Mankato Clinic Thrives Fall 2022

Photo by The Free Press

Katie Smentek, MD

The Mankato Clinic Foundation Board is made up of physicians, staff and community members. This fall, the Foundation Board says goodbye and thank you to two members who have completed three, three-year terms on the board. That is the longest term allowed! Both women say they are proud to be part of an organization that has understood the importance of giving back to the Mankato area for more than 50 years.

Dr. Smentek has been on the Foundation Board since 2015.

“I joined the Foundation because I was looking for a way to become more involved in clinic leadership and the community and this was a perfect way to start,” she reflects.

She says being on the board has been rewarding in a number of ways.

“This is the absolute best committee to be a part of. We get to give money to organizations that promote health and wellness in our area. I also get to learn about many of the new non-profit activities and organizations that might benefit my patients directly. It is always nice to be able to direct patients and their families to resources in our area that can support them.”

First Steps is one program Dr. Smentek has seen patients benefit from. First Steps, a collaboration between the Foundation, Mankato Clinic, Greater Mankato Area United Way, and Blue Earth County, supports pregnant women and young children. “Families in need of enhanced social support are identified at prenatal appointments and are connected to a coordinator who provides immediate help to access essential services. The families I see in clinic who have been supported by First Steps have a solid foundation and can focus on helping their baby grow and thrive,” she says. ■