Medical directory 2

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

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A special supplement to the Calmar Courier, Post ville Herald and Monona Outlook.

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MEDICAL DIRECTORY

In honor of Doctors’ Day, which is being celebrated nationwide March 30, we are honoring the medical professionals in our area in this special tabloid section. Among the features inside the publication are stories featuring Family Dentistry in Monona, the Postville Medical Clinic, Gundersen Clinic of Postville and Dr. Amy Reis of Calmar. Congratulations and thanks to all the medical professionals who practice in Northeast Iowa.

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MEDICAL DIRECTORY

Role Model Helped Shape Young Doctorʼs Career MICHAEL HOHENBRINK

CALMAR COURIER EDITOR Amy Reis has a role model.

The 1999 graduate of Riceville High School had a chance to accompany a retired dentist from the community on a medical mission trip last winter.

It was an amazing experience for Reis.

“I had the privilege to go on a medical mission trip with [Dr. Stan Kepros] and his wife to Guatemala last winter,” said Reis. “It was inspiring to see his passion for helping others and dentistry. At 84-years-old, he worked all day in a schoolroom that was set up as a dental clinic to help bring care to this rural impoverished area of the country.

He gave me a glimpse at what it means to have a long, productive career and maintain a passion for our career.”

Witnessing his dedication made an impression on Reis.

For Reis, going into healthcare stems from two sources.

“My path to a healthcare profession started with a strong interest in biology and science combined with a desire to help and meet new people,” said Reis. “First, my desire to make a difference and love of science led me to have an Environmental

Emphasis in college, and after a few internships my optimistic ideal of saving the rain forest turned more into a stack of paperwork and less exploring the Amazon, so I took a closer look at the healthcare field. After job shadowing multiple health fields, it was clear that dentists had a high job satisfaction and when asked if they would pick dentistry again they overwhelmingly said yes.”

Reis graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2003 and then earned a DDS from the University of Iowa in 2007 before returning to this area to work in healthcare.

Being a doctor is something Reis enjoys.

“The best part of my job is the feeling of giving someone their smile back,” said Reis. “Some people have learned to cover or hide their smile because they are embarrassed about the way it looks. To see a patient smile without reservation after we care for their smile is rewarding. I have seen a patient’s confidence grow and that confidence overflows into other areas of their lives.”

For young people considering healthcare, Reis has some suggestions.

“The advice I would give

ADVERTISERS Dental Associates of Decorah.................Page 2 Crossing Rivers Health............................Page 3 Gundersen Health System......................Page 4 Family Dentistry Associates of Monona..................Page 5 Patrick Henry Dentistry............................Page 6 Veterans Memorial Hospital...................Page 7

Dr. Amy Reis to a student going into the healthcare field is to go for it,” said Reis. “Healthcare is filled with opportunities, and there are so many directions one can take. We are currently in need of healthcare providers to treat the baby boom generation, especially in rural areas. The piece of advice I would give is don’t let the amount of school deter you from a health profession. College is challenging, but it’s also a lot of fun, so enjoy the journey.”

5 Fun Facts About Teeth

1. The enamel on the top surface on your tooth is the hardest part of your entire body.

2. Teeth start to form even before you are born—milk teeth or baby teeth start to form when the baby is in the womb, but they come through when the child is between 6-12 months old.

3. An average person spends 38.5 days brushing their teeth over their lifetime.

4. No two people have the same set of teeth—your teeth are as unique as your fingerprint, so be proud of your unique set of teeth.

5. If you get your tooth knocked out, put it in milk and hold it in your mouth - this will help your tooth to survive longer. Make sure you see a dentist right away.

123dentist.com

We Keep Kids Smiling

We make a trip to the dentist fun for kids with friendly, gentle care and a waiting room full of toys and games!

TABLE OF CONTENTS Dr. Reis - Role Model Helped Shape Young Doctor’s Career.....................Page 2 Facts About Teeth.......................................Page 2 Crossing Rivers Provides Health Services Throughout Region..........Page 3 Why is Doctors’ Day Celebrated................Page 3 Dr. Larter and Dr. Lederman Gundersen Clinic..............................Page 4 Facts About Doctors’ Day...........................Page 4 Family Dentistry of Monona Serving Since 1985..........................Page 5 Dr. McMullan and Dr. Blanco Postville Medical Clinic....................Page 6 Importance of Local Emergency Care.......Page 8

Set up your appointment today!

