Monument HEALTH Magazine, Issue 14, Spring 2024

HOPEFUL

Young musician Kili Cole is optimistic about what a new treatment will mean for managing her own diabetes as well as other patients around the Black Hills.

SARAH RAPID CITY, SD

"The entire team was supportive and encouraging every step of the way. I am more confident, comfortable and beyond happy with my results."

REAL WOMEN. REAL RESULTS.

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HUNTER MOYER, M.D.

OLGA SCHUTH, M.D.

Plastic Surgery

MONUMENT HEALTH

PLASTIC SURGERY

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Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-6000

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PERFORMANCE TESTING

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INJURY PREVENTION

+ Regeneration – Aid in workout recovery to keep your body ready to perform each day

+ Prehab exercises – Target areas of the body to help prevent injuries

TA WELCOME FROM

Paulette Davidson

President and Chief Executive Officer, Monument Health

he days are getting longer and the sun is shining a bit brighter.

As we head into spring, it’s a hopeful time of year – and I know you’ll find this magazine full of stories that will give you a feeling of hope as well.

In the pages ahead, you’ll meet many hopeful individuals who have inspiring stories. Like Morgan Geppert, a young woman who is on the road to recovery after suffering a severe injury doing her favorite activity –skiing. She is looking forward to a day when she is ready to hit the slopes again.

You’ll be introduced to Jim Phillips from Lead-Deadwood, who has spent his life pursuing athletic endeavors outside. When this self-described sun worshiper discovered he had

basal cell carcinoma, one of Monument Health’s dermatologists helped him out with Mohs surgery.

I think you’ll also enjoy learning more about Shawn Powers, our Children’s Miracle Network program manager. This program raises funds to help sick and injured children right here in our communities, and Shawn works hard to find and connect with donors. He may not be working with patients in a clinical setting, but his work has a positive effect on some of our youngest patients.

In our cover story, you’ll not only meet Kili Cole, a charming young lady with musical ambitions, you’ll also learn about Tzield, a new medication that can forestall the need for insulin for type 1 diabetics. Kili was the first individual in western South Dakota to receive this treatment, opening the door for more patients to experience the benefits. To me, nothing is more hopeful than seeing a young woman with a bright future who has one less worry, and who is happy to know that others will benefit from this treatment too.

You’ll also catch up with Danny Morris who was featured in our Spring 2023 issue, learn about our caregivers’ and physicians’ non-clinical talents and more in this issue of Monument Health Magazine. I’m confident that these stories are going to leave you feeling as hopeful as the first hints of spring. If you enjoy our magazine, I encourage you to share your feedback, suggest stories and send your thoughts to us at magazine@monument.health.

HEALTH

Managing Editor

Melissa Haught

Editor

Stephany Chalberg

Senior Writer

Wade Ellett

Contributors

Karlee Baumann

Jenna Carda

Dan Daly

Jennessa Dempsey

Stacy Friedman

Bob Slocum

Lynn Taylor Rick

Anna Whetham

Art Director

Stacy Brozik

Layout

Terri Upward

Photographer

Bob Slocum

CONTENTS

SPRING 2024

In case you missed it Our roundup of all the latest news and happenings throughout Monument Health. page 4

Where are they now: Danny Morris We first met Danny Morris when he shared his passion for caring for patients as a lead valet at Rapid City Hospital. Now, get to know how the caregivers he sees every day came to his aid when he suffered a cardiac event at work. page 6

Saving your skin

After a lifetime of soaking up the sun, Mohs surgery helps Jim Phillips continue to enjoy life outdoors. page 8

My space: Darienne Jahner

Patient Access Specialists are often the first caregivers that patients ever interact with. That’s one reason Darienne Jahner is so passionate about her role — she has the opportunity to make every patient’s day just a little better. page 10

Ask the expert: the benefits of health screenings

Kris Legner, PA-C shares the value and importance of health screenings for those who live in the rural areas of the Black Hills. page 12 Foundation feature: Monument Health Has Talent Doctors who drum? Nurses who sing? The men and women of Monument Health have talents that extend beyond medicine. Meet the three winners of the first Monument Health Has Talent competition. page 14

With a hug and a smile

Some people are nervous about a visit with their physician. That’s not the case with Elizabeth Sterling, who is always excited to see her Endocrinologist, Sonalika Khachikian, M.D. page 18

Cover story: the show goes on Kili Cole is a talented young musician with a bright future. She’s also the first diabetic in the region to receive a new treatment that slows the progression of type 1 diabetes. page 20

Nurse feature: Grace Hastey

Everybody wishes they had a nurse they could call when they’re not sure when or where to seek care. As Grace Hastey, RN, points out, she’s here to take those calls. page 24

Black and blue on a black diamond

Spearfish high schooler Morgan Geppert has spent a year recovering after breaking her back at Terry Peak. After the harrowing experience, she’s eager to get back on the slopes. page 26

My space: Shawn Powers

Helping pediatric patients takes a lot of different people in a lot of different roles. Get to know Shawn Powers, Program Manager of the Children’s Miracle Network with the Monument Health Foundation, and learn how he’s helping local kids get the care they need. page 29

Friends in ortho places

Ever since a car wreck in 2020, Nick Dupont has struggled to return to the active lifestyle he loves. Luckily, his golfing buddy, Daniel Lochmann, M.D., knows a thing or two about orthopedics. page 32

Physician spotlight

Meet Vaughan Bowen, M.D., an Otolaryngologist at Monument Health ENT. page 34

APP spotlight

Meet Amy Gartner, CRNA, Director of Anesthesia Services at Rapid City Hospital. page 35

Introducing

Get to know physicians who have recently joined Monument Health. page 36

Crossword puzzle

An amazing and entertaining stroll through this issue via a fun puzzle that you’re sure to enjoy. page 37

Directory Find a Monument Health provider near you. page 38

Calendar

Upcoming events at Monument Health. page 40

Monument Health expands services at Wall Clinic

Wall Clinic upgraded its X-ray services, providing enhanced imaging capabilities to the community.

The new X-ray room is the latest investment in the clinic and demonstrates Monument Health’s commitment to providing quality health care services to the community. The new X-ray room is equipped with digital radiologic technology, which provides improved image quality compared to traditional computerized radiology. This technology also allows for quicker results as well as reduced radiation exposure to patients and caregivers.

