Dr. Sweasy to Head Nationwide Initiative Addressing Rural Cancer as New AACI President
Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the National Cancer Institute-designated Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, will begin her two-year term as president of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) with a bold vision to confront one of the nation’s most pressing health disparities: rural cancer care. The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is Nebraska’s only NCI-designated center and one of only 73 in the nation.
Amy Childers Recognized with Caring Kind Award
Amy Childers, PharmD, pharmacy clinical coordinator at Great Plains Health, has been recognized with the Caring Kind award from the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA).
Gehring and Sprunk Recognized as 40 Under 40 Awardees
Columbus Community Hospital nurses Kayla Gehring, MSN, MBA, RN, and Natalie Sprunk, MSN, RN, were recently honored at the Nebraska Nurses Association (NNA) Annual Convention as members of the 2025 40 Under 40 class. The recognition ceremony took place Oct. 3 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, Nebraska.
Miah Lee Joins Essentia Health-Wahpeton as Internal Medicine Practitioner
The Essentia Health-Wahpeton Clinic is excited to welcome certified physician assistant Miah Lee, who will practice internal medicine.
Best Practices in Documentation: Caring for Patients Unable to See Mental Health Specialists in a Timely Manner
At a time when so many people are in need of mental health services, what is the best way to protect yourself when your patient can't get a timely appointment? The experts at COPIC say proper documentation is key.
The Science of Hope
Sanford Researcher Pilar de la Puente, PhD, is revolutionizing women's cancer research with groundbreaking work on chemoresistance and early detection. Her innovative approach has earned elite NIH recognition, accolades from her home town in Spain, and even the chance to featured in a comic book!
USD School of Health Sciences Success Spotlight: Lucas Seehafer, DPT, PhD
When you ask Lucas Seehafer, an assistant professor at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, what he thinks about his experience at the University of South Dakota School of Health Sciences, his answer is swift and definitive:
CHI Health Good Samaritan Nurses Named Top 40 Under 40
Jennifer Tobias, RN-BSN, MSN, and Whitney Cole, BSN, RN, both from CHI Health Good Samaritan, were honored with the 40 Under 40 Award that recognizes emerging nurse leaders on Oct. 3.
Dr. Thao Nguyen Joins Regional West Physicians Clinic-Internal Medicine
New physician Thao Nguyen, DO, was recently welcomed to the team of physicians and providers at Regional West Physicians Clinic-Internal Medicine.
Essentia Health-Fargo Welcomes Hospitalist Dr. Dennis Mensah
Essentia Health-Fargo is proud to welcome hospitalist Dr. Dennis Mensah.
Derek Weninger Joins Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic as Orthopedic Surgery Practitioner
Derek Weninger, a certified physician assistant, is excited to join the Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic to practice orthopedic surgery.
Students in USD’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program Benefit from $2.25 Million HRSA Grant
A $2.25 million grant from the Health Resources & Services Administration to grow and broaden the certified registered nurse anesthetist workforce in South Dakota has provided expanded opportunities for students who want to increase their career skills.
Sanford Health Designates Justin Reisenauer, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for Bismarck Region
Sanford Health has announced a leadership addition in Bismarck.
Justin Reisenauer, M.D., FACEP, AWEP, will become the new chief medical officer for the Sanford Bismarck Region, officially starting Nov. 1.
Altru Introduces New Board Member
Altru Health System appointed Hector Campbell, MD to join the non-profit's board of directors in October 2025.
Stacie Johnson Honored with Sheaf of Wheat Award
Columbus Community Hospital has proudly recognized Stacie Johnson, a physical therapist in Rehabilitative Services, with the Sheaf of Wheat Award. The award celebrates non-nursing employees who go above and beyond the call of duty for patients, families and the hospital community.
Huron Regional Medical Center Welcomes New Internal Medicine Physician
Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) is pleased to welcome Kundana Neelam, MD, internal medicine physician, to the hospital’s medical staff and HRMC Physicians Clinic care team. Dr. Neelam cares for adult patients, providing primary care and management of chronic medical conditions, further expanding the availability of specifically trained adult medicine physicians in our community.
Anna Reinholz Joins Essentia Health–32nd Avenue Clinic to Practice Gastroenterology
Anna Reinholz, an advanced practice nurse and certified nurse practitioner, is excited to practice gastroenterology at the Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic.
Kendra Bohm Joins Essentia Health–Valley City Clinic as Family Medicine Practitioner
The Essentia Health-Valley City Clinic is proud to welcome Kendra Bohm, a certified physician assistant who will practice family medicine.
Laura Walker Joins Essentia Health–32nd Avenue Clinic as Gastroenterology Practitioner
Laura Walker, an advanced practice nurse and certified nurse practitioner, is excited to join the Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic to practice gastroenterology.
Prairie Lakes Welcomes Physician Assistant to General Surgery Team
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes licensed and board-certified Physician Assistant, Olivia Lepke, PA-C, to the General Surgery Clinic staff. She joins Dr. Greg Gerrish, Dr. Kristopher Johnson, and Dr. Jacob Schaeffer in the expert surgical care for patients with conditions affecting the abdomen, breast, skin, and soft tissues.