Dr. Amber McCarville

Dr. Eric Shelton

Dr. Mark Buitenwerf

563-382-2441 • dentalassociatesdecorah.com

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MEDICAL DIRECTORY

Crossing Rivers Health Clinic Provides Healthcare Services Throughout Region From annual wellness checks, to managing blood pressure, to delivering a newborn, the providers at Crossing Rivers Health Clinics deliver compassionate, individualized care to meet your family’s needs.

Susan McMillan, APNP, is one of seven providers at the Crossing Rivers Health Clinic in Prairie du Chien. She commented, “Our entire clinic staff is proud to provide a continuum of care locally, so that

Why do we celebrate Doctors’ Day? The first Doctors’ Day observance was March 30, 1933, in Winder, Ga. The idea came from Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, and the date chosen was the anniversary of the first use of general anesthesia in surgery (on March 30, 1842, in Jefferson, Ga., Dr. Crawford Long used ether to anesthetize a patient before Dr. John Collins Warren surgically removed a tumor from the patient’s neck). The United States Senate and House of Representatives passed S.J. RES. #366, which President Bush signed on October 30, 1990 (creating Public Law 101-473), designating Doctors’ Day as a national holiday to be celebrated on March 30. wikipedia.org

National

Doctors’ Day March 30, 2016

Allergy/Immunology John Moore, MD

Audiology

Cathy Goetz, MS Doris Barnes, CRNA Charles Beinborn, CRNA Dick Beinborn, CRNA Georgia Govier, CRNA Richard Keppler, CRNA Richard Kreiman, CRNA Michael J. Rider, CRNA

Behavioral Health

Nicolette Mabb, DNP Darlene Meiners, LPC Richelle Bouska, LPC, NCC

Cardiology

Rami Eltibi, MD Thomas Johnson, MD Ramanujam Ramabadran, MD

Certified Nurse Midwife Terri Payne, APNP, CNM

Dentistry

Mark Fohey, D.D.S.

Thank you to our community providers for your commitment and dedication.

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Dr. Susan McMillan

People pay the doctor for his trouble;

for his kindness - they still remain in his debt.

- Seneca, ancient Roman philosopher

Dr. Sara Rybarczyk, Internal Medicine; Terri Payne, Certified Nurse Midwife/ Nurse Practitioner; and Holly Griswold, Nurse Practitioner.

These providers, along with Medical Assistants and clinic support staff, create a comprehensive, patient-centered team.

Crossing Rivers Health Clinics, Center for Specialty Care and Center for Behavioral Health offer a range of medical and health services including Comprehensive Family Care, Primary Medical Care, Behavioral Health Services, Preventative Medicine and Women’s Health Services.

Same-day appointments are available for those needing to see a provider right away, and new patients are welcome.

For more information on Crossing Rivers Health Clinic in Prairie du Chien call 608-3572500 or visit crclinic.org.

Crossing Rivers Health is grateful for our providers

Anesthesiology

In honor of National Doctors’ Day, we are proud to recognize all of our medical staff.

patients do not have to travel out of town for quality healthcare.

We share the importance of the preventative healthcare and wellness with our patients. We encourage people to take an active role in their healthcare.

Providers may have the medical expertise, but the patient knows their symptoms and how they feel. Open communication is key, so that the patient understands and is involved in decisions.”

In addition to Susan McMillan, clinic providers include Dr. Owen Vincent, Family Medicine; Dr. Matthew Olson, Family Medicine;

Family Medicine

Stacy Blackburn, DO* Walter Boisvert, MD David DeHart, MD* Robert Key, MD* Christopher Mees, MD Sara Mees, MD Matthew Olson, MD* Michael Rogge, MD* Owen Vincent, DO* Kirk Prodzinski, DO *Family Medicine w/obstetrics

General Surgery

Tamara Holzer, DO Carrie Kramer, MD Jennifer McLellan, MD

Gynecology

Steven Bush, MD Jason Rexroth, MD

Inpatient Specialists (Hospitalist) Anne Brucker-Busso, MD Sara Rybarczyk, MD Saroj Shrestha, MD Matthew Olson, MD