The new X-ray room at Monument Health Wall Clinic allows patients to receive high-quality care close to home, reducing travel time and making it more convenient for families to access the health care they need.

Finance executive leadership changes announced at Monument Health

Monument Health announced changes to its finance leadership team in January. Mark Thompson, who has been with Monument Health for 33 years, serving as CFO for 17 years and leading the organization through growth and economic challenges, moved to Chief Business Development Officer. Austin Willuweit, who has been with Monument Health since 2016 and has led important initiatives such as the implementation of a new ERP system and the advancement of financial planning and analytics, became Chief Financial Officer. Jennifer Schmaltz, who has been with Monument Health for 17 years and has played a key role in financial stewardship, developing financial plans, managing accounting procedures and creating financial models to guide decision making, was promoted to Vice President of Finance.

Monument Health is recognized for digital excellence as a 2023 Digital Health Most Wired Survey recipient

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), has released their coveted Digital Health Most Wired Survey results for the 2023 data collection period. Monument Health is proud to announce two Level 7 achievements for the Acute and Ambulatory survey selections.

Among the more than 55,000 facilities represented, Monument Health ranked above peers in categories like analytics and data management, population health, infrastructure and patient engagement. The survey assessed the adoption, integration and impact of technologies in health care organizations at all stages of development, from early development to industry leading.

“Being recognized as a CHIME Most Wired organization shows that Monument Health not only prioritizes utilizing technology to improve patient care and outcomes, but also takes the security of sensitive patient information seriously. This is crucial in a health care environment where data breaches can have devastating consequences, both for the individuals affected and for the health care system as a whole,” said Patrick Woodard, M.D., Monument Health Chief Health Care Information Officer.

(L to R): Jennifer Schmaltz, MBA; Mark Thompson, CPA; Austin Willuweit, CPA, FHFMA, MPA

Monument Health Breast Care Program earns accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers of the American College of Surgeons

The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a quality program administered by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has granted accreditation to the Monument Health Breast Care Program in Rapid City, S.D. To achieve voluntary NAPBC accreditation, a breast center demonstrates compliance with the NAPBC standards that address a center’s leadership, clinical services, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement for patients. Breast centers seeking NAPBC accreditation undergo a site visit every three years.

As an NAPBC-accredited center, the Breast Care Program is committed to maintaining levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive, patientcentered, multidisciplinary care resulting in high-quality care for patients with breast disease. Patients can be confident that their breast care team includes health care professionals from a variety of disciplines who are committed to working together to provide the best care available through their entire course of treatment and beyond.

Patients receiving care at an NAPBC-accredited center also have access to information on clinical trials and new treatment options, genetic counseling, and patient-centered services including psychosocial support, rehabilitation services and survivorship care.

Custer Hospital receives 2023 Press Ganey Human Experience

Guardian of Excellence

Award®

Monument Health Custer Hospital was named a 2023 Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey, the global leader in health care experience solutions and services. This award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in patient experience.

As a winner of the Press Ganey HX Guardian of Excellence Award®, the Monument Health Custer Hospital Emergency Department is recognized for being in the top 5 percent of health care providers in the overall rating of care in the last year. “Everyone on our team — physicians, nursing staff, patient access, radiology, lab, EVS and more — is committed to working together in an effort to provide the best experience for every person in our community,” said James Woodhead, Director of Nursing at Custer Hospital. “This comes at a time when patients, their families and friends are not having the best day, yet we are dedicated to finding a way to make it a little better.”

Press Ganey works with more than 41,000 health care facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care.

ONE OF OUR OWN

There is never a good time or place to have a life-threatening medical emergency, but Danny Morris is thankful help was nearby when he needed it.

It was just another day at work for Danny Morris.

The Monument Health valet supervisor was at his usual place near the entrance to Rapid City Hospital, greeting people and talking baseball with his coworkers.

Little did Danny know, a blood clot that started in his leg was moving into his lungs. One moment he was running down the Chicago Cubs batting order, the next he was unable to speak and began struggling to breathe. When he hit the floor, he was in cardiac arrest; suddenly fighting for life in the very same spot he’d been working for the last 24 years.

“All of a sudden, I couldn’t answer them when they asked if I was OK,” Danny said. “I woke up in the ICU a few days later.”

Gary Dowling and Dale Johnson, fellow valets, immediately called for rapid response. Heart and Vascular Unit nurses Cori Johnson, RN, and Amy Farley, RN, were only a flight of stairs away and headed straight for the scene. They began lifesaving measures within seconds of hearing the call. Cori and Amy took turns giving Danny chest compressions

and instructed Gary and Dale to call for a code blue. The code blue team quickly arrived and Danny, still unresponsive, was loaded onto a cart.

At that point, Amy climbed onto the cart with Danny and rode with him, administering CPR as they were wheeled to the emergency department. Treatment continued in the ED until Danny resumed breathing and was eventually stabilized.

“I have responded to more codes than I can count over the years, but this one had an impact on me,” Amy said. “I think since it was a colleague — one of our own — it has stuck with me over the last year and probably will for the rest of my life.”

The close proximity to care when it mattered most was a factor in Danny’s case, Cori said.

“I knew Danny had an excellent chance of full recovery because CPR began when he became unresponsive and lost his pulse,” she said. “It does feel more personal when you know the person you are helping. This has happened to me several times over the years both at work and in the community. The first time I saw Danny when he returned,

Story and Photos by Bob Slocum

What is a code blue?

A code blue hospital announcement means that an adult is having a medical emergency, usually cardiac or respiratory arrest. Every hospital has its own policy for code blue events.

Cori Johnson, Nurse Manager at HVU, said “I have been a nurse here for almost 33 years, so I have responded to hundreds of code blues over the years. Each one is different, but the feeling of urgency and desire to help the person with all you have is the same.”

I shook his hand and told him how glad I was to see him and told him Amy and I had been praying for him ever since.”

From the ED, Danny was sent to the Intensive Care Unit for several days where he was on a ventilator. Danny's wife, Deb, and daughter, Brittany Pruess, were by his side for support. He was treated by Cardiologist Saverio Barbara, M.D., Samantha Speed, DNP, and others at Monument Health Heart and Vascular Institute.

