Med Magazine, March 2026

Bringing Pediatric Cardiac Care to Patients and Families Across the Region

Calum’s Story: Cardiology Care Closer to Home

Calum was born with an atrioventricular (AV) canal defect, a large hole between the upper and lower chambers of his heart, as well as coarctation, a narrowing of the aorta. Through Children’s Nebraska’s Fetal Heart Program, our pediatric cardiac team began building and preparing Calum’s care plan even before he was born.

That plan included a two-stage surgical approach. Immediately after birth, Calum was transported from his hometown of Rapid City, South Dakota, to Children’s for surgery to expand his aorta. Six months later, he returned for a second corrective procedure to repair the AV canal defect.

Today, Calum continues to receive expert care close to home. Children’s pediatric cardiologists travel to Rapid City to provide pediatric cardiology clinics, allowing patients and families across South Dakota to access specialized care without traveling long distances for every visit. Calum is also followed by Children’s Pulmonary Hypertension Program, the first program of its kind accredited as a Regional Clinical Program by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association.

Children’s Criss Heart Center’s Programs and Services Include:

• Adult Congenital Heart Disease

• Advanced Pediatric Heart Failure & Transplant Program

• Aortopathy Program

The comprehensive care offered through Children’s Criss Heart Center ensures patients like Calum receive the full spectrum of cardiac services from one trusted care team. Our extensive outreach clinic program reduces the need for frequent travel to Omaha, and when visits to our main campus are necessary, Children’s supports families traveling more than 90 miles by providing accommodations at the Carolyn Scott Rainbow House. At every step of the way, our team is committed to keeping patients and families informed, supported and cared for.

Extending Excellence Across the Region

In addition to Omaha, Children’s conducts outreach clinics in: Nebraska: Columbus, Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings, Lincoln, Norfolk and North Platte

Iowa: Ames, Atlantic, Des Moines and Sioux City

South Dakota: Rapid City and Sioux Falls

• Cardiac Care Unit, an acuity-adaptable floor dedicated to caring for the full spectrum of heart patients

• Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program

• Cardiac Rehabilitation

• Cardiothoracic Surgery

• Cardiovascular Genetics

• Diagnostic Testing & Advanced Cardiac Imaging

• Electrophysiology

• Fetal Heart Program

• Fontan Program, in partnership with Children’s Adolescent Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

• Interventional Cardiology

• Lipid Heart Clinic

• Pediatric Cardiology

• Pediatric Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD) Program

• Pulmonary Hypertension Program, in partnership with Children’s Pulmonology

• Single Ventricle Program

Scan the QR code or visit ChildrensNebraska.org/ReferHeart to learn more about Children’s Criss Heart Center and how to make a referral. For immediate consult or transport, call Children’s Provider Priority Line at 855.850.KIDS (5437).

ello and Welcome to the first Regional Edition of MED Magazine, MED long-standing publication for South Dakota healthcare professionals — now featuring news and information from MED ’s entire four-state coverage area.

If you’re new to MED Magazine, we’re delighted you’re here. If you like what you see, be sure to join the VIP list (link below) so you’ll receive every issue, along with our region-specific newsletters, in your Inbox. If you’re a long-time reader, we hope you’ll find even more to love in this expanded edition.

For those of you looking to reduce your screen time, consider subscribing to the PRINT version of this publication. Just scan the code on the front cover. As great as it is to read on your digital devices, we think you’ll like holding it in your hands even better. (We do!)

Finally, reach out to us at Info@MidwestMedicalEdition.com to find out how you or your organization can be featured in a future issue.

All the Best, Alex & Steff

Cover story photos: Most historical photos are courtesy of the South Dakota Historical Society, South Dakota Digital Archive. Our thanks to them and to SDAHO for the use of these images.

South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations Marks

■ By Alex Strauss

SDAHO celebrates a century of building trust, advocating for healthcare organizations, and proving that South Dakota's healthcare community is stronger when it speaks as one.

Publisher MED MAGAZINE, LLC

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sales & Marketing

STEFFANIE LISTON-HOLTROP

Editor 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 605-366-1479

Steff@MidwestMedicalEdition.com

ALEX STRAUSS

605-759-3295

Alex@ MidwestMedicalEdition.com

WEBSITE MidwestMedicalEdition.com

MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 90646, Sioux Falls, SD 57109

NEXT I SSUE

Editorial contributions due March 5

Ads due March 10 See website for for full schedule

| USD School of Health Sciences Success Spotlight: EVA KLUENDER , MPH

the QR code or visit MidwestMedicalEdition.com

JOIN THE VIP LIST. MED Magazine is published eight times a year by Midwest Medical Edition, LLC. We strive to publish only accurate information; however, Midwest Medical Edition, LLC, cannot be responsible for consequences resulting from errors or omissions. All material in this magazine is the property of Midwest Medical Edition, LLC, and cannot be reproduced without permission of the publisher. © Midwest Medical Edition, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Upcoming Regional Events

March 2026

March 6, 2026

Sanford Enterprise Neuro-Science Symposium

Location: Courtyard by Marriott, Moorhead, MN

Website: sanfordhealth.org/classesand-events/neuroscience-symposium

March 19 – 20, 2026

SD HFMA/AAHAM/MGMA

Spring Symposium

Location: TBA

Website: cvent.com/c/calendar/19e4fbc9-63cb-46dd-9bcd-42e34e63e4b9

March 31 – April 1, 2026

SDAHO Post-Acute Partners in Care Conference

Location: Sioux Falls Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD

Website: members.sdaho.org/ events/2026-post-acute-partnersin-care-conference

April 2026

April 1 – 2, 2026

North Dakota Hospital Association C-Suite

Leadership Conference

Location: Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, ND

Website: ndha.org/education/ annual-convention-information/ leadership-conferences