Internal Medicine

Sara Rybarczyk, MD

Nephrology

Pain Management

Family Nurse Practitioner

Pathology

Balaji Scrinivasan, MD Kumari Usha, MD Peggy Barton, APNP Holly Griswold, DNP Heidi Hochhausen, APNP Susan McMillan, APNP Pamela Myhre, APNP Rochelle Neisius, APNP Tammy Plondke, APNP

Obstetrics

Steven Bush, MD

Oncology

Leah Dietrich, MD Alcee Jumonville, MD Michael Ojelabi, MD

Opthalmology

Christopher Born, MD

Georgia Govier, CRNA Todd Schissel, CRNA Jeffry Degenhardt, MD Anna Kemp, MD Vinay Naik, MD

Physician Assistant Jean Tobin, PA-C

Podiatry

Stephen Bogue, DPM Michelle Schroeder, DPM Craig Sullivan, DPM Brooke Tappe, DPM Gregory Valkosky, DPM

Radiology

Alisa Johnson, MD Michael Wilbur, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Sleep Study

Otolaryngology

Urology

Mark Perpich, MD

Michael Case, MD Timothy King, MD

Emergency Medicine

Christopher Burrows, MD Nanci Cherry, MD R. Timothy Fitzner, MD Mohammad Khan, MD Jaime Quezada, MD

37868 US Hwy 18 l Prairie du Chien, WI l 608.357.2000

Adel S. Zurob, MD Thomas Londergan, MD Michael Price, MD

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MEDICAL DIRECTORY

Lederman and Larter Offer Multiple Services at the Postville Gundersen Clinic SHARON DRAHN

The Postville Clinic is also affiliated with a telemedicine department at Clinic. While using the telemedicine department patients may receive treatment in several other areas. They are adult allergies, cardiology, endocrinology, genetic counseling (obstetrics and oncology), medical

HERALD EDITOR

The Gundersen Clinic, Postville is located at 111 S. Reynolds street in Postville.

The clinic manager is Crystal Goltz and the medical staff includes Kristen Larter, WHNP and Mordechai Lederman, DO. They both practice family medicine.

Kristen, who is from Fredericksburg is interested in women’s prenatal/postpartum care and fertility issues.

When away from her practice Larter enjoys scuba diving, traveling and watching movies.

Dr. Lederman, who lives in Postville, is interested in natural childbirth, preventive health and of course, all of his patients.

His outside interests include musical improv, guitar and drums.

The Postville Gundersen Clinic offers a wide-variety

oncology, movement disorders and nephrology.

Anyone having questions about the services available or other medical questions should call the clinic at 563-864-7512.

There is also 24-hour telephone nurse advisor available by

5 Fun Facts For National Doctors’ Day Dr. Kristen Larter of services. They include, but are not limited to, annual exams, adult physicals, family medicine, lab and X-rays, mobile mammography, osteopathic manipulation, prenatal care, sports physicals.

The also provide treatment of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, well-child exams and women’s health.

Dr. Mordechai Lederman

YOUR LOCAL MEDICAL TEAM Calmar Clinic Stephanie Cenek, NP Family Medicine

dialing (800) 858-1050. The clinic may also be accessed on the internet at gundersenhealth. org/Postville.

Office hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 7:3- p.m.

Calmar Clinic Fayette Clinic Fayette Clinic Rene Steve Chelsey Kriener, FNP Greenwaldt, PA-C Zitelman, NP Family Medicine Family Medicine Family Medicine

1. National Doctor’s Day is always celebrated on March 30th, commemorating the very first use of general anesthesia in surgery.

2. According to the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are nearly 700,000 physicians and surgeons in the United States alone.

3. There are Hallmark cards for this. No holiday is complete without Hallmark cards! Thankfully, Hallmark began supplying National Doctor’s Day cards in 2003.

4. Nearly half of all medical school graduates are women. This is up 30% from over thirty years ago.

5. The majority of physicians consistently report working overtime up to 60 hours a week.

Jscreen.org

Gundersen Health System would like to recognize our local medical team for the outstanding care they provide to the residents of Northeast Iowa all year long.