Five weeks after nearly losing his life in the middle of his shift, Danny walked back into the valet office and resumed work.

“I’ve always said I like working here, and I do. That’s why I’ve been here so long; I enjoy it, and I’ve always thought of my teammates as a family,” Danny said. “Well, they truly are my family now, because I owe them everything.”

It’s been a year since his incident, and Danny has been doing what he always has: parking cars and helping patients and visitors. He’s seen the arrival of a new grandson, Nehemiah James Pruess. The Cubs are entering spring training, and the guys are starting to talk baseball again. Dr. Barbera gave him an implantable cardioverterdefibrillator, a small battery-powered device placed in the chest. It detects and stops irregular heartbeats, just in case something like this should happen again.

“I feel good,” Danny said. “I’ve been treated so well by everyone here at Monument Health, from the ED to ICU to HVI; all the doctors and nurses and everyone else. Gary and Dale helped me on the spot, and then our whole team stepped up and filled in while I was gone. Everyone just takes these things as part of the job around here, but for me, it’s a lot more than that. It means so much, and I just want to thank everyone who helped me.”

“They truly are my family now, because I owe them everything.”

DANNY MORRIS

Danny’s role as valet supervisor puts him in constant contact with Monument Health’s patients. Often, the first Monument Health caregiver a patient or visitor sees when they arrive at Rapid City Hospital is one of the valets. On an average month, the valet services team parks and retrieves 2,800 vehicles and helps more than 2,100 patients — including wheelchair assistance when required. Danny said the entire valet team takes pride in making arrival and departure less challenging for patients.

“The goal is to make patients and visitors feel like VIPs,” Danny said. “Our team is committed to providing positive experiences.”

He still thinks about that “scary and remarkable” day each morning when he arrives at the hospital. “It’s not to be forgotten,” he said. “It’s to be acknowledged, so that the healing can foster a grateful outlook.” Danny has been well known around the hospital, but he’s now earned a new nickname from those who know his story: some call him Miracle Man.

“It could have happened anywhere. The Big Guy, he put me in the right place with the right people. You truly know who’s beside you when something like this happens.”

(Clockwise L to R) Samantha Speed, DNP, Amy Farley, RN, Cori Johnson, RN, Dale Johnson, Gary Dowling, Danny Morris.

Story

SKIN

Mohs surgery allowed Jim Phillips to continue his lifelong love of the outdoors despite skin cancer

Jim Phillips has probably spent as much of his waking life outdoors as indoors. He coached baseball, track and swimming in the Lead-Deadwood area. Now retired, he loves biking, kayaking and tending to his five-acre homesite in Boulder Canyon. Plus, Jim is an avid swimmer. In the summer of 2018, he and a friend swam across all 23 lakes in the Black Hills – 26.6 miles total.

“All my life, I’ve kind of been a sun worshiper. Back in my era, sunscreen wasn’t a big deal,” he said. “I’m 78, so that’s how many years I’ve abused the heck out of my skin.”

In fact it was swimming that made him aware that a spot on his nose, right where his swim goggles sit, would not heal. “I’d get done with a race or something, and I’d be bleeding from my nose,” he said.

Over the years, Jim has undergone various treatments to remove precancerous and cancerous growths. But this time it seemed more serious, Jim said. And it was. At Monument Health Dermatology in Spearfish, he found out the spot was basal cell carcinoma.

It’s a type of cancer that begins in the basal cells, the part of the epidermis that constantly makes new skin cells and pushes them to the surface. A DNA mutation causes the cells to multiply rapidly and continue growing instead of dying off to make room for new healthy cells. Chronic sun exposure, radiation therapy, fair skin and increasing age are among the primary risk factors.

The good news is that Mohs surgery is an extremely effective treatment for skin cancer. It’s known for a high cure rate and tissue-sparing results. Dermatologist Christopher Gasbarre, D.O., at Monument Health Dermatology in Spearfish, is a board-certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. This year, he was joined in the Spearfish clinic by Mary Logue, M.D., a dermatologist who is also board-certified in the procedure.

Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure. The tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue are surgically removed. While the patient waits, the cells are sliced, mapped and examined under a microscope. If the layer has cancer cells, another layer is removed, then examined in the same way. When all of the cells in a layer are clear of cancer, Dr. Gasbarre closes the wound and sends the

patient home to heal.

“Because Mohs surgery removes the least amount of healthy tissue, patients are left with smaller, more manageable wounds,” Dr. Gasbarre said. “For this reason, Mohs procedures work especially well on areas of the body in which sparing tissue is important, such as near the eyes, ears or nose.”

In Jim’s case, the tumor site on his nose is practically invisible today. He had the surgery on Jan. 3 at the Monument Health Dermatology clinic in Spearfish. It took about three hours.

“Three hours was nothing. I had a basketball game on TV, and I took a nap,” he said. During the surgery parts of the procedure, he chatted comfortably with Dr. Gasbarre, Certified Nurse Practitioner Darbi Anderson and other staff members about everything from liver and onions to the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise.

These days, Jim is a big believer in taking care of his skin. He still spends a lot of time outdoors, but he’s using lots of sunscreen. When he’s out doing yard work, he wears his favorite Chicago Bears baseball cap.

“And my wife got me some cream that makes my skin look like it’s only 75 years old now,” he added with a chuckle.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS & LASTING CONNECTIONS

First impressions are important, and no one knows that better than the Patient Access team at Monument Health.

Story by Jenna Carda |

Bob Slocum

Photo by

As frontline ambassadors, these professionals orchestrate schedules, insurance, billing, gathering demographic information and more to make sure the symphony of medical practice and procedure is carried out efficiently and effectively. Even more so, the Patient Access Specialists are the first people patients talk to when scheduling or checking in to their appointment.

“My role with Monument Health is making a difference every day,” said Darienne Jahner, a Patient Access Specialist for Urology at Rapid City Clinic. “I want patients to receive the care they deserve from the moment they walk in the door.”

Darienne Jahner grew up in Rapid City and admires the community that has evolved and advanced over the years. If she isn’t hanging out with her close-knit family, she is often at events throughout the area – especially events like the Turkey Trot and February Freeze 5K. Within Monument Health, she is known for her lasting relationships with patients, physicians and caregivers.

