USD School of Health Sciences Success Spotlight: Ashley Rucker, DNP
Ashley Rucker was just 16 when she became a nurse assistant, her first step into a field that would define her professional life. After working on a medical/surgical ward, a cardiac ICU, and in home hospice (and earning as MSN), Rucker was ready to further her education
South Dakota State Medical Association (SDSMA) Member Spotlight
SDSMA has been a meaningful part of my journey as a resident, offering a platform to connect with peers and mentors. It has actively supported my professional and academic growth through opportunities in publishing, collaboration and advocacy. As I transition to fellowship, I see myself continuing this journey through the help of SDSMA to further contribute to the medical community and patients of South Dakota.
A Full Circle Moment: Dr. Scott Ehresman Recognized for His Lasting Legacy in Teaching
First recognized as the inaugural recipient of the Marion D. and Theodore H. Koefoot, Jr., M.D. Outstanding Preceptor in Rural Family Medicine Award in 2006, Ehresman has once again been honored in 2026, two decades later, for his continued dedication to mentoring the next generation of physicians.
Meet a Make-A-Wish Champion of Hope
Rapid City pediatric hospitalist Tamra Lemley, MD, is new to Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana but she is excited to learn just how many children are eligible for wishes. She’s this month’s Champion of Hope.
USD School of Health Sciences Success Spotlight: Eva Kluender, MPH
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…
Meet a Make-A-Wish Champion of Hope
Pediatric Oncologist Ashlee Blumhoff, APRN-CNP, CPHON, with Sanford Children’s was the top referrer for Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana and is this month’s Champion of Hope.
Essentia Health–Mid Dakota Welcomes Family Medicine Practitioner Amy Heim
Amy Heim, an advanced practice nurse and certified nurse practitioner who will practice family medicine, is excited to join the Essentia Health-Mid Dakota Bismarck Kirkwood Clinic.
Anna Enderle Joins Essentia Health–Wahpeton Clinic to Practice Family Medicine
The Essentia Health-Wahpeton Clinic is excited to welcome Anna Enderle, a certified physician assistant who will practice family medicine.
Essentia Health–45th Street Clinic Welcomes Walk-In Care Practitioner Hannah Lundstrom
The Essentia Health-45th Street Clinic is proud to welcome Hannah Lundstrom, a certified physician assistant who will practice walk-in care.
UnityPoint Health Names New Chief Medical Officer and Vice President for Oncology
As part of its commitment to improving access to comprehensive cancer care across Iowa and the Midwest, UnityPoint Health is pleased to announce two key leadership appointments for oncology services.
Manning Regional Healthcare Center to Celebrate Award Recipients at the 2025 Legacy Gala on Friday, November 14
Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is pleased to announce its Legacy Gala on Friday, November 14, 2025. This is an event to honor outstanding healthcare professionals and raise funds for local health and wellness initiatives. The Gala will be held at the Konferenz Center in the Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park (130 Heritage Drive, Manning, IA).
Spotlight on De Schieltz, MHA, FACMPE, Iowa Healthcare Leaders Association Board Member
IHLA Board Member De Schieltz has spent more than 25 years mastering the art of making OB/GYN practices run smoothly. Meet her in this Board Member Spotlight article.
Spotlight on Sheila Vondrak, RN, BSN, Iowa Healthcare Leaders Association Board Treasurer
Sheila Vondrak, RN, BSN, brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and administrative acumen to her role as Treasurer on the Iowa Healthcare Leaders Association (IHLA) board.
Monument Health Physician Shares Groundbreaking Research in Vascular Journal
Interventional Cardiologist and Vascular Specialist Bhaskar Purushottam, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, FSVM, of the Monument Health Heart and Vascular Institute has co-authored an original research paper along with his European colleagues in the reputed “Journal of Endovascular Therapy.”
USD School of Health Sciences Success Spotlight: Alice Cruz Morales
For Alice Cruz Morales, clinical coordinator and director at a Wyoming substance use treatment center, the USD School of Health Sciences Addiction Counseling and Prevention program represented not just an educational opportunity but hope for a future she thought she might never have.
University of Nebraska Board of Regents Approves Diabetes Center of Excellence for Diabetes Care, Research, and Education
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents on Thursday approved the creation of the Diabetes Center for Excellence in Diabetes Care, Research and Education (C-DIACARE) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha campus. The designation of this Board of Regents center unifies research and education efforts across the university system, bolstering statewide diabetes prevention and care, said UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD.
Essentia Health–West Acres Clinic Welcomes Cherie Dowell to Family Medicine Team
Cherie Dowell, a certified physician assistant practicing family medicine, is excited to join the Essentia Health-West Acres Clinic.
Rural Health Clinic Director Lori Minert Recognized with Prestigious Rural Health Achievement Award
Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics is proud to announce that Lori Minert, Director of Rural Health Clinics, has been awarded the Outstanding Rural Health Achievement Award by the Nebraska Rural Health Association (NeRHA).
Amber Ackerson Named CEO and Executive Director
ruralMED Management Resources is proud to announce the appointment of Amber Ackerson, J.D., as its new Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Director of the ruralMED Health Cooperative, L.C.A. Amber’s extensive background in rural health care and her proven track record in leadership make her the ideal candidate to guide our teams and partners towards achieving our strategic goals and vision for the future.
Zach Clemens, ACNPC-AG, Joins Regional West Physicians Clinic–Pain Management
Regional West Physicians Clinic-Pain Management recently welcomed a new nurse practitioner.