Lansing Clinic Erica Krause-Wagner, APNP Family Medicine

Postville Clinic Kristen Larter, WHNP Family Medicine

Postville Clinic Mordechai Lederman, DO Family Medicine

Waukon Clinic Jessica Everman, PA-C Family Medicine

Waukon Clinic James Rixen, OD Optometry

Waukon Clinic Melissa Simon, DO Family Medicine

Waukon Clinic Jenny Stegen, PA-C Family Medicine

Waukon Clinic West Union Clinic Andrea Sam Venteicher, MD Brauer, PA-C Family Medicine Family Medicine

West Union Clinic West Union Clinic West Union Clinic West Union Clinic West Union Clinic

Decorah Clinic Scott Bierman, MD

Decorah Clinic Anthony Coppola, DO Family Medicine

Decorah Clinic Jennifer Gipp, OD Optometry

Decorah Clinic Lalit Gupta, MD Behavioral Health

Decorah Clinic Michael LaBelle, MD

Decorah Clinic Jason Maret, MD Behavioral Health

Decorah Clinic Kurt Swanson, DO Family Medicine

Decorah Clinic Brooke Tappe, DPM Podiatry

Decorah Clinic Matthew Thompson, DO Family Medicine

Decorah Clinic Gregory Valkosky, DPM

Decorah Clinic Daniel Wientzen, DO Family Medicine

Decorah Clinic Andrea Wilson, PA-C

Andrea Dietzenbach, PA-C Family Medicine

Jody Harmsen, MD Family Medicine

Kenneth Miller, DO Family Medicine

Vicki Novak, PA-C Family Medicine

Geralyn Zuercher, MD Family Medicine

Decorah Clinic Danielle Bakewell, ARNP Family Medicine

Decorah Clinic Paul Drew Pellett, MD Family Medicine

Decorah Clinic Kevin Quinn, MD Behavioral Health

Decorah Clinic Janet Ryan, MD Family Medicine

Decorah Clinic Andrew Sassaman, OD

Decorah Clinic Kristy Schilling, MD Family Medicine

Decorah Clinic Craig Sullivan, DPM Podiatry

Optometry – Decorah & Waukon

General Surgery-Decorah & West Union

Podiatry – Decorah & Waukon

General Surgery – Decorah & West Union

Orthopaedic Surgery – Decorah & West Union

Call (608)782-7300 to schedule an appointment at any Gundersen location Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, Inc. | Gundersen Clinic, Ltd. | 17533_0316

Decorah Clinic Russell Norris, MD

Orthopaedic Surgery – Decorah & West Union

Decorah Clinic Phillip Yee, MD

General Surgery – Decorah, Waukon & West Union

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MEDICAL DIRECTORY Family Dentistry of Monona has Served Area Patients Since 1985 Family Dentistry of Monona is proud to have served patients in the Monona area since 1985.

Local resident, Dr. Steven Kurth, joined former Waukon dentist, Rick Jacobi, as an associate in the spring of 1979. Dr. Kurth designed Waukon Dental’s current building and began seeing patients in 1980. With the large Monona patient base in the Waukon Dental Office, it seemed like a natural decision to be able to provide dental care that was more convenient to the Monona Community patients. A new building was designed and built at 101 Franklin Street in 1985.

Encouragement also came from a local medical physician at Medical Associates Clinic of Monona to open a dental clinic in Monona.

The clinic in Monona is

affiliated with two other dental offices. They are Waukon Dental and Dental Associates of Prairie du Chien.

Originally, the doctors shared space at the Medical Associates Clinic in Monona. The doctors and staff outgrew the original space and then built a new office, which they moved into in 1985, which is the current location at 101 Franklin St., Monona, Iowa.

Patients can easily locate and identify Family Dentistry, as the exterior of the building has not changed for the past 30 years. Inside, office updates and continual procedural, equipment and educational improvements are made to insure that the best oral health care is available. However, plans are now underway for a new dental office in 2017.

Dr. Mark Fohey

Dr. Christi Larson

Dr. Jessica Wilke

Dr. Mark Fohey joined the staff in July of 1985. He practices in Monona, Waukon and Prairie du Chien. Dr. Fohey is certified in Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces. He is involved in Knights of Columbus Council 8178; Member of St. Patrick’s

Church in Monona; active in the MFL MarMac Athletic Booster Club. He also enjoys sports especially football, running, golf, his children’s activities, the Iowa Hawkeyes and Green Bay Packers!