Throughout her career, Darienne has held a variety of positions in customer relations – from coffee shops to restaurants. The common thread among them all is the connection and care for others. When her friend brought forward the opportunity to join the Monument Health team, it seemed like a perfect fit. Now, two years later, Darienne is making a difference in her department, as well as patients’ lives through every interaction she has.

“I make a point to try and be on a first name basis with each of our patients. It seems small, but when you’re able to talk with someone and remember their names, I feel like it helps calm them for what may be a stressful appointment,” said Darienne.

No matter what kind of day Patient Access Specialists are having, they put their responsibilities first to make sure everything for the day of appointments will run as smoothly as possible. Darienne and her team make sure the waiting rooms are tidy, prepare medical staff for the day ahead and ensure time frames are filled and on schedule throughout every visit. Outside of internal communication, the Patient Access team will have a variety of duties that change from one day to the next. These tasks can include making calls to patients as a reminder of appointments,

“I want patients to receive the care they deserve from the moment they walk in the door.”

DARIENNE JAHNER

rescheduling as needed, following up on concluded appointments patients have had and more.

“I think one of the most unique things about my role as a Patient Access Specialist that someone outside of the medical field may not realize is the amount of background work that takes place to make sure appointments are getting made and time frames are filled appropriately. It’s always changing, and it’s an important job to navigate that,” said Darienne.

With change comes challenge, and that is something Darienne is always up for. With a passion for personal and professional growth, Darienne has been taking the steps to build on her education in the health care access field. Through opportunities presented by Monument Health, Darienne accepted the chance to prepare for a nationwide exam to become a Certified Healthcare Access Associate.

“Monument Health has a great training program that can go as far as you want to take it. They give you support to advance in this profession, and knowing that I will be able to one day reach more leadership roles and administration tasks is encouraging,” said Darienne.

The team of Patient Access Specialists are a close group that works together to make patients feel at ease while also showing them they are receiving the best possible care. The team is supportive, always ready to help and step in for each other – encouraging growth and becoming the best version of one's self. From group training and team updates to potlucks and get-togethers outside of work, the Patient Access team is a community within the frontline itself.

It can be uneasy for patients to visit the doctors. There are countless directions of diagnoses and treatment plans, and the anxiety that may come with that can be disrupting. Thankfully, being greeted by and working with caring professionals like Darienne at the very beginning of your care can make all the difference.

ASK THE EXPERT: BENEFITS OF HEALTH SCREENINGS

Kris Legner, PA-C

Sturgis Clinic

The geographic expanses of the Black Hills and western South Dakota can create barriers for rural residents to receive medical care. One way to reduce those barriers is to empower community members to be their own health advocates through the resources, education and access to care close to home. At large community events such as the Black Hills Stock Show, the Black Hills Pow Wow, YFS Kids Fair, the Central States Fair and the Lakota Nation Invitational, as well as smaller community health fairs, Monument Health helps people check their blood pressure, pulse and blood oxygen levels. Participants can also assess their risk for diabetes and anxiety.

These health screenings allow patients to make informed medical decisions and take action to improve their health. The screenings have uncovered early warning signs of potential health issues leading to timely medical intervention, thus preventing the progression of illnesses.

Kris Legner, PA-C, is a member of the medical staff at Monument Health Sturgis Clinic, seeing patients who live and play in the Black Hills. She shared some insight into what makes health screenings valuable to community members.

Health

available in the Sturgis area. The goal is to educate and

patients to invest in their own health, ultimately promoting better

outcomes and improving the well-being of the Sturgis community. Please join on the upcoming dates of April 11, Aug. 22 and Nov. 21.

Q.

A.

Is it important for people to know their baseline blood pressure?

Yes, as this vital sign can help provide a picture of the patient’s overall risk of cardiovascular disease. If hypertension is diagnosed and treated early, it reduces the risk of a stroke and heart disease.

Q.

What does our blood pressure, pulse and blood oxygen levels tell about our overall health?

A.

When is it important to discuss my results with my primary care provider?

There is a lot of medical information available to patients these days on multiple media options, and unfortunately some of it can be false or misleading. By meeting with a medical provider, the patient is given the most up to date medical facts and allows time for education to occur, helping the patient gain enough information to make important decisions about their short- and long-term medical treatment and management plans.

A.

Q. These vital signs give a glimpse into a person’s overall health and risk for complications. For example, high blood pressure leads to extra work by the heart. This extra work can lead to damage to organs like the brain, eyes and kidneys, as well as to the blood vessels.

Q.

A.

Do free health screenings replace annual physicals with a primary care provider?

No, free health screenings assist in finding health issues sooner, potentially making them easier to treat. The physical exam provides a complete head to toe assessment but also focuses on the patient’s risks. A primary care provider also talks to the patient about sleep, diet and exercise habits, offers age-appropriate vaccinations and any other screenings they may need. It also helps develop a trusting relationship between a provider and patient for future medical concerns.

MONUMEN T HE ALTH TALEN T Has

Physicians, nurses and caregivers have a talent for making patients feel better. As it turns out, their talents extend far beyond the clinical setting.

Story and Photos by Bob Slocum

Spend time with Monument Health’s caregivers and physicians, and it’s obvious that there are plenty of gifted individuals throughout the organization.

The skills and abilities they use to help patients and one another are second to none, but everyone who participated in the recent Monument Health Has Talent competition showcased a different side of themselves; and a different kind of talent.

Nine finalists from across the organization performed in a December finale show, having advanced from three preliminary events held in Custer, Spearfish and Rapid City.

Anna Simons, a Registered Nurse at Monument Health Sturgis Urgent Care, was awarded first place as a solo vocalist and guitarist. Second place went to General Surgeon Pial Hope, D.O., who played the tabla — a North Indian percussion instrument. Sandra Walby, EVS Director for the Northern Hills, won third place as a solo vocalist.

In addition to showcasing the artistic talents of Monument Health caregivers, the competition also raised money for the Monument Health Foundation.

The open-to-the-public preliminary events saw dozens of caregivers from across the Black Hills show off their talents for a good cause, and ticket sales benefited the Foundation. Each first round event saw local celebrity judges send one contestant to the final, with the crowd choosing a second finalist.