April 8 – 9, 2026

Public Health Conference of Iowa

Location: Des Moines, IA Website: iowapha.org/phci

April 22 - 24

Iowa Healthcare Leaders Association Spring Conference

Location: Gateway Hotel, Ames, Iowa Website: iahealthcareleaders.org

April 17, 2026

North Central Heart Cardiovascular Conference

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Website: avera.cloud-cme. com/course/courseoverview?P=0&EID=21959

April 29 – 30, 2026

Healthcare Leaders Association of Nebraska Annual Conference

Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton, Lincoln, NE

Website: https://hlane.org/2026Annual-Conference

April 29 – 30, 2026

5th Annual SD CHW Conference

Location: Highland Event Center, Mitchell, SD

Website: chwsd.org/2026annual-conferences

May 2026

May 29, 2026

SDSMA Annual Leadership Conference

Location: Sioux Falls, SD Website: sdsma.org

June 2026

June 8 – 10, 2026

Nebraska Rural Health Conference

Location: Younes Conference Center North, Kearney, NE

Website: nebraskahospitals.org/ nebraska-rural-health-conference

June 24 – 25, 2026

SDAHO Rural Health Leaders Conference

Location: Pierre, SD

Website: members.sdaho.org/ events/2026-rural-healthleaders-conference

July 2026

July 14 – 15, 2026

South Dakota School Nurse Association Annual Conference

Location: Arrowwood Resort, Chamberlain, SD

Website: sdschoolnurses.org/sdsna/ events

September 2026

September 10 – 12, 2026

SD Pharmacists Association Annual Convention

Location: Brookings, SD Website: sdpha.org

September 16 – 18, 2026

SDAHO 100th Annual Convention

Location: Sioux Falls Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD

Website: members.sdaho.org/ events/2026-annual-convention

September 17, 2026

Nebraska Community Health Conference

Location: Embassy Suites, Lincoln, NE

Website: hcanebraska.org/ events/2026-conference

September 18 – 21, 2026

American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians First Annual Conference

Location: Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel

Website: acofp-ia.org/index.php/ events-cme/annual-conference

September 30, 2026

Avera Behavioral Health Conference

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Website: avera.cloud-cme.com/ content/conferences

BY ALEX STRAUSS

Built to Last

SDAHO Marks 100 YEARS as South Dakota Healthcare’s ‘Unified Voice’

EThe association represents 52 hospitals and 120 long-term care facilities (as well as assisted living, hospice, home health, and palliative care organizations), serving as both an advocate and, increasingly, a vital resource.

very day when Tim Rave walks into work at the office of the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations, he’s making history. Rave, who has been at the helm of SDAHO for the past eight years, is only the 6th President and CEO of an organization that has been a fixture of South Dakota medicine for 100 years.

“It is pretty humbling to be the face of an organization like this,” he says. “But I still look forward to getting up and going to work every day. They say that’s how you know you’re in the right job.”

For healthcare professionals spread out across the state’s 77,000+ square miles, SDAHO’s position as a central resource and a unified voice (a phrase many will recognize at the title of the organization’s newsletter) is critical.

When policy issues arise, when workforce challenges emerge, when federal funding pressures mount, healthcare leaders continue to turn to SDAHO, an organization whose longevity is based on a foundation that’s been growing since 1926.

The Power of a Collective Voice

Monument Health President and CEO and SDAHO board chair Paulette Davidson understands the value of that foundation firsthand. She’s been a part of the association for more than a decade—first as representative of a member hospital, then, for the last nine years, as a part of the board.

“I was really impressed with SDAHO right away when I came to South Dakota,” says Davidson, who moved to the state from Nebraska to lead Monument Health. “The level of advocacy and the influence that SDAHO demonstrates is impressive. There isn’t one member organization that can do

as much for all of our healthcare organizations as SDAHO can by representing all of us.”

This collective advocacy approach has been working for SDAHO and its members since its earliest days. In 1932—less than a decade after the association formed—SDAHO’s legislative committee successfully convinced a special session of the South Dakota Legislature to allocate nearly half of a newly-created beer tax to counties for “hospitalization of the indigent.”

That early victory established a pattern that still stands: when South Dakota’s healthcare organizations speak together, legislators listen.

“SDAHO is trusted by the legislature, the governor, and the administration,” says Davidson. “They have come to know that SDAHO is focused on creating more access to healthcare and helping healthcare organizations be more successful in their mission.”

At Monument Health, that plays out as a kind of partnership. “When we have policy issues, the team at SDAHO is our first call. We want to make sure that our perspective is shared among the other healthcare organizations, but we also know that

we’re most effective when there is an objective group taking in those opinions and consolidating them. Our viewpoint becomes much stronger when we speak as one.”

Evolution: Beyond Advocacy

The earliest iteration of SDAHO, the South Dakota Hospital Association, was formed in 1926 at an informal meeting in Huron. In 1995, the organization experienced one of the most significant evolutions in its long history: The SDHA became the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations, a name change that reflected a decision to unite acute and post-acute care providers under one uni fied vision.

