investigator on the grant. “This two-year project will foster a practice-ready healthcare workforce trained in cutting-edge technologies while simultaneously increasing access to quality care across South Dakota,” she said. “The work will improve the health and wellness of our state today and into the future.” ❖

MidwestMedicalEdition.com

Grace Hayworth, OTS

Degree: Doctor of Occupational Therapy (In Progress), Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate Current Position: Third-Year Occupational Therapy Student

HRSA GRANT WILL ESTABLISH NETWORK OF BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS IN SOUTH DAKOTA

help develop the strategic

he University of

grams will pair with clinical

South Dakota has

placement sites within South

received a grant

Dakota.

T

plan for implementing and sustaining clinical experiences for graduate students in applied behavior analysis, who will become invaluable members of interprofessional health care teams in rural South Dakota. These opportunities for high-quality training and education pro-

from the Depart-

“There is a significant

ment of Health and Human

shortage of behavioral ana-

Services Health Resources

lysts in the state, particularly

and Services Administra-

in rural areas, and we need to

tion (HRSA) to address and

support the development of

increase access to behav-

behavioral service profes-

ioral care for rural South

sionals, particularly those

Dakotans.

with BCBA® certification, to

The

S out h

D a kot a

Behavior Analyst Network

serve and benefit our communities,” Groeneweg said.

Development (BAND) grant,

Partners in South Dakota

in the amount of $100,000,

BAND include the Univer-

will create a program that

sity of South Dakota Center

works closely with the USD

for Disabilities, University

Applied Behavior Analyst

of South Dakota School of

Program and its director,

Health Sciences, Community

Ryan Groeneweg, Ed.S., BCBA,

Healthcare Association of

to establish a committee

the Dakotas (CHAD), South

tasked with developing a

Da kot a

statewide network focused on

Health Division of Health-

increasing behavior analyst

care Access and South

support, especially within

Dakota Department of Social

rural health care settings.

Services Division of Behav-

The financial support will

D epa r t ment

of

Grace Hayworth had her sights set on a career in Occupational Therapy since she was a young teen. So when she was exposed to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy during her undergraduate special education fieldwork, she “put it in the back of her mind”.

“I found it fascinating, but I already had my plans to pursue OT at USD, so I just let it go for the time being,” she says.

But that early exposure had planted a seed that was destined to flourish in graduate school. As Hayworth progressed through USD’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, the connections between OT and behavioral therapy became increasingly apparent. It wasn’t until she began working on her doctoral capstone project that everything clicked into place.

“The capstone has given me the opportunity to really explore the collaboration between occupational therapy and ABA therapy,” says Hayworth, who has already received more than 50 responses to her needs-based assessment.

When she discussed the project with the head of the ABA program at USD, he suggested that she take her interest to the next level.

“He encouraged me to apply to the ABA certificate program at USD,” says Hayworth. “Because I’m already in the graduate program, I could just add on the certificate, which would only take two years. So I thought, ‘Why wouldn’t I?’” This spring, Hayworth will graduate with her doctorate and complete her first year of ABA coursework, which she views as a natural extension of her professional journey.

“I think having dual expertise in OT and ABA is really going to give me a perspective that not a lot of people have,” says Hayworth. “There is a significant knowledge gap between these two professions, but the goal of both OTs and ABA therapists who work with children is to provide them with meaningful and fulfilling lives. The School of Health Sciences does a great job of incorporating the idea of interdisciplinary teamwork, which is what we really need to deliver the best healthcare.”

This SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT brought to you by

ioral Health. ❖

USD.EDU/HEALTH

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

21

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES $5.05M MISSION Lifeline Stroke Initiative in South Dakota

T

HE AMERICAN HEART

Walter Panzirer, a trustee of the

A s s o c i at i o n /A m e r i c a n

Helmsley Charitable Trust, empha-

Stroke Association has

sized

announced a $5.05 million

particularly for rural populations. “A

the

prog ram’s

impact,

commitment to the Mission:

comprehensive approach is essential

Lifeline Stroke initiative, aimed at

for improving care in regions with

strengthening stroke care across

longer transit times and limited access

South Dakota. The initiative is pri-

to specialists,” he said.

marily funded by a $4.4 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Mission: Lifeline Stroke seeks to integrate all aspects of acute stroke care—hospitals, emergency medical services (EMS), rehabilitation facilities, and government agencies—into a unified, evidence-based system. This collaboration is designed to improve outcomes for stroke patients, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

“When it comes to stroke, every second counts,” said Melissa Magstadt, Cabinet Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Health. “This initiative ensures that high-quality stroke care is available statewide, improving prevention and patient outcomes.”