Dr. Christi Larson, joined the practice in August of 2010 and practices in Prairie du Chien as well as Monona. She is a graduate of University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Christi grew up in Phillips, Wis. She is married to Tyson (who grew up in the Boscobel, Wis. area) and they have one child, Evelyn.

Dr. Jessica Wilke is a Monona native and graduated from MFL MarMac in 2005. She then continued her education at University of Northern Iowa in 2010 and then graduating from University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 2014. Jessica is married to Jake in 2011 (who is a teacher at Postville Community School) and they have one child, Charlotte. Jessica was recently elected as a new board member with the Monona Area Chamber & Economic Development.

In addition, the current staff includes hygienists: Tonya Meyer and Morgan Henkes; assistants, Sharon Wettleson, Bailey Wagner, Denise Kuenster and Andrea Miller. The administrative staff includes Sally Bromelkamp, office manager; Amanda Goltz, insurance secretary; Jamie Lightfoot, administrative executive secretary. and Cassie Moser, administrative secretary.

Judy Kurth is the regional manager and Deb Hertges is the public relations/ marketing executive.

Family Dentistry specializes in routine check-ups, cleanings and advanced hygiene care, fillings,

lost fillings replaced, broken teeth repaired, crowns and bridges, dentures and denture repairs, Invisalign, extractions, partial dentures, cosmetic dentistry, and root canals. Nitrous oxide gas is also available as is implant services and restoration. Family Dentistry also offers teeth whitening options.

Family Dentistry promotes oral health education for the staff and community. Many children’s dental promotions are offered and office tours are conducted to familiarize patients with the surroundings. There is a monthly Tooth Fairy Club plus a wide-variety of other monthly promotions.

The dentists noted, “When children feel comfortable they are less apprehensive about seeing the dentist. We pride ourselves in the fact that kids have fun and are at ease in the office.”

Community involvement and volunteer work are second nature to the staff as they often provide speakers for local organizations, participate in health fairs, are involved with career fairs, and are encouraged to take part in many other public service awareness activities.

Family Dentistry urges people to have a professional dental care provider who can work with the patient on their own in-home dental care. Developing good habits at an early age and having regular dental visits are the keys to having a lifetime of healthy gums and teeth.

Family Dentistry in Monona is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and one Saturday each month. You may also check them out on Facebook or log on to their website at www. familydentistrymonona.com

Quality Dental Care with 214 Years of Experience!

Serving the community since 1985!

Judy Kurth Regional Manager, 30 years

Sharon Wettleson Registered Dental Assistant, 30 years

Tonya Meyer Registered Dental Hygienist, 10 years

Deb Hertges Marketing/PR Mgr., 10 years

Dr. Mark Fohey 31 years

Denise Kuenster Registered Dental Assistant, 29 years

Morgan Henkes Registered Dental Hygienist, 7 years

Dr. Christi Larson 6 years

Dr. Jessica Wilke 2 years

Sally Bromelkamp Office Manager, 25 years

Jamie Lightfoot Admin. Exec. Sec., 14 years

Amanda Goltz Insurance Mgr., 13 years

Bailey Wagner Dental Assistant, 5 years

Andrea Miller Registered Dental Assistant, 2 years

Cassie Moser Administrative Secretary, 1 month

Open Mon-Fri 8 to 5 and one Saturday a month from 8 to 12 noon www.familydentistrymonona.com Check us out on Facebook

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MEDICAL DIRECTORY

Doctors McMullan and Blanco Practice Side-by-Side at Clinic in Downtown Postville SHARON DRAHN HERALD EDITOR

The Postville Medical Clinic is located at 124 W. Greene St., in Postville, Iowa. Dr. McMullan opened his practice in 1983 and Gloria joined him a few years later.

The Postville Medical Clinic, located at 124 W. Greene in downtown Postville is served

by Thomas McMullan, MD and Gloria Blanco, MD. The married couple has practiced side-by side for several decades.