“We began to see more and more long-term care facilities become part of the association’s membership,” says Rave. “With an increase in LTC memberships, the Board decided we needed a more inclusive name. I’m not sure any of them could have imagined the broad spectrum we now represent, including home health, hospice, and palliative care, too.”

Today, member organizations range from small Critical Access Hospitals like the 16-bed Community Memorial Hospital in Burke to large, multi-facility health systems like Sanford, Avera, and Monument Health.

And as the scope of members has expanded over the century, so has the spectrum of services SDAHO provides for them. “We’re now strategically placed to do three main things: to advocate for, to educate, and to support our members with critical data they need to make decisions,” says Rave.

The COVID-19 pandemic was especially pivotal in the expansion of SDAHO’s educational arm. “For such an awful time in healthcare, and all the challenges, the pandemic really set us up to be a leader in the region in educational opportunities for our members,” says Rave. The virtual classes and workshops SDAHO launched expanded access and engagement, reaching more members by providing a flexible virtual option that made it

easier and more convenient to obtain important education and continuing education credits.

The data and support component of SDAHO’s work is equally critical for members. SDAHO serves as a repository for key patient data, which is scrubbed for anonymity and made available to members to help guide decision-making.

“Data can support advocacy and advocacy can be education and vice versa,” says Rave. “The most important thing is that all of these components are working in unison.”

Resilience and Looking Ahead

As the saying goes, ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same’. When Rave looks back at old SDAHO meeting minutes, he’s struck by how familiar some of it sounds. “Some of the challenges today are just variations of the same

challenges we were facing in 1962,” he says.

Workforce issues, for instance, are nothing new. Neither are federal funding pressures that have ebbed and flowed for decades. “If anything, healthcare has proven to be resilient against every challenge,” says Rave. That resilience — of both healthcare and of SDAHO — is what excites him most about the future. “I see a lot of opportunities for healthcare in the next five years,” Rave says. “And the association is well placed to help advocate, educate and support our members well into the next decade and beyond.”

Davidson shares that optimism, particularly when she thinks about who will carry SDAHO forward. “When I look around SDAHO, I see the next generation of leaders,” she says. “SDAHO will be able to maintain this long tradition of engagement

from these ethical leaders from around the state.”

She points to SDAHO’s 100th anniversary book as evidence of what makes the organization special. “We are recognizing and celebrating generations of community leaders who have maintained a focus on caring for communities and coming together with pure dedication,” she says. “They were able to maintain the collaboration and be intentional about the generational handoffs that have taken place in leadership to keep SDAHO very, very influential in our state.”

That influence—built on trust, sustained by collaboration, and strengthened by a commitment to South Dakota’s healthcare community—shows no signs of diminishing. “I think SDAHO has this staying power that is truly unique among associations,” says Davidson. ❖

SDAHO UPCOMING IN-PERSON EVENTS

March 31 – April 1

Post Acute Partners in Care Conference

Sioux Falls Convention Center

June 24 – 25

Rural Health Leaders Conference, Ramkota Hotel, Pierre, SD

September 16–18

100th Annual Convention, Sioux Falls Convention Center

SDSMA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Peter Paul Lim, MD

Specialty: Pediatric Infectious Disease

Practice location: Avera Medical Group Infectious Disease Specialists

Faculty appointment: Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, USD SSOM

Member since: 2016

WHY I CHOSE MY SPECIALTY

Pediatric infectious disease is a subspecialized field but still converges with all other subspecialties because infections span across organ systems which makes it very interesting to me. I am a subspecialist but a generalist at the same time, to put it short. Furthermore, it holds very important epidemiologic implications, making it a powerful platform to make an impact in our communities through advocacy and policy formation. It is also very cognitive and research oriented, making it a very good field to advance scientific evidence and findings.

WHY I’M A MEMBER OF THE SDSMA

I am an SDSMA member because I like to be involved in our local network of physicians and clinicians to make a difference in our state through scientific advancement, collaboration, education of the younger generation, and through advocacy. It has also given me an opportunity to be connected with like-minded people to form lasting relationships and enrich the same vision for South Dakota’s medical community.

SDSMA Member Spotlight is sponsored by the South Dakota State Medical Association to highlight how the SDSMA supports physicians’ professional growth. Discover the benefits, connections, and shared goals that make the SDSMA an essential partner for physicians at sdsma.org.

Northern Cheyenne Internal Medicine Specialist Finds Purpose and Support at Sanford Health

CICILEY LITTLEWOLF, MD, doesn’t know where she first got the idea to be a doctor. Growing up on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in Montana, she didn’t know a lot of medical professionals. From an early age, though, she felt called to care for others in some sort of capacity, and a career in medicine naturally came from that calling. In fact, Dr. Littlewolf can recall an early memory where she put on her mom’s white blazer and boldly proclaimed, “I’m going to be a doctor.”

Her enthusiasm has only grown from there.

Dr. Littlewolf now works as an internal medicine specialist at Sanford Medical Center Fargo where she offers culturally sensitive care to every patient she sees. In this role, she finds fulfillment in helping others.

HOW DR. LITTLEWOLF CARES FOR OTHERS THROUGH HER PRACTICE

While it’s a bit of a mystery why the medical field appealed to Dr. Littlewolf at such an early age, one thing is certain — she has a deep sense of empathy.

“As a child, I developed empathy really early on, and I think that’s what made me stand apart from others,” said Dr. Littlewolf. “I saw my mother was struggling to raise six kids on her own, and I decided I was going to do what I could to help.”