Stroke, a leading cause of death in South Dakota, accounted for 393

THE INITIATIVE WILL ADDRESS CRITICAL ASPECTS OF STROKE CARE • PUBLIC AWARENESS Educating communities about stroke symptoms and the importance of calling 9-1-1.

• EMS TRAINING Ensuring first responders are equipped to recognize and transport stroke patients to appropriate facilities.

• HOSPITAL PREPAREDNESS Enhancing the ability of hospitals to treat and transfer stroke patients as needed.

• POST-ACUTE CARE Implementing quality standards in rehabilitation facilities to maximize recovery and reduce the risk of secondary strokes.

fatalities in 2022. Many others live with

• DATA SYSTEMS Establishing a

stroke-related disabilities. The acute

statewide quality improvement

and time-sensitive nature of strokes

system to monitor patient

underscores the importance of initia-

outcomes and guide future

tives like Mission: Lifeline Stroke,

improvements.

which builds on prior successes in

“Stroke treatment is time-sensitive,”

the Upper Midwest, including South

said Dr. Jim Walery, consulting physi-

Dakota’s Mission: Lifeline STEMI

cian to the South Dakota Department

program for heart attack care.

of Health EMS Division. “This initiative will improve coordination from onset to rehabilitation, directly impacting the lives of all South Dakotans.”

Since 2010, the Helmsley Charitable Trust has invested over $90.9 million in the American Heart Association’s mission, supporting programs like Mission: Lifeline STEMI and stroke care initiatives across the Upper Midwest. This latest project continues that legacy, building a comprehensive system to improve stroke outcomes and save lives in South Dakota. ❖

22

MidwestMedicalEdition.com

UPCOMING 2025 EVENTS

January 24

April 24

June 17 – 19

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

8:30 am – 4:00 pm

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Winter Wonderland Avera Queen of Peace Gala

Castle of Care Symposium: Trauma, Emergency and Critical Care 2025

2025 Dakota Conference on Rural and Public Health

Location: Highland Conference Center, Mitchell, SD

February 8

Location: Sanford Center, Sioux Falls, SD

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

April 24 – 25

14th Annual HeARTS in Healing Event

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

June 25 – 26 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location: Avera Specialty Hospital

Iowa Healthcare Leaders Association (IHLA) Spring Conference

February 18

Location: Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, Des Moines, IA

7:30 am – 4:30 pm

Sanford Heart and Vascular Symposium 2025

SDAHO Rural Health Leaders Conference Location: Drifter's Event Center, Fort Pierre, SD

September 11 – 12 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

May 13 – 14

Location: Avalon Event Center, Fargo, ND

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

April 1 – 2

Location: Sioux Falls Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location: Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, ND

2025 Avera PACE Conference and Tradeshow

Iowa Healthcare Leaders Association (IHLA) Fall Conference Location: Hilton Garden Inn, West Des Moines, IA

September 24 – 26

2025 Public Health Conference of Iowa

May 20

Location: Airport Holiday Inn, Des Moines, IA

2025 Avera Lung Conference

99th Annual SDAHO Convention

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

May 31

October 16

April 8 – 9 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

SDAHO Post-Acute Partners in Care Conference Location: Sioux Falls, SD

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

9:00 am – 1:00 pm

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

National Cancer Survivors Day Location: Monument Health Cancer Institute

11th Annual SD Health Link Fall Forum Location: Sioux Falls Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD

VISIT MIDWESTMEDICALEDITION.COM/EVENTS FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF THESE UPCOMING EVENTS AND TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN.

THERE ARE NO SICK DAYS ON THE RANCH 365 days a year, no matter the weather,

you are preserving a way of life through passion and commitment.

At Monument Health, we believe protecting your health and well-being is just as important as preserving your way of life.

Monument Health offers preventive care options that help detect and prevent serious diseases and medical issues before they become major problems. You are constantly navigating a variety of occupational risks including respiratory diseases, infections, skin cancer, sore bones and muscles, hearing loss, depression, anxiety and disabling injuries. We believe that with proper preventative care and access to knowledgeable health professionals, you can live a long, healthy and productive life.

We want every patient to receive the care they need right here at home. As part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, our doctors have special access to Mayo Clinic knowledge, expertise and resources.

• Your provider can collaborate with Mayo Clinic specialists on your behalf.

• You receive expert care from your trusted local provider close to home, with additional peace of mind.

Stop by our booths inside The Monument Ice Arena concourse during The Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo and Rodeo Rapid City to learn more.

monument.health/communityhealthsummit