“For the first year of this event, I'd say it was an incredible success,” said Hans Nelson, Director of the Monument Health Foundation. “I was so pleased to see over 25 caregivers register who were willing to get up on stage and share their talents, and I was shocked by the different kinds of talents on display. We had different styles of instrumentalists, vocalists, fire dancers and silk ribbon aerialists.”

1ST PLACE

ANNA SIMONS, RN

Simons’ winning performance was a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” with her own deeply personal lyrics. “I've been singing since childhood. My mother is an incredible guitarist, so I was usually singing along with her.”

It was Simons’ mother who gifted her first guitar as a stress reliever when her daughter was in nursing school. Since then, Anna has sung and played live with bands and on her own. While her connection to music has fostered positive personal growth, the lyrics she sang in the competition came from a more complicated emotional wellspring. She dedicated her performance and wrote the lyrics in memory of her brother, Sgt. Michael Simons.

“Mike served two combat tours in Iraq and suffered for years with PTSD, alcoholism and disordered eating,” Simons shared. Mike died from heart failure in 2015. “Losing him was devastating. I wanted to tell his story, so I decided to re-write the lyrics to "Hallelujah" in his memory. It is just such an emotional song. The original lyrics talk about love, but they also have this darker thread that speaks about the deep suffering that sometimes happens when you love someone. I think a lot of people connect with that, and it’s very humbling to win the competition singing this song.”

THE WINNERS

2ND PLACE

3RD PLACE

SANDRA WALBY PIAL HOPE, D.O.

Dr. Hope is relatively new to Monument Health, as he joined the organization late last year. A General Surgeon specializing in metabolic and bariatric surgery, Dr. Hope made his presence known in the competition when he first played his tabla. The tabla is a pair of hand drums that has been the principal percussion instrument in Hindustani classical music since the 18th century.

Hailing from Los Angeles, Dr. Hope has been playing the tabla for 25 years.

“It provided me with discipline and focus as a child and was an excellent outlet for stress. It was my meditation, my joy and at times, my escape,” Dr. Hope shared. “It gave me the opportunity to see many interesting and talented people from a myriad of backgrounds and provided me with tremendously enriching experiences.”

Dr. Hope’s finale performance drew the crowd in as his fingers struck different points of the drum heads to produce different tones. His solo laid down a rhythmic bed of percussive notes and introduced many to the tabla’s sound.

“I love that rhythm is universal, which allows for unrestricted collaboration across genres. The rhythm I am able to produce with the tabla transcends culture and language, which is wonderful.”

A singer all her life, Walby brought some soul and southern charm to a rousing rendition of “Me And Bobby McGee.” Sandra said she was touched by the talent with whom she shared the stage.

“Singing just brings me joy, and I feel it helps people keep faith and stay strong when life is difficult,” Walby said. “Hold on to the good stuff like the talent you need to share to bring joy to yourself and other people. Monument Health is all about the patients and the people. I am very blessed to work here.”

With the success of the inaugural event, the Monument Health Foundation has already announced the dates for the next Monument Health Has Talent search later this year — Oct. 15, 17 and 18. Hans is enthusiastic about the event as a new way for the Foundation to engage with the community.

“What I loved most about the event was that it highlighted our caregivers and physicians in a manner that humanized them and showed a different perspective outside of the clinical setting,” he said. “It was a unique way to bring us all together, a night to leave the scrubs, suits, schedules and clinical settings behind and be ourselves.”

WITH A HUG AND A SMILE

Having a positive relationship with your physician can make a world of difference in how you feel about your care. For Elizabeth Sterling, every visit with Sonalika Khachikian, M.D., is like seeing a dear friend.

Story by Wade Ellett

Photos by Bob Slocum

Some people have a certain charm about them — people say that they light up a room, that their smiles are contagious or that they’re just fun to be around. Elizabeth Sterling is one of those people.

She works at Monument Health through Black Hills Works, putting together med bags and hygiene bags, as well as IV kits at times. At age 29, she’s been at it for seven years, and she still enjoys it. “I like getting things ready for patients at the hospital,” she said.

Elizabeth was born with a small deletion on one of her chromosomes that caused some cognitive impairment, but she hasn’t let it slow her down. “She’s happy, and productive and loving life,” said her mother,

Melinda Sterling. In addition to loving her job, Elizabeth has participated in the Special Olympics many times, and has especially enjoyed bowling and track.

When it comes to having fun, Elizabeth is a pro. She enjoys hiking, cycling and music — with a special appreciation of country music and classic rock — and loves going to concerts when she can. “People enjoy being around her,” Melinda said.

Elizabeth has type 2 diabetes, which she manages with Ozempic, a medication taken once a week by injection. The medicine works by increasing the amount of a hormone called incretins in the body, helping it to make more insulin when needed. It also reduces the amount of glucose made by the liver. She monitors her blood sugar on a regular basis and doesn’t have to take insulin.

Because of her diabetes, Elizabeth sees board-certified Endocrinologist Sonalika Khachikian, M.D., on a regular basis. A trip to the doctor may make some people nervous, but not Elizabeth. Her relationship with Dr. Khachikian, or Dr. K as she sometimes refers to her, has grown beyond just a doctor-patient interaction into a friendship. “Dr. K is so nice,” explained Elizabeth. “I feel like I can talk to her about anything, not just my diabetes or health.”

“She makes Elizabeth feel important. She asks her questions directly instead of asking me all the questions,” explained Melinda. “And she asks about her life, what she’s up to, about her job. She never rushes, and she treats Elizabeth like a whole person, not just a patient.”

This relationship isn’t one-sided — Dr. Khachikian enjoys their visits as much as Elizabeth does. “She’s such a sweet, lovely person. Some may consider her shy but she just needs a moment to open up. She’s kind and enjoyable to speak with, and I look forward to our appointments,” said Dr. Khachikian. “She always greets me with a hug and a smile, whether we’re in the office or if I run into her out and about — at T.J. Maxx or a local theater — she never hesitates and always makes a direct line to give me a hug. Elizabeth is a joy.”

Elizabeth and her family have managed her diabetes since she was a teenager, so she’s no stranger to monitoring her blood sugar levels and her weekly Ozempic shot on Fridays. Type 2 diabetes is progressive, so she may need to change up her treatment in the future, but for now she isn’t worried. She knows that her

friend Dr. K will help her tackle any changes.

