Small Wonders

with multiple clinics, explain how your schedule fits the Carrington and Grand Forks clinic locations?

We have a great team to cover such a large service area. It takes everyone to transport a functioning “clinic” one to two hours from home base. The area is divided between James Frisk, MD and I. I currently travel to Grand Forks on Tuesdays, altering my schedule when needed.

what qualities would your patients use to best describe you?

I listen well. To be the best doctor I can be I need to understand my patients, they want to know why and what I’m doing to help them to healthier days. My profession is my passion. It’s all about focusing on the people.

what qualities do you believe every women needs to have to be successful in business?

Love what you do for the business, clear vision of the business goals and discipline. what is necessary to keep your day running smoothly?

Caffeine, a good attitude and the clinic team. have you had to make mom sacrifices for the sake of your profession?

Yes. I think I have made several of the same sacrifices that all working moms have to make. For example, leaving my kids with another caregiver early on in their life to return to work or the general sense of missing out due to work schedule and/or fatigue are common experiences we all share. Some experiences that may be unique to my profession would be the training duration and requirements. I spent the first two years of my daughter’s life working well over a hundred hours a week. Currently my kids have had to learn that there are times when mom is not available to them.

is there one woman in your life who has been a mentor or inspiration to you [and why]?

My childhood best friend has been an inspiration to me for several years. She has demonstrated remarkable perseverance when dealing with debilitating juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. She at a young age has had to deal with multiple joint replacement surgeries and chronic pain. Despite this, she has the energy to run a business with her father and one would never guess how much discomfort she has to deal with on a daily basis.

how would you describe your support system?

I rely on my family and friends. I am grateful to have Bill, my husband, my parents Bill and Jenny, my older brother Butch, my kids, the clinic team and those few close friends.

what part of your career are you most proud of?

I have the knowledge, skills and confidence to help people improve their health. away from the clinic, what might we find you doing?

Watching my kids in their activities or spending time at the lake with my family.

something you admire, but would never do?

Sing in a band—I love music, but I am tone deaf! what is your biggest claim to fame?

I have known my husband since I was 14-years-old when we began dating.

what advice would you give other women considering the mompreneur title?

Ask questions and hire help. Take on the tasks you consider important. For the rest, give up control. I have people help me clean my house and I gave up regularly cooking shortly after starting residency.

Fargo 2700 12th Ave. S., Suite D Fargo, ND 701.235.1924 www.plainsent.com

Grand Forks 4350 S. Washington St., Suite 112 Grand Forks, ND 701.235.1924

Carrington Foster County Medical Center 800 N 4th St. Carrington, ND 701.652.2515 prints charming tiny sprout portraits timeless images photography prints charming

When the Parker family stepped off the elevator into Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo, their eyes lit up. Toddler Kinley pointed to the big tree in the middle of this colorful place.

“We instantly felt the warmth of Sanford Children’s. So uplifting and different from any hospital we’d ever experienced,” says Kinley’s mom Holly. “We knew it was going to be a good day.”

Good, but not easy…

On this day in late March 2012, Kinley Parker would undergo a treatment they hoped would help her walk.

“She was 18-months-old and had never even tried,” says Holly.

treating clubfoot

Kinley’s inability to walk stemmed from clubfoot a birth defect that affects about 1 in every 1,000 babies in the US. Kinley’s case was especially severe. Both feet twisted inward. Without treatment, she’d never stand, walk or run normally.

The lengthy process to correct Kinley’s feet began shortly after her birth in Grand Forks, ND. Treatments included casting, bracing and surgeries. All brought key improvements, but still no walking.

When pain emerged, Kinley’s doctor in Grand Forks called on Dr. William Klava, Sanford physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Dr. Klava traveled to Grand Forks for an in-person consultation.

“Right away Kinley crawled over to him and wanted to sit on his lap,” says Holly. “He was like a grandpa to her. We trusted him.”

Dr. Klava recommended the therapeutic use of Botox to relax the muscles causing the pain. But the injections can be difficult for children. Dr. Klava knew Sanford Children’s had the expertise and resources, including child life specialists to make the treatment as easy as possible.

an Easter miracle

For nine days there was no noticeable difference. Then came the tenth.

“It was the evening before Easter and we were at my parents’ house,” recalls Holly. “My dad had M&M’s in his hand. Kinley saw them and just took off walking! For the next 45 minutes she kept going back and forth from one person to the next. Every time she reached someone she’d hug them.”

“Kinley kept saying, ‘I walk! I walk! I walk!’” And she did. “She walked everywhere,” says Holly. “It was amazing to see!”

Support For An Ongoing Process

In July Kinley started tripping because one foot began to invert again -- an ongoing challenge in treating clubfoot. Another straightening surgery took place in August in Grand Forks. The hope is she’ll be on her feet again in a matter of months.

Kinley doesn’t let this challenge or any other stop her from being a kid. A huge Minnie Mouse fan, she loves swimming, throwing balls and launching food. “Mac and cheese is a favorite,” says dad James. “She gets a big grin on her face and there it goes.”

The coming years will include more treatments. Kinley forges ahead.

“Nothing limits her,” says Holly. “She’s a kid who doesn’t give up.”

The Parkers don’t give up either. They appreciate the excellent help and support they’ve received from family, friends and their community of Warren, MN. They also appreciate the teamwork of the many medical professionals involved in Kinley’s care, including Dr. Jon Bradbury primary care physician.