Dr. McMullan opened his practice in Postville in 1983 and Gloria joined him a few years later. Both did residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Gloria said, “From the very beginning the community residents were very welcoming and accepting of us.”

Along with English, Dr. McMullan speaks Spanish and Dr. Blanco speaks two Filipino dialects. Being bilingual is a great asset to have in Postville’s diversified community.

The doctors added, “Postville is a unique environment due to the cultural mix in the community. As such, providing

“

Providing medical care can be challenging, but it is also rewarding in that it provides one with a much broader view of the world.

- Dr. Gloria Blanco

Get the smile you deserve!

NOW TAKING

NEW PATIENTS! Call us today!

Ossian Dental Clinic

563-532-9860

C. Patrick Henry, DDS 105 North Lydia St., Ossian

Interested in being featured in our 2017 Medical Directory?

Send ideas, stories and advertising information to any of the following: Calmar Courier

calmarcourier@hotmail.com (563) 562-3488

Postville Herald

sharon@postvilleherald.com (563) 864-3333

Advertising Representative

Nicole Vega | neisales.map@gmail.com

Monona Outlook outlook@neitel.net (563) 539-4554

Staff of Postville Medical Clinic

Pictured above, left to right: Kori Berg, office staff; Mindy Caguach-Hernandez, nurse; Dr. Gloria Blanco and Dr. Thomas McMullan. Not all staff were present at the time photo was taken.

NICOLE VEGA / POSTVILLE HERALD

medical care can be challenging, but it is also rewarding in that it provides one with a much broader view of the world.”

The clinic offers general medical services as it provides general family practice and internal medicine physicians. Dr. McMullan said, “We try to offer a variety of services so patients can get the basic tests, including laboratory and X-ray, without having to leave town” They offer physical exams; annual general/wellness exams, sports/youth physicals; school/college physicals; preemployment physicals and DOT physicals.

The doctors also perform minor procedure such as laceration/open wound treatment, biopsies, electrocautery, cryotherapy, removal of lesions.

Outpatient procedures not requiring general anesthesia such as a vasectomy or specific fracture treatment including casting may also be done in the clinic.

Other tests available include EKGs and treadmill stress testing, hearing and vision testing; spirometry and lung function testing; blood testing for complete blood counts and urine testing for urinalysis and pregnancy testing; breath alcohol

testing is also available. X-Rays can be done on site at the clinic, including chest X-Rays and imaging of the upper and lower extremities (arms and legs.)

The McMullans said, “Practicing medicine in a small, rural community is certainly different than practicing in a large urban city, but small town practices have their appealing aspects. We develop long term relationships with our patients.

We get to know our patients and their families well, many on a multi-generational level.

Knowing the background of patients, their work and home structure, and the type of family support available helps immensely in the treatment of their illnesses. We come across our patients outside of the clinic setting every day, and we get to see them, not only as patients, but as individual people going about their daily life. As such, we appreciate them and they also let us know that they appreciate us an what we do.”

Drs. McMullan and Blanco have a close working relationship with Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. They said, “It is an excellent local hospital which provides top-notch care to area residents.”

Consultants from different

specialities come regularly from LaCrosse and Rochester and many types of surgeries may be done locally at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon.

The team of doctors partake in medical education programs offered by various organizations, including the University of Iowa Healthcare System. Sometimes this may be done online, but more often they must travel for these classes.

Drs. McMullan and Blanco work closely with the Postville EMS and ambulance service and with the Good Samaritan Center as they provide care to the elderly.

They added, “We also support the schools and their many activities. Go Pirates!

In addition, we work with the schools and other businesses to meet any health-related needs such as wellness screening. We are certainly interested in keeping our town as a thriving and vibrant community. This is where we live and work, this is where our three girls grew up, this is home.”

The Postville Medical Clinic is open 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 1-5 p.m. Fridays, and Saturday by appointment only. They may be reached by telephone at (563) 864-7221

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MEDICAL DIRECTORY aternity Services at Veterans Memorial Hospital

Dr. Benjamin Nesseim Mayo Clinic Health System Waukon

Dr. Steven Perkins Mayo Clinic Health System Waukon

Dr. Ben Ross Mayo Clinic Health System Waukon

Dr. Dave Schwartz Mayo Clinic Health System Waukon

“We first visited Veterans Memorial Hospital early in my pregnancy.