That same empathetic spirit shapes the way Dr. Littlewolf offers care to hospitalized patients.

“It’s such a privilege to take care of really sick patients in the hospital,” said Dr. Littlewolf. “I don’t feel rushed when I’m here, so I’m able to spend more time with my patients during my rounds. It’s not uncommon for me to spend 20 or 30 minutes in a room with a family answering their questions.”

WHAT IT M EANS TO OFFER CULTURALLY SENSITIVE CARE

One unique aspect of Dr. Littlewolf’s approach to her practice is how she helps every patient get care that is sensitive to their cultural background and needs.

This approach to care stems from her own experience. Being Northern Cheyenne herself, Dr. Littlewolf knows what it feels like to be underrepresented.

According to a 2018 report from the American Medical Association, just 0.4% of the physician workforce is Native American, and this can lead to greater health disparities in areas where a large Native American population lives and seeks care, like North Dakota and Minnesota.

“When you’re a patient, it’s awesome to have a doctor on your care team that looks like you and understands your background,” said Dr. Littlewolf. “One time, a patient with a Native American background told me they couldn’t believe they had a Native American doctor. They said that because I was there, they felt like they were going to be okay and make it through this illness.”

Dr. Littlewolf believes patients have better long-term health outcomes when they have a doctor who is sensitive to their culture and integrates those considerations into their care.

“I always ask patients if there are any cultural aspects of their background I should be aware of during their hospitalization,” said Dr. Littlewolf. “It really changes the way I approach patients. I think it makes me a better doctor and a better person.”

And when it comes to offering customized care, Dr. Littlewolf receives a lot of encouragement from Sanford Health.

“Sanford Health has created a collaborative environment for their providers, and they help you focus on your passions,” said Dr. Littlewolf. “The best decision I ever made was to stay with Sanford Health after completing my residency here. I love the people I work with, and I love what I do.” ❖

Careers at Sanford Health provide excellent pay, comprehensive benefits, and above all, the opportunity to serve your community. If you’re looking for a rewarding career with plenty of room to grow, start exploring our open positions at sanfordcareers.com today.

News & Notes

South Dakota | North Dakota | Minnesota | Iowa | Nebraska

SOUTH DAKOTA

VANCE THOMPSON

Dr. Vance Thompson performed one of the first BVI FineVision HP Trifocal Intraocular Lens implantations in the United States on February 2 at his practice in Sioux Falls. The FDA-approved trifocal IOL offers patients improved vision at near, intermediate, and distance ranges, reducing dependence on glasses and contact lenses after cataract surgery. The implantation helps expand U.S. availability and highlights the evolution of premium cataract and refractive lens surgery.

BRUK KAMMERMAN

Bruk Kammerman, Chief Information Officer at Avera Health in Sioux Falls, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of hospital and health system CIOs to know. Kammerman became senior vice president and CIO of Avera in February 2021, responsible for creating and delivering on its IT vision to become a data-driven organization. He also supports consumer experience initiatives and leads digital technology implementations. The CIOs on this list lead high-performing teams and oversee initiatives ranging from enterprise IT strategy and AI integration to telehealth expansion.

Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell and the Mitchell School District recently recognized Dr. Lucio Margallo II during halftime at the Mitchell High School boys basketball game in January. Dr. Margallo has been a trusted medical partner to Mitchell High School for many years, providing care, guidance and advocacy for student health and safety. The Mitchell High School Athletic Training Room has been named in his honor.

BENSON HSU

Dr. Benson Hsu has been named one of 60 Scholars who will form the Presidential Leadership Scholars’ 11th annual class. Dr. Hsu is a pediatric critical care physician at Avera Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, and Founder and Board Chair of Aequitas Health. During the six-month program, Dr. Hsu will develop his initiative focused on reframing health equity as a unifying issue rather than a divisive one. He hopes to build a coalition of healthcare leaders, educators, and policymakers.

Yankton Medical Clinic has opened Yankton Medical Clinic Eye Care in the Avera Sacred Heart Pavilion in Yankton. The clinic features Dr. Trevor Kindle, Board Certified Ophthalmologist, and Dr. Luke Rockne, Optometrist. Dr. Kindle is Mayo Clinic-trained and is the only local cataract surgeon and comprehensive ophthalmologist. He can offer cataract surgery in Yankton, eliminating the need to drive to other locations. Dr. Rockne is a Cornell University graduate and did his residency at Illinois Eye Institute. Both doctors are from Yankton.

The University of South Dakota’s inaugural Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice class has achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Certification Examination within 30 days of program completion, including an 89% first-time pass rate. All nine December graduates will provide anesthesia care in rural, urban, and underserved areas as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. USD’s DNAP program is a 36-month doctoral program launched in 2023 to help meet South Dakota’s healthcare workforce needs. USD is the only public university in the state to offer the DNAP degree.

JAY ALLISON

Dr. Jay Allison at Freeman Regional Health Services has earned national recognition for excellence in patient care, ranking among the top 10% of providers in his specialty nationwide in the Press Ganey database for the most recent quarter. Press Ganey is a nationally recognized leader in measuring patient experience and healthcare quality. Freeman Regional staff surprised Dr. Allison with balloons, cake, and a certificate recognizing his performance.

