A passion for helping

By Anthony Matt

For lifelong Minnesotan Dr. Ann Sudoh, living and working in Northeastern Minnesota has been the perfect balance of professional life and her passions.

“I just love living here. The area provides me with everything I need to do the things I love. Whether it’s hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing, I just love being active,” said the 50-year-old Dr. Sudoh.

“Active” might be an understatement. Dr. Sudoh captained her swim team in high school and at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., where she completed her undergraduate studies and was an Academic All-American. Since then, she has taken up mountain climbing, summitting her first peak in 2008 — Mount Rainier in Washington — at age 37. At more than 14,000 feet, it’s among the 20 highest mountains in the United States. She has also successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mont Blanc in France. To top it off, Dr. Sudoh completed the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii in 2012 at the age of 41, finishing in the top 50 in her age group.

That active lifestyle is what inspired her to pursue a medical career in orthopedics.

“It’s really rewarding to help people remain active and maintain their quality of life,” she said.

After completing her undergraduate coursework, Dr. Sudoh earned her medical degree at the University of Minnesota Medical School. She completed her residency in Duluth and her fellowship at the Hennepin County Medical Center before joining Essentia Health in 2002 in medical orthopedics with a specialty in sports medicine.

“I like to use my own experiences to help my patients through their injuries,” she said.

Nearly 20 years later, she’s a familiar face at Essentia Health Orthopedic Urgent Care-Duluth, which opened at 1301 Miller Trunk Hwy across from the Miller Hill Mall in September 2019. The goal of the clinic is to help people who suffer a sudden injury that does not require surgery. That includes sprains, strains, fractures and any muscle, joint and bone pain. What makes the clinic unique is that it accepts walk-ins and operates outside of standard business hours.

“It’s a really nice service for our patients,” said Dr. Sudoh. “The hours are convenient and there’s very little waiting. We are able to diagnose an injury quickly and provide treatment.”

During operating hours, the clinic is always staffed with at least three people — a physician, a radiology technician to conduct X-rays and an athletic trainer. Together, the team can diagnose and treat injuries that create swelling or pain, simple bone breaks, injuries to muscles, tendons, joints and much more. Equipped with an X-ray machine on-site, providers are able to fit patients with braces and apply casts and splints.

“I’ve had my own share of injuries, so I know how frustrating it is to have an injury hold you back from doing what you love,” said Dr. Sudoh, explaining her passion for her work. “So, whatever we can do to get people back to their sport or keep people active regardless of what they do is really satisfying.”

The providers on-site specialize in non-surgical orthopedics, meaning they do not perform surgeries. However, they do work closely with orthopedic surgeons should an injury require it. They also work with a large group of athletic trainers from local high schools and colleges to help treat injuries that occur during sports.

Dr. Sudoh said her team’s goal is to help people return to an active and healthy lifestyle, regardless if that’s sports, gardening or just being able to go for a walk without pain.

“The work is really rewarding. Mobility is key to everything we do in our daily lives, and helping people get back on their feet is what drives me each day,” said Dr. Sudoh. “It’s important to keep your body in active condition to live a positive lifestyle.”

Essentia Health Orthopedic Urgent Care-Duluth is open from 3-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. In addition to providing care onsite, providers are also able to equip patients with home-exercise programs and make referrals for physical therapy. D

Samantha Roffers, a Moose Lake writer, believes it’s important to shop for things you love and feel comfortable in. Everyone’s style is unique and that’s what makes it so special.

By Samantha Roffers

Hello, dear readers, and happy summer — my absolute favorite time of year! Everything is green, flowers are in full bloom and life just seems a little bit easier.

We just got through a stretch of 90-degree days and I loved every second of it. I remember the days growing up on London Road when it never truly felt like summer, because it was always “cooler by the lake,” as they say. I loved the days when we packed up and headed south for horse competitions or even east to our cabin near Hayway, Wis. It's amazing the way that big lake keeps things cool.

For this issue of The Woman

Today we headed over the bridge to Angie's Closet in Superior. It was a cool and windy morning but our minds were on summer fashion! I had the pleasure of working with Angie and her staff to put together some fantastic and unique summer outfits.

Angie's Closet is not your typical shopping experience. It feels like you're at a friend's house trying on outfits before a night out or big event. The store is beautifully laid out and well organized. Angie and her staff know every piece of clothing that comes in, which makes piecing together outfits effortless. Angie chooses pieces to keep in her store that are timeless and will work year after year, staying on trend. In today's world with online shopping and mega stores becoming ever popular, a place like Angie's Closet is a rare and wonderful gem to find.

Grab your friends or go alone, I promise you will find a warm and inviting place to shop at Angie's Closet. D

by Sam

This first look is probably my personal favorite. This flowy shirt is perfect for the warm summer months and could easily be dressed up with a colorful short or capri, or dressed down with denim or leggings. The flutter sleeves with a peek of the shoulder are so fun and unique.

This second look is the favorite of the staff of Angie's Closet and The Woman Today. Angie and her staff put this look together for me and it was absolutely adorable! I added the turquoise belt for a bit of western flair. This look is so fun and summery, perfect for any occasion.

This third look is also by Angie and her staff. I love that they were willing to put outfits together for me as it encouraged me to try things out of my comfort zone that I wouldn't usually go for. This look is absolutely fabulous and could easily be worn in the summer and transition into fall. The top and leggings were so soft and comfortable and the shawl added a little fun flair with the fringe.

This final look was so comfortable and pretty — full of floral prints, mauve and blush tones. The white top was light and flowy while the vest added some shape to the look without the heaviness of a jacket. This look could easily be paired with denim shorts or pants, even a fun pair of mustard shorts! The combinations are endless. On a chilly night, the denim jacket from look No. 2 would also be a great option.