I was having some scary symptoms and ran to the emergency room in a panic. We met Dr. Ross, and he and the nurses were so comforting. Everything turned out to be fine, and I was so impressed by the care of everyone at the hospital during such a stressful time. We stuck with Dr. Ross as our provider, and he was a great support throughout my pregnancy and continues to be today as we navigate the adventures of new parenthood. We also had the opportunity to work with Dr. Schwartz and Dr. Nesseim a little bit, and they were both awesome as well. Our birth experience at the hospital was wonderful. I ended up having to have a c-section. I was disappointed at first that I wasn’t going to have the birth experience I had imagined and a little scared about the surgery itself.

The nursing staff, nurse anesthetist, and Dr. Ross and Dr. Nesseim all helped us feel calm and comfortable with the turn of events, and we still had a really cool birth experience. The nurses were so amazing in the days that followed, helping me to recover quickly and getting us acclimated to caring for our Charlotte. They went out of their way to make our stay really great.

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about VMH. Everyone was so friendly, the food was great, our room was clean and comfortable, and the nurses were fantastic. I’m looking forward to having another baby someday so I can go hang out with all these awesome people again!”

Jessica & Jake Wilke of Monona with their

daughter Charlotte Rose.

We had delivered our daughter seven years earlier in Prairie, but we had heard so many good things about the physicians and staff at Veterans Memorial Hospital, we decided to try it out and they were wonderful.

One of the best things was the nursing staff there.

They seemed to go out of their way to make sure I was comfortable and to make sure my husband was comfortable as well. The kitchen staff was also great.

They always reminded me I could order anything I wanted off of the menu, that I didn’t need to just accept the regular patient meal for the day. My Gundersen physician was ill the day of the delivery, so Dr. Ryan from Decorah Gundersen Clinic filled in. She was very understanding and made us feel very comfortable.

I also really enjoyed that they gave us an IPAD to go through all the educational videos. I had the option to go back and review whatever videos I wanted at any time. It was very convenient and a good reminder since it has been 7 years since our daughter was born.”

Danielle Becwar, McGregor

Shelby Preston, Guttenberg

Jessica Wilke, Monona

Maternity Suites

“I had my daughter Eleanora Joy on November 10, 2015, at Veterans Memorial Hospital.

When I found out I was pregnant I knew exactly where I wanted to deliver and who I would pick as a doctor. I had heard many good stories about Dr. Schwartz and the OB nurses at VMH. We decided they were the best choice. The nurses that assisted with my labor and delivery were amazing. They were incredibly supportive in talking me through my contractions and offering advice. They were quick to ask if I needed anything to make myself and my husband more comfortable. After a few complications during my 15 hour labor, Eleanora finally made her appearance at 11:10 am, weighing 8 lbs. 11oz and was 23 inches long. The nurses that cared for her were equally amazing and respectful. They gave us plenty of time together before she had to be taken for her shots and tests. Dr. Schwartz went above and beyond for us, answering every question we had. When we were able to go home I was having some problems so I gave him a call and he got back to me right away with a solution. I would recommend Veterans Memorial Hospital to anyone. The staff there made our experience the best. We will definitely be going back for our second child.”

“When we had Connor in December, it was my very first stay at VMH.

Danielle & Dustin Becwar with their daughter Lilly and newborn Connor John.

Eleanora Joy Preston, daughter of Matt & Shelby Preston.

Dr. Andrea Venteicher Gundersen Lutheran Waukon Clinic

Three attractive, roomy suites in the hospital’s Maternity Services Department are available for parents to enjoy with their new baby, as well as offer more comfort for friends and family who come to visit.

Veterans Memorial Hospital (563) 568-3411 | Waukon, IA www.veteransmemorialhospital.com

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MEDICAL DIRECTORY

Importance of Local Emergency Care Thousands of different medical procedures are performed by medical specialists at the large medical centers all around the country. Thankfully in northeast Iowa, we are within driving distance to have most of these specialists and can have our procedures done and return home right away once again with little inconvenience. But sometimes there are complications following those procedures. Fortunately, for Ken Krambeer of Waukon, he quickly sought out his local emergency services to help with his complications because if he had waited until the next day to drive out of town once again to see his specialist, it would have been too late.