REIFFENBERGER

Dr. Sarah Reiffenberger, family medicine physician at Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic–Northridge in Watertown, has been named South Dakota Family Physician of the Year by the South Dakota Academy of Dr. Reiffenberger grew up in Huron and has been a physician in the Watertown community for more than 31 years. She served six years on the Board of Directors of the South Dakota Academy of Family Physicians, including as President during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has presented more than 30 Knowledge Self-Assessment sessions at statewide continuing medical education conferences.

Rapid City Medical Center and Monument Health in Rapid City have signed a Letter of Intent for Rapid City Medical Center to join Monument Health. The parties will perform due diligence with the intention to sign definitive agreements and close on the transaction later this spring. Both organizations share a commitment to physician leadership, community-based care, and keeping patients close to home. While many Rapid City Medical Center physicians will join Monument Health, other physicians will continue serving the community independently or by joining other practices.

More than 300 community members gathered at the Canopy Hotel in downtown Sioux Falls on January 30 for the Sioux Falls Go Red for Women Experience, hosted by the American Heart Association. The evening focused on raising awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in women. MED was once again a sponsor of the event.

Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls has been named to the Becker’s Healthcare list of “Great Hospitals in America,” the only hospital in South Sanford shares the list with healthcare systems including Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Mayo Clinic. The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team selected hospitals based on analysis of U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, Healthgrades, CMS star ratings, and The Leapfrog Group safety grades.

Healthcare System

Medical Center in Canby, Minnesota, where

degree in Electrical Technology.

Join healthcare professionals from across the state for the 10th Annual Immunize SD Conference in Oacoma. A day and a half of programming includes general sessions, breakouts, new interactive workshops, a social hour, and CME credits available.

$1,000 check to the Community Connection Center to help the Vermillion Food Pantry Dr. Krell has a special interest in addressing food insecurity that many families in Vermillion face. With a poverty rate of 29%, financial insecurity is a daily occurrence in Vermillion, with families often having to choose between feeding their family or paying monthly bills. The Vermillion Food Pantry provides around 50-70 pounds of fresh produce, meat, bread, dairy, and non-perishable foods for families at each monthly visit.

NEBRASKA

Nebraska Cancer Specialists in Omaha has been named a Center of Excellence by GO2 for Lung Cancer in both Lung Cancer Screening and Lung Cancer Care. The designation recognizes the organization’s commitment to delivering patient-centered, evidence-based services across the full lung cancer continuum.

BENJAMIN GEORGE

Community Hospital in McCook successfully completed a cancer care matching challenge launched in the Fall of 2025. The initial $10,000 matching donation from Dr. Benjamin George, Medical Oncologist and Hematologist, was quickly met. The Community Hospital Health Foundation extended the challenge by matching the next $10,000 raised. In total, $59,979.01 in community donations combined with $20,000 in matching funds generated nearly $80,000 for local cancer care initiatives, including treatment equipment, patient assistance services, and future Cancer Center expansion.

CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney recently became the first in Nebraska to offer robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. The new Galaxy system helps physicians navigate more than 90% of the lung, compared to 20-30% with traditional scopes. Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy promotes faster patient recovery and lowers infection risk by minimizing anesthesia and radiation compared to conventional CT scans. Dr. Michael Talalaev, board-certified critical care pulmonologist, and his team performed lung nodule screenings throughout the day.

CHI H ealth has secured $14 million in funding to renovate a vacant building in Omaha into a 19,000-square-foot, USDAcertified Central Kitchen. Construction will begin soon, with the facility expected to open in 2027. The new kitchen will prepare 2,800 patient meals daily for CHI Health hospitals in Lincoln, Omaha, Kearney, and Grand Island, along with Select Specialty Hospital, Nebraska Spine Hospital, and VA Hospice locations. The hospital system hopes to reach 100 employees over time, adding to its current staff of 55 employees

line coordinator in the outpatient surgical department. She was nominated by Kayla Gehring, director and life support instructor in the operating room, for her exceptional volunteer efforts

and dedication to serving her hometown of Leigh and its youth.

Regional West in Scottsbluff has a new Siemens Sola MRI machine. It includes a wide bore to accommodate people of all sizes, with new applications and technologies that provide high-quality images and significantly reduce exam times. Some exams can be completed in as little as seven minutes, and many other exams have seen scan times reduced by 40 to 50%. Regional West is the only facility in Scottsbluff with this machine and software.

Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings celebrated its 111th anniversary in January. Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital was founded by William G. and Alice T. Lanning in memory of their college-age daughter, Mary, who died because there was no hospital in Hastings at the time. The Alice T. Lanning Maternity Wing was built in 1926 shortly after the doors opened. Today, the MLH Family Care Center sees nearly 1,000 births per year.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Nursing and the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Arts & Sciences have signed an agreement to collaborate on an early admission pathway for pre-nursing students at UNO. The agreement provides guaranteed early admission into the BSN program for students who meet all nursing prerequisites and complete the UNMC College of Nursing’s admission process. The UNMC College of Nursing has five divisions stretching from Omaha to Scottsbluff.

Make-A-Wish Champion of HOPE

Tamra Lemley, MD, Pediatric Hospitalist Monument Health Rapid

City Hospital

Why is Make-A-Wish so important for patients in the Black Hills?

“Just given our geographical distance from so many things, there are not always the same opportunities given to families here. Giving the children of the Black Hills and their families support during times of stress/illness is definitely something special.”

What has been your experience so far?