“Honestly, she’s a wonderful patient. She listens, is attentive and tries her best to answer any questions I may have. We have a great rapport,” said Dr, Khachikian. “It's nice to see how much her family cares and how involved they are in her overall health. Even with her unique disability she is able to engage and be involved in her overall health plan. She, like any other patient, has her preferences and I think it is imperative to respect those wishes. Elizabeth's sweet personality is just the icing on the cake.”

Lots of people are afraid to visit their doctor, put off tests and visits or never establish relationships with the individuals who provide their medical care. “Forming a strong, safe relationship with your patients is the window to excellent care. It really empowers patients to let their guards down and address their true concerns with their provider. This helps to strengthen the doctor-patient bond and may even spark a friendship,” said Dr. Khachikian. “I’m grateful for my friendship with Elizabeth and her mother. They are always a bright spot in my day.”

“Not everyone can say they’re excited to go see their doctor,” said Melinda. “But for Elizabeth, a visit to Dr. Khachikian is always a treat.”

“I’m already looking forward to our next appointment,” added Elizabeth.

Black Hills Works

is a personcentered agency that helps individuals with disabilities set goals and provides education, experience and support as they work hard to achieve them. Monument Health is proud to partner with Black Hills Works, and is the largest private employer that partners with the organization.

To learn more, visit blackhillsworks.org.

DON’T STOP THE MUSIC

Young cellist Kili Cole isn't just playing her way to a career in music, she's also paving the way for a new diabetes treatment in the Black Hills.

Story by Wade Ellett

Photos by Bob Slocum

It started with macaroni and cheese. At least that’s the way Kili Cole tells the story.

At age 11, Kili was a healthy girl who loved playing tennis, painting and playing the cello and clarinet. She’s a talented musician with aspirations of attending a performing arts high school and developing a career in music.

And the mac and cheese? Well, after enjoying a bowl, Kili found herself feeling shaky. “I thought it was probably nothing, but my mom wanted to get it checked out,” she said. “After I got tested, it turned out that I have diabetes.”

Type 1 diabetes

Kili has type 1 diabetes, a lifelong condition in which an individual’s pancreas is unable to make a sufficient amount of insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Many people with the condition eventually become insulin-dependent, meaning that they have to take daily injections of insulin or use an insulin pump.

Two years later, at age 13, Kili was still able to manage her condition without taking insulin, and she and her family wanted to put off insulin dependency as long as possible. “My doctor, Dr. Edelen, brought up Tzield as a possible treatment during one of my regular appointments,” Kili said.

“She thought Kili would be a good candidate for the treatment,” added her dad, Lance. “But she thought we might have to go to Sioux Falls for it.”

A new treatment

Tzield is a relatively new medication, given through IV infusion, that can help manage type 1 diabetes by delaying the progression of symptoms, including the need for insulin.

“Kili was an excellent candidate for the treatment, because though she was experiencing abnormal blood sugar levels, she wasn’t experiencing any symptoms and she didn’t need insulin,” explained fellowship-trained Pediatric Endocrinologist Rachel Edelen, M.D. “She was in stage 2 of type 1 stage 3, which is

where we see patients needing to take insulin. Kili is otherwise a healthy girl.”

Tzield was approved by the FDA in November 2022, but hadn’t been used in Rapid City. Director of Infusion Services Brandi Tackett, PharmD., worked with Dr. Edelen, the pediatric nursing unit at Rapid City Hospital and Provention Bio, a Sanofi Company, the pharmaceutical company that makes Tzield, in order to coordinate making the medication available to Kili.

“Arranging for a new therapy does take some planning and coordination,” Brandi said. “Once we knew there was a patient identified, we worked to assure Kili would be able to get all the necessary infusions as soon as possible.”

Home for the holidays

Tzield is administered over the course of 14 days. Kili received her first infusion on Dec. 12, and she completed her final dose on Christmas Day. “It was a pretty good Christmas present to be done with the infusions,” Kili said with a laugh. “Although it wasn’t too bad.”

The infusion itself doesn’t take too long –roughly thirty minutes. But preparing the treatment added time to each visit, so Kili

Rachel Edelen, M.D. and Kili Cole

would spend at least an hour in a hospital room each visit. “The first seven days we were there almost three hours, because they were testing her white blood cell count, and it had to be sent to the lab,” Lance said.

“Then they tested it again I think on the 11th day,” Kili added. “Those were long days, but there were some days when we were only there for about an hour.”

Tzield can cause side effects that include headache, nausea, fever, joint and muscle pain and fatigue, but Kili only experienced fatigue after her infusions.

As far as side effects go, Kili’s experience wasn’t too bad. She experienced fatigue and a little nausea, but she didn’t have many complaints. “Mostly I felt really tired after getting the infusions,” she said. “And I did get sick at the end of the treatment — just a cold, but it made my blood sugar rise. I was so glad to be able to just go home afterward and sleep in my own bed, instead of having to stay in a hotel or something.”

Kili’s blood sugar has since stabilized, and although it has been within the normal range, she will continue to monitor it.

“I think the side effect that we saw the most was just that she was so tired,” said Lance. “We’d take her home and she would go and sleep for a few hours. Being able to do the treatment here was really a blessing, because I don’t think she would have been as comfortable if we were staying in Sioux Falls.”

Kili and her family were grateful that she could receive care close to home, but also for the quality of care she received. The nurses that administered the infusions put Kili at ease and made her as comfortable as she could be during the process. “The nurses were amazing. I don't know how I would have gotten through it without them,” she said.

“I remember when they first put my IV in, it was really scary for me, because it was the first one I ever had, but the nurses were singing and dancing the whole time, just to make me smile and not feel so scared about it.”

Tzield isn’t a cure for type 1 diabetes,

“It feels nice to know that it isn’t just helping me, but will help other people too.”

KILI, ON TZIELD INFUSION THERAPY FOR TYPE 1 DIABETICS

but it does delay the progression of the condition, most notably the need to take insulin. “Kili was showing signs of moving toward insulin dependency,” said Dr. Edelen. “This treatment will push back her need to use insulin for two years. That’s significant.”

“She’ll be in high school at that point,” added Lance. “And then, who knows what will be available for treatment.”