On a Monday morning last fall, Ken had traveled to Mayo for a specialized procedure not available locally. He breezed through the procedure and returned home the same day.

The next day he went to work as usual in his downtown Waukon barbershop, working the entire day and felt fine.

On Wednesday, he felt tired and ‘punky’ as he described it, but he held in there, and finished the work day. Towards evening,

Ken became very tired and had the chills. So he went to bed early and crawled under the covers. He states, “I was shaking like a leaf my chills were so bad.

I was really feeling ill, and it all came on so fast.”

Ken’s wife, Gloria, saw that Ken was shaking uncontrollably and had gone to bed without any supper, so she called the number on his discharge papers he had received from Mayo the day of his procedure, but they were not able to put her in contact with his physician. So she then made a local call to Veterans Memorial Hospital and the staff told her to bring him in right away. She and Ken were met by the emergency staff members Jon Hawes, P.A., and Dave Lyons, RN, and they jumped on his symptoms immediately.

“As soon as we arrived at the hospital, the ER staff met us with a wheelchair and got him in the ER right away,” states Gloria.

“This all happened so quickly. I was so appreciative of how fast the staff responded, doing an ultra sound right away to rule out any blockages and performing many other tests to find out what was going on.”

“I can remember them taking me from the ER into a hospital room,” describes Ken. “Later in the night, Dr. Nesseim had been called in and when he came into see me, he said I was a very sick man and he wanted to continue running some tests. After that, I don’t remember much of anything.”

“A lot of memories rushed in my mind when I came to evaluate Ken,” states Dr. Benjamin Nesseim. “My father developed similar complications after the same procedure, and we really thought that we were going to lose him. This previous experience allowed me to take his symptoms very seriously and to make sure that he was getting the proper treatment. He is such a nice man and it was a pleasure to get involved in his care.”

By the next morning, Dr. Perkins, Ken’s regular physician, came to visit him. “He stood at the foot of my bed and also told me I was a very sick man, explaining that I had gotten an infection from the procedure and that it had gotten into by blood stream. He told me it was not at all good, in fact very serious.”

Later that morning, Dr.

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Ken Krambeer (right) of Waukon pictured with his physician, Dr. Steven Perkins, in Krambeer’s Barber Shop in downtown Waukon.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Perkins was able to connect with Ken’s specialist in Mayo to tell him what they had found.

Together they worked on the best antibiotic treatment plan to help fight the type of infection Ken had acquired.

“There were IV’s going in left and right…I was completely in their hands,” Ken recalls. “When my fever finally broke after a couple days, I still couldn’t have any visitors or any phone calls. As I continued to recover, Dr. Perkins told Gloria and my family that I was one of the sickest patients he ever had in the hospital.”

“Without too much detail, Ken had an illness called Sepsis and Septic Shock where bacteria enters the blood stream and begins to cause terrible effects on his body. His body was shutting down and his blood pressures were dramatically low,” states Dr. Steven Perkins. “If not for his prompt visit to the ER and the very aggressive and complex treatments we provided for him, we would be reading his obituary and not an article of joy and thanksgiving! I told Gloria and the kids that numerous times, and I reminded Ken he should be listening to Gloria more often!

She was the true hero of all of this and with what the nurses,

staff, and everyone involved provided him, we have a happy ending to this story!”

Ken remained in Veterans Memorial Hospital for a total of six days and continued to come into the hospital for two more weeks for outpatient IV antibiotics until the infection was entirely gone.

“Our hospital staff is top shelf! I don’t know how I could ever thank them enough—from the workers in the lab, to the nurses, therapy staff, dietitians and cooks, even maintenance.

I have never been treated with such respect,” concludes Ken. “I see them every day and it is so different when you are in their house. Gloria and I have enjoyed working on many fundraisers to support the hospital and it’s great it is there when you need it.

What a God send! They saved my life. The care up there is fantastic. I can’t say enough for the people they have retained.

Everyone who walked into my room was just so wonderful to me!”

“We have always supported the hospital as far back as delivering our boys there with Dr. Withers,” adds Gloria. “We knew the hospital was a great facility, but you don’t realize how really great it is until you’re in it.”