“It has been fun talking with families whose children will be eligible for wishes in the future (after they meet the minimum age of 2.5 years) who do not

necessarily need the wish from a financial standpoint, but to emphasize the emotional reprieve it can give the family. I have been very excited to realize just how many children are eligible to receive wishes.”

Why did you decide to become involved with Make-A-Wish?

“I have had patients who have had wishes in the past in other areas of the country, and being able to give back to the organization makes me very happy.”

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT REFERRING or ELIGIBILITY, contact Alissa Blank at ablank@sdmt.wish.org or 605.776.8544

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A WISH?

A child between 2.5 and 18 | Has not received a wish from another wish-granting organization | Has been diagnosed with a progressive, degenerative, or malignant condition that is life-threatening

RUTH NGUYEN

Ruth Nguyen, ARNP, has joined McFarland Clinic’s Adult Medicine Department. Nguyen earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand View College in Des Moines and her Master of Science in Nursing and Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner certification from the University of Cincinnati. She provides diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses and complex medical conditions, as well as preventative care, diagnostic screenings, physical exams, adult immunizations, and healthy lifestyle promotion.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska at Omaha recently launched Zoodemic, a free mobile app that transforms public health education into an interactive game for middle and high school students. The app challenges players to survive waves of infectious diseases, from germs to emerging threats like avian flu and measles. Developed with students from UNO’s Center for Management of IT and Omaha-based tech firm NebDev, the app is available on the has joined the McFarland Clinic Urology Department in Ames. Dr. Thoma earned his Doctor of Medicine from LSU Shreveport School of Medicine and completed his urology residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. He provides urological care for male and female patients, including screening and management of urological cancers, robotic and minimally invasive surgical procedures, and vasectomies.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services have announced more than $78.6 million in new funding awards through two competitive grants under the Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project, part of the federal CMS Rural Health Transformation Program. Iowa is the first state in the nation to award funding under this program. The grants included $66 million for medical equipment procurement and installation at 36 hospitals and health systems, and $12.6 million for healthcare workforce recruitment at 107 hospitals, community health centers, and rural providers across Iowa.

AUGUST ANDERSON

August Anderson, MD, has joined the UnityPoint Health–St. Luke’s June E. Nylen Cancer Center in Sioux City as a radiation oncologist. Dr. Anderson also serves as Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He earned his medical degree with distinction from the University of California, San

received a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. More than 575 units from across the country applied for the award in 2025. The recognition acknowledges unit caregivers who successfully improve outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards.

Medical Officer for cardiovascular services.

Dr. George joined UnityPoint Health in February and provides clinical leadership and strategic direction for heart and vascular care across Iowa and the Midwest. He will practice in outpatient general, noninvasive, and preventative cardiology.

The Neonatal ICU at UnityPoint Health–St. Luke’s in Sioux City is now a Level 3 NICU. The designation strengthens access to comprehensive neonatal care in the Siouxland region and supports families by keeping more infants close to home during critical treatment stages. A Level 3 NICU is equipped to care for newborns of premature gestational age, including infants born earlier than 32 weeks who require advanced respiratory support, continuous monitoring, and complex medical interventions.

UnityPoint Clinic has expanded specialty care services in Central Iowa with three new clinics at Waukee Medical Park in Waukee. UnityPoint Clinic Pulmonology–Waukee Medical Park and UnityPoint Clinic Palliative Care –Waukee Medical Park opened in January and UnityPoint Clinic Plastic Surgery–Waukee Medical Park opened in February. Corey Sadd, MD, Dustin McCann, DO, and Erin Tracy, ARNP lead the pulmonology care team. Samuel Maurice, MD, Sonya Mack, PA-C, and Alyssa Heathman, PA-C head up the plastic surgery team.

The Iowa Clinic in West Des Moines has introduced Walk-In Wednesdays, providing foot and ankle care with no appointment required.

into The Iowa Clinic’s Podiatry department any Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for evaluation and treatment of common concerns, injuries, and pain. The program addresses the gap in care for foot and ankle conditions, which affect an estimated 17–42% of adults. Patients also have access to same-day care and on-site imaging.

MercyOne Genesis Eldridge Family Medicine opened its new expansion in February. The facility, which includes MercyOne Genesis Eldridge Family Medicine, Convenient Care, Imaging & Laboratory, has experienced significant growth over 11 years. Two new physicians have been hired, and recruitment is underway for two additional positions.. In the past year, the clinic cared for more than 45,000 patients.

KILE MAGNER

Kile Magner is the new Chief Executive Officer of Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan. Magner started in his new role January 1. He joins Myrtue from Ellinwood District Hospital, a critical access hospital in Ellinwood, Kansas, where he served as CEO. He succeeds Barry Jacobsen, who retired after 28 years. During Jacobsen’s tenure, Myrtue earned consistent national recognition for excellence in rural healthcare for quality, patient experience, and financial stability.

KELLY

Dr. Patrick Kelly of Dakota Vascular in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has started providing care to area patients at the Lakes Regional Healthcare’s Outpatient Center in Spirit Lake one day a month. Dr. Kelly is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Clinical Professor at the University of South Dakota. Dr. Kelly is a graduate of the USD Sanford School of Medicine in Vermillion, South Dakota. He did his residency at the Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha and his fellowship at the St. Louis University Health Science Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

“ALI” MUILENBURG

Spencer Hospital has named Alison “Ali” Muilenburg, RN, BSN, as Director of Medical Oncology at the Abben Cancer Center. Muilenburg has been part of the Spencer Hospital team for eight years, serving as a Med/Surg charge nurse and Utilization Review team member before joining Abben Cancer Center nearly two years ago. She will work closely with the medical oncology team, including Dr. Louis Cuervo, MD, Jolie Threlkeld, MSN. and Kayla Heller, ARNP.

and information technology. Hawarden Regional Healthcare was previously affiliated with MercyOne health system.

