MercyOne Announces New President and CEO
After a nationwide search, Robert Baxter, FACHE, has been named the new president and CEO of MercyOne beginning on Monday, June 22. Bob will succeed Michael Taylor, who has served in an interim capacity since the beginning of January.
Community Hospital Honors Sean Wolfe With Anne Morse Award and Names Him May Volunteer of the Month
The Community Hospital Health Foundation is proud to announce Sean Wolfe as the recipient of the 2026 Anne Morse Award for Exemplary Volunteer Service, recognizing his outstanding commitment to serving others and strengthening the McCook community. Sean has also been named the May McCook Volunteer of the Month, an honor celebrating individuals who make a meaningful impact through service.
Ellie Stull to Assume Role as Medical Specialty Clinic Director
Ellie Stull assumes the role of Director of Specialty Care Clinics effective May 4, 2026. With over two decades of clinical and operational expertise, Ellie has built a distinguished career at Nebraska Medicine, marked by a deep commitment to patient care, staff development, and organizational excellence.
Carley Bayer Joins Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic as Neurology Practitioner
The Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic is excited to welcome Carley Bayer, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner in neurology.
Meet a Make-A-Wish Champion of Hope
Brock Doubledee, DO, Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Sanford Children's is this month’s Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana ‘Champion of Hope’": “For the most part, I refer every patient who is eligible. I feel like, if you're eligible, you deserve to receive a wish.”
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
The Heart of Long-Term Care
Ashley Eastman, RN, a long-term care nurse at Good Samaritan Society - Pine River, shows what it means to have the heart of a caregiver. Her love of service started at a young age, and from there it has blossomed into a career focused on compassion.
Fast Emergency Stroke Care Saves Young Fargo Resident During Stroke Awareness Month
Alex Pierce assumed he was having a bad headache. But when he began vomiting and struggled to stand, the 28-year-old Fargo resident knew something wasn’t right.
Sanford Health in Minot Adds Two Familiar Providers to Its Family Medicine Team
Sanford Health in Minot has expanded its family medicine team with two new familiar faces at the Sanford Northwest Clinic.
Women Urged to Make Their Health and Well-Being a Priority
May 10-16, which overlaps Mother’s Day, is recognized as National Women’s Health Week. This year, the federal Office of Women’s Health and North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) are promoting the theme: “Prevention, Innovation, and Impact: A New Era in Women’s Health,” and focusing attention on prevention and early detection of women’s health issues, chronic diseases and science-based care.
Chasing the Extraordinary: Jon Carmichael to Deliver Opening Keynote at SDAHO Rural Health Leaders Conference
Get ready to kick off this year’s Rural Health Leaders Conference with a truly unforgettable perspective. Opening keynote speaker Jon Carmichael brings a story that’s as breathtaking as it is inspiring – capturing a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse from 39,000 feet by daring to think beyond limits. His electrifying message will challenge conference attendees to embrace bold ideas, navigate uncertainty, and seize the defining moments that shape the future.
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.
Orthopedic Institute Announces James T. Brunz, MD, Named an Intracept® Center of Excellence for Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain Treatment
Orthopedic Institute (OI) today announced that James T. Brunz, MD, an interventional spine and pain physician, has been designated an Intracept® Center of Excellence physician. This distinction is awarded to a select group of physicians nationwide who demonstrate advanced expertise, clinical experience, and a commitment to best practices in the treatment of chronic vertebrogenic low back pain.
SDAHO Clinical Improvement Consultant to Present at Yankton Area Mental Wellness Conference
The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) is pleased to announce that Clinical Improvement Consultant Loretta Bryan, BSN, RN, CPHQ, will be presenting at the upcoming annual Yankton Area Mental Wellness Conference taking place June 3–4, 2026. This year’s conference is titled, “Honoring Growth: Advancing Mental Health for All” and will be held at the Yankton High School.
UnityPoint Clinic Welcomes Board-Certified General Surgeon
UnityPoint Clinic General Surgery – Sioux City is excited to welcome board-certified general surgeon Mai Al Khadem, MD to its team of providers. She combines surgical precision with compassionate communication, ensuring patients feel informed, supported and confident throughout every step of their surgical journey.
Becca Jordre Receives National Physical Therapy Award
A professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of South Dakota has been honored with an American Physical Therapy Association award.
Two Individuals to Be Honored at University of Nebraska Medical Center Commencement in Omaha
Two University of Nebraska Medical Center alums will be honored by their alma mater with special awards at UNMC’s Omaha commencement May 9, at 9 a.m. at the Baxter Arena.
National Wellness Leader Hunnicutt Joins North Dakota Rural Health Transformation Initiative
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced Dr. David Hunnicutt, as a Rural Health Transformation Program strategist.
Fischer and Luchsinger Appointed to Columbus Community Hospital Foundation Board of Directors
The Columbus Community Hospital Foundation welcomes Sandie Fischer and Cody Luchsinger to its board of directors beginning May 1, 2026.
Tammy Webster, PhD, Named Dean of the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions
Tammy Webster, PhD, has been named dean of the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions, UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, announced. Her appointment, effective May 1, is pending the approval of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.