The future

As far as high school and beyond, Kili has big plans. She intends to audition for the University of North Carolina School of the Arts high school program. “I would really like to focus on music for my future career, and it would be great to be able to go there. And graduates can get free tuition for UNC system colleges, so it would be an amazing opportunity,” Kili said.

Tzield has a bright future in Rapid City as well. Now that the groundwork has been

laid, it will be much easier for additional patients to have access to the medication. “The relationship has been established, so we’re able to get Tzield as needed. Working to get the medication here for Kili has the added benefit of ensuring that other patients would have access to it as well,” Brandi said.

Her decision to get the treatment, and to do it in Rapid City instead of traveling to Sioux Falls, has opened the door for other patients to get the treatment, especially those who may not be able to travel to the other side of the state and stay for two weeks. “It feels nice to know that it isn’t just helping me, but will help other people too,” Kili said. “I’m glad I did it, but it was a long process and I was happy that I could go home after each session. I’m glad that it’s also available now to someone else who might need it.”

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition that, until recently, was commonly referred to as juvenile diabetes. It got that name because it often rears its head in children and teens, although people of any age can get it.

When it comes to the cause, it surprises some people to learn that it’s still unclear what causes type 1 diabetes. It’s known that genetics plays a role, and that having a family member with the disease increases the risk, but there is no definitive cause for the condition.

“I work with an amazing team from incredibly varied backgrounds. We have nurses that have previously specialized in OB, Urgent Care, ED, Cardiology, Ambulatory/Clinic and Wound Care just to name a few. We each bring something specific and unique to the team, but I have never worked with such a well-balanced team. We each work on specific tasks throughout the day, but everyone is so helpful and each person is crosstrained to do every task. If one person is having difficult calls or situations, anyone else can jump in and help out, and they all do so willingly, often without being asked. They see the need and fill it.”

ON CALL, FOR YOU

Story by Stacy Friedman Photos by Bob Slocum

When you’re experiencing a medical issue and you don’t know if you should schedule a primary care appointment, go to urgent care or head directly to the emergency room, triage call nurse Grace Hastey, RN, BSN, knows just what to ask: “We use proven protocols that we go through. We ask a lot of questions, and it’s very patient specific.”

For Grace, serving as a triage call nurse is a family affair. Growing up in Colorado, her mother set an example as a triage call nurse, and although Grace didn’t necessarily intend to follow in her mother’s footsteps, she quickly fell in love with the profession and the advantages of working the phones. “It never occurred to me that I’d be doing this,” Grace said, but as she also pointed out, “I’m a talker… and this is a super valuable tool for the community.”

The program got the green light at Monument Health in June 2021. At first, they were helping patients manage COVID-19 symptoms, schedule diagnostic testing or vaccines. Now, the program has evolved into addressing a variety of issues — from refilling prescriptions to following up on discharged patients.

“My role as a telephone triage nurse involves assessing any variety of conditions over the phone and helping the patient get to the right level of care at the right time. We follow evidence-based protocols that are very conservative to accomplish this — between pediatrics and adults there are almost 700 protocols to assess,” Grace explained. “We triage anything from snake bites to sore throats, blood pressure issues to poisoning, vomiting to foreign bodies and almost everything in between. If someone can be seen appropriately in the clinic in the next day or so, we will recommend some things to try at home in the meantime, and if they need immediate care, we connect them with emergency services or direct them to the ER.”

“If you’re sick or if you’re in dire straits, and you don’t really think it’s an emergency worth calling 911 for, but you want to talk to somebody over the phone and figure out what your next best step should be, our triage nurses are ready to help," said Grace.

Nurse Triage Line: 605-755-1350

The Nurse Triage Line team fields calls from other clinics, but they are a free service readily available to the community. “Anyone can call us when they have a question about what care they need. We get between 1,600 and 1,800 calls each month, and we divvy them up depending on the need,” Grace said. The nurses spend about 10 minutes on each call. Stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common complaints. Grace emphasized that they provide patient-centered care, even though it’s not in person. “I’m really glad I’ve been able to help bring this to the table.” Grace said. “I just wish that the community at large knew we’re here, and we’re available. This is a free service, and if you want to talk to a nurse about what’s going on and get an educated assessment of what’s going on, we can do that for you.”

Each day is different, and you never know what questions callers will have. One of Grace’s most memorable calls came from someone visiting from out of state who was bit by a prairie dog in the Badlands. “I used the ‘animal bite protocol’ and sent them in for rabies exposure and potentially rabies prophylactic treatment.” And there’s no judgment, she said. “I didn’t ask what they were doing. It wouldn’t have changed my advice.”

“I’m passionate about helping people, which is why I was drawn to nursing in the first place. By transitioning to telephone triage, I am able to help so many more people than I could working in ICU and just having one or two patients per shift,” Grace said. “Don’t misunderstand me, that is absolutely vital work, but I found myself in a season of life where I needed to have more emotional space and telephone triage was an asset for me and a wonderful shift in dynamics. I’m grateful that I get to do one call at a time and focus on that one person, and once I’m done I can move onto the next one. It makes me more mentally present for each call.”

BLACK AND BLUE ON A BLACK DIAMOND

After a serious injury, ski patrol transported Morgan Geppert down Terry Peak. After a year of healing, she can’t wait to hit the slopes.

Story by Wade Ellett

by Bob Slocum

Like a lot of high school seniors, Morgan Geppert doesn’t have much to say about herself. “I like to work, and I like to read sometimes,” she said. “I love skiing.”

Her father, Travis, nodded his head, and added, “It’s pretty much always been her thing. She has two brothers and one sister, and they each have something that they’re passionate about. For Morgan, it has always been skiing. She was a natural, and just graceful and confident on her skis.”

Morgan is cool and calm — even a little aloof, in a fun way — despite not knowing exactly how to answer questions about herself. Sitting and talking with her, it’s unlikely that you’d have any idea that Morgan dealt with a devastating injury. In a cruel, poetic twist, she was hurt doing what she loves most — skiing.

Photos

The crash Morgan and Travis were enjoying a morning at Terry Peak, getting in some runs down the mountain before celebrating a family birthday. They were headed down Ben Hur, one of the resort’s black diamond runs, when another skier cut Morgan off, leading her to veer left.