NORTH DAKOTA JUNGELS

Hawarden Regional Healthcare in Hawarden has entered into a Partner in Health agreement with Avera Health. The critical access hospital and its clinics in Hawarden, Ireton, and Akron will remain owned by the city of Hawarden with local board control. Avera will provide support in recruitment and retention of physicians and

Trisha Jungels, chief nursing officer and vice president of clinical services at Jamestown Regional Medical Center, has been named a ‘CNO to Know’ by Becker’s Hospital Review for the second time. Under Jungels’ leadership, JRMC became the first and only organization in North Dakota to earn Pathways to Excellence designation. She oversees laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, anesthesia, surgical services, emergency department, and specialty clinics.

MIKE DELFS

Mike Delfs, president and CEO of Jamestown Regional Medical Center, has been named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s ‘Critical Access Hospital Presidents and CEOs to Know’ for the seventh time. Delfs was also appointed chair of the North Dakota Hospital Association Board of Directors effective January 1. Under his leadership, JRMC has earned national recognitions including Top 20 Critical Access Hospital by the National Rural Health Association, Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by Chartis Center for Rural Health, and Best Place to Work by Modern Healthcare.

The generosity of the Jamestown community was on full display during Giving Hearts Day on Feb. 12, as donors helped The JRMC Foundation reach its $160,000 goal to fund the hospital's Hugs and Kisses Pediatric Protection System.

As an independent, nonprofit medical center, JRMC relies on philanthropic support to fund critical needs beyond what reimbursement covers, including patient care technology, equipment upgrades, staff education and community health initiatives.

Altru Health System in Grand Forks has treated its first patient with a new renal denervation procedure for high blood pressure. Approved by the FDA in November 2023, the minimally invasive procedure targets nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and cause hypertension. The procedure is approved as adjunctive treatment

Chase Tobin, MD

Plastic Surgery, Hand, Wrist & Upper Extremity

CNOS is proud to welcome Dr. Chase Tobin, MD, a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced specialization in hand and wrist surgeries.

Dr. Tobin is seeing patients at both our Dakota Dunes and South Sioux City locations.

With extensive experience in complex reconstructions, Dr. Chase Tobin is excited to put his knowledge and training to practice for Siouxland patients.

Sanford Health in Bismarck is offering walk-in physical therapy services at the Southridge Clinic. Walk-in hours are available Monday through Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. The services offer evaluation for acute injury, sudden pain, or conditions including sprains, strains, and vertigo. Physical therapists work with patients to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function.

Fargo endocrinologist and virtual care expert Dave Newman, MD, was invited to share his knowledge at one of the most prestigious healthcare events of the year in Los Angeles February 22 to 25. Dr. Newman, Chief Medical Officer for Virtual Care at Sanford, joined Brian Hoerneman, MD, president and CEO of Sanford Health Marshfield, and Brad Reimer, chief information officer at Sanford Health at VIVE, an annual four-day health care innovation conference.

Missouri Coffee Co. has opened at Sanford Health in Bismarck in the space formerly occupied by the Sanford Coffee Corner and Gift Shop at Sanford Bismarck Medical Center. The coffee shop offers a full drink menu and limited food selection. Floral arrangements are also available. An on-demand coffee machine is available after hours.

Sanford Bismarck has received Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology. The accreditation recognizes the hospital's demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain, based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff's ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. Hospitals earning this accreditation have streamlined systems from admission through evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and post-discharge care.

Sanford Children’s Therapies in Bismarck has introduced Dynamic Movement Intervention, a specialized therapy designed to help children build movement foundations. DMI is beneficial for children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delays, genetic or neurological disorders, hypotonia, and motor milestone delays. Sanford has 10 Level B-trained therapists and two Level A-trained therapists. This spring, Sanford Bismarck will host a Level C DMI training course. Upon completion, Sanford Children’s Therapies will have 10 Level C-trained therapists, enabling the team to offer DMI Intensives.

DOUG GRIFFIN STEVEN BRIGGS ANDY BURGARD

Doug Griffin, MD, chief physician at Sanford Fargo, will retire in May after 30 years practicing family medicine, including 17 at Sanford Alexandria. Steven Briggs, MD, currently chief medical officer, will transition to chief physician in February. Dr. Briggs has been with Sanford Health since 2006 as a trauma surgeon and in leadership roles. Andy Burgard, MD, will become chief medical officer in March.

The University of North Dakota and Sanford Health Fargo Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is now accredited by from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Based at Sanford Medical Center Fargo, the only Level I Adult Trauma Center in North Dakota, the fellowship provides comprehensive training for physicians managing critically ill surgical patients. The one-year program will accept one fellow annually beginning August 2026.

Sanford Medical Center Fargo has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s “100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Heart Programs.” The heart program consists of more than 400 professionals delivering comprehensive care across prevention, diagnosis, intervention, and hypertension. Sanford Fargo has led state-first advancements including transcatheter aortic valve replacement, cardiac PET imaging, TriClip tricuspid valve repair, and renal denervation for resistant hypertension. The program treats approximately 1,300 heart attack patients annually and provides cardiology care in 12 communities across the region.

MADINA ISMAIL

Certified Nurse Practitioner Madina

Ismail has joined Essentia Health-Fargo as a hospitalist. Ismail is a graduate of the University of North Dakota and is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She says she chose hospitalist medicine to be present for patients at vulnerable moments, to help ensure care continuity for each admitted patient, and to see patients make progress.

SUDDEN HEARING LOSS? EVERY HOUR

Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) can strike without warning – often overnight – causing:

Rapid hearing loss in one ear

Ringing (tinnitus)

Ear pressure or fullness

Treatment Urgency Matters

Best results: Within 48 hours

Strong benefit: Within 15 days

Positive effects: Up to 6 months after onset

Any referral with audiogram will be immediately and comprehensively treated: oral & transtympanic steroids + HBOT

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) delivers high concentrations of oxygen to the inner ear, supporting:

Tissue oxygenation

Reduction of inflammation

Improved recovery response

Enhanced outcomes when combined with steroids

❱ 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.

Eva Kluender, MPH

Degree: Master of Public Health

Current Position: Director of Family and Community Health

Siouxland District Health Department

Eva Kluender, MPH, was working as a dental assistant when she took her first public health course as part of her undergraduate degree program in Health Sciences at USD.

“My original plan was to become a dental hygienist,” she says. She reasoned that a Health Sciences degree would support her work in dental healthcare, where she especially enjoyed helping underserved populations and providing health education.

But that first public health course caused her to reevaluate and, ultimately, changed the direction of her life. After earning her BS in 2019, Kluender enrolled in the Master of Public Health degree program.

“My professors had the most influence on me about the public health field and its impacts,” says Kluender, who was further influenced by her graduate courses in Native Peoples Health Care, Epidemiology, and Health Promotion. “I found the profession to be very meaningful and fulfilling which fueled my desire to provide impactful change in communities.”

Even though she was working full time while taking graduate classes, Kluender says she appreciated the opportunity to meet and collaborate with other students who shared her passion for creating healthier communities. She graduated with her MPH in 2019.

Today, she’s applying the knowledge and skill she gained at USD to real-world community health challenges as the Director of Family and Community Health at the Siouxland District Health Department in Sioux City.

“I think the most unique quality of getting a public health degree at USD is the cultural competence it gave me,” she says. “Leading these diverse initiatives has deepened my understanding of how social determinants of health shape outcomes for individuals and families.”

Health leadership joined by Southern Valley Fire and Rescue’s Chris Mahoney and Matthew Hons, and state legislators Kristin Roers and Gregoy Stemen with one of the ZOLL X-Series defibrillator and cardiac monitors.

Essentia Health has contributed $40,000 to support Southern Valley Fire and Rescue’s purchase of two advanced defibrillator and cardiac monitor units. The contribution allows Southern Valley Fire and Rescue, which serves communities in the Fargo-Moorhead area, to operate its Quick Response Units at Advanced Life Support level rather than Basic Life Support. The two ZOLL X-Series units function as automated external defibrillators, provide real-time CPR feedback, and track vital signs. Southern Valley Fire and Rescue’s call volume has increased by 33% since 2022.

TEMITAYO OLABISI

This SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT brought to you by

The Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic in Fargo also recently welcomed orthopedic and sports medicine specialist Dr. Temitayo Olabisi. Dr. Olabisi earned his medical degree from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos in Nigeria. He completed a residency in family medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis and a fellowship in sports medicine at Waco Family Medicine in Texas. Dr. Olabisi is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine in family medicine and sports medicine.

Fargo building. The clinic will expand care options and improve access to primary care for the broader Moorhead community. The first phase includes building an 8,100-squarefoot family medicine clinic with 10 exam rooms, one procedural room, and laboratory and radiology services. Renovations are expected to begin later this year, with the goal of seeing patients by summer 2027.

Unity Medical Center in Grafton has achieved Age-Friendly Health Systems—Committed to Care Excellence recognition from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. The distinction reflects ongoing work to implement the 4Ms Framework, proven care elements designed to address what matters most to older patients: What Matters, Mentation, Medications, and Mobility. Care teams at Park River and Grafton Family Clinics have embedded the 4Ms into everyday practice to ensure older adults receive personalized and holistic care.

BRITTANEY SCHMIDT

Brittaney Schmidt, CNP, has joined the Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic in Fargo to practice obstetrics and gynecology. Schmidt trained at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio and is certified by the National Certification Corporation.

VANNA KAY

The Essentia Health-Mid Dakota Bismarck Kirkwood Clinic recently welcomed family medicine specialist Dr. Vanna Kay to the team. Dr. Kay received her medical degree from Ross University in Miramar, Florida, and completed a residency in family medicine at the University of North Dakota Center for Family Medicine in Minot. She is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Unity Medical Center in Grafton has launched a quality improvement initiative focused on strengthening preventive health and wellness. Trained staff members will contact patients by phone to assist with scheduling important preventive services, including routine check-ups and recommended health screenings. The outreach program reflects Unity Medical Center’s ongoing commitment to quality improvement and patientcentered care. Team members making the calls are trained to answer questions, provide guidance, and connect patients with the care they need.

Monument Health welcomes

Vascular Surgeon

BRADLEY BOONE, M.D., FACS

to the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery team at the Heart and Vascular Institute.

When seconds count, trust the only award winning Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons in the region.