“As I was turning, my skis got caught on one another,” Morgan explained. “I remember being super close to the ground and could feel myself flipping before I got knocked out, but honestly I don’t remember it in too much detail.”

For Travis, the crash — which he referred to as the worst moment in his life — was burnt into his memory. “When she got her skis crossed, one popped off right away and she cartwheeled, hitting her head. I was trying to get stopped, but was already farther down the hill at that point, and I didn’t realize at the time that she went off a 15-foot berm and hit a tree. I heard the impact, but even then I didn’t realize how bad it was,” he explained.

Getting himself stopped, Travis began yelling to his daughter, but received no response. As he was making his way back up to where she had crashed, a man yelled to him that she was unconscious. Morgan woke up face-to-face with that skier, and she vaguely recalls her dad approaching her.

“When I got to her, she had blood coming out of her nose, her face was scratched up and she had a pretty significant black eye,” Travis said. “I asked her, ‘are you okay?’ and she told me that her back hurt really bad.”

Travis asked her if she could move her feet, and she said that she couldn’t. “I could see that she actually was moving her feet when she answered, but the fact that she didn’t feel herself doing it, well, I knew that was bad,” he said.

Once Travis had reached Morgan, the skier that had first responded to Morgan’s accident and tried to wake her put his skis back on and rushed down the mountain, racing to the lodge to alert ski patrol.

Getting off the slope

Ski patrol arrived on the scene and got to work immediately. Because of how Morgan had landed, they had to take extra care to extract her — she wasn’t lying on flat snow, but in a depression that was full of undergrowth and branches. Over the next 15 minutes, ski patrollers used backboards to support and eventually lift Morgan while keeping her neck and spine protected. She was loaded onto a sled connected by fixed arms to a member of the ski patrol who brought her down the slope.

At the base of the mountain, an ambulance from Lead-Deadwood was waiting. EMTs loaded Morgan into the ambulance and ferried her to Monument Health Lead-Deadwood Hospital. “I don’t remember too much from the ambulance ride, but I know they gave me something for the pain and that was a relief,” Morgan said. “Everything got a little fuzzy, but I felt better knowing I was headed to the hospital.”

Lead-Deadwood Hospital

Morgan may have been off the mountain and headed for a hospital bed, but as she soon learned, she wasn’t out of the woods yet.

“Ski patrol are the people who are here to help you when you’re in trouble. Everybody has medical training — we’ve had EMTs, paramedics and even some nurses and physician assistants. There are some wilderness first responders that can help with some rescues,” said Chris Spellmeyer, SkiPatrol Director at Terry Peak. “We don’t just help with medical emergencies and evacuations though. We help when group members get separated or kids get lost, or even when people lose equipment or gear. We inspect the slopes to make sure they’re in good condition. The number one thing is that we’re here to help, no matter what the problem might be.”

“When we got to Lead-Deadwood Hospital, I felt a lot better about everything,” Travis said. “Everyone was putting me at ease, reassuring us that everything would be okay. The interactions were lighthearted.”

Morgan was given a CT scan to better assess her injuries, and when the results came back, the tone of conversation shifted dramatically. “Things went from light and jovial to all business. They told us this was out of their purview,” Travis said. “They said that there was a significant fracture along her spinal cord, and they weren’t equipped to handle it there.”

Morgan was loaded back onto an ambulance and transferred to Monument Health Rapid City Hospital where she was taken to a room in the ICU. “Based on what was visible on her CT scan, we knew that there was a serious fracture of the spine,” said Neurosurgeon Kyle Schmidt, M.D. “To get a more thorough picture of the injury, we ordered an MRI. This showed that while the vertebrae were fractured, they were still where they were supposed to be, and we saw no signs of damage to the spinal cord.”

The prognosis was good — Morgan’s spine could heal itself, she just needed time.

“She was only 17 years old — she was still growing. That’s why her spine could repair itself,” said Dr. Schmidt. “If a fully grown adult had these injuries, they would be in surgery immediately and have screws, pins and rods in their back for the remainder of their life. Because her bones weren’t fully formed, we rightly believed that a custom brace could support her while she healed.”

It took two days to complete Morgan’s custom brace, and once fitted, Morgan was able to take her first literal steps toward recovery. “With the brace on, they had me walk down the hallway and walk up and down stairs to make sure I could handle it. And they said, ‘Oh you can do this, no problem, I guess you can go home tomorrow.’”

Home again, home again

Morgan was happy to return to the comfort of her home, but it came with its own challenges. There was very little she could do without putting the brace on. In fact, there

was only one thing she could do — lie still. Any movement, from reaching for a drink of water or trying to sit up, required assistance putting the brace on.

“I think I’ve always been pretty independent,” she said. “And to be 17 and need help doing anything — even just getting out of bed — was pretty hard for me.” She was restricted from lifting anything over 10 pounds, as well as any heavy physical activity. “I couldn’t stand up, sit down or lie down for more than 30 minutes at a time,” she added. “So there was a lot of putting the brace on and taking it off to lie down and then getting back up again.”

She was also in a lot of pain, especially during the first few weeks back home. Muscle relaxers took the edge off, but they didn’t erase the pain. The only thing Morgan could do was bear it. In time, the pain lessened, although she still experiences some discomfort to this day.

For four long months, she wore her brace. Normally an active, independent teen, Morgan felt like the time dragged on and on, but Dr. Schmidt’s plan worked. Regular CT scans at Spearfish Hospital showed that her spinal fractures were healing and that her back was staying properly aligned.

“I was out of the brace, which felt so good. But I’m not free and clear to do whatever I want yet,” she said. Morgan’s activities are still restricted, but not for long. “Right now, I’m basically limited to walking. By April, I should be able to get back to doing what I like. I can even start skiing again if I want to. Whatever I want.”

She has enjoyed getting back to her normal life. She missed a semester of school while she was recovering in her brace, so she’s been playing catch up since she returned. “It had been eight months since I had been in school. I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to get back to where I’m supposed to be, but I caught up and I’m on track to graduate on time,” she explained. She has also returned to her job at Blackbird Espresso, which she enjoys, although being on her feet for long periods of time causes back discomfort at times.

Morgan has also been thinking about getting back on her skis. When asked if she plans to hit the slopes again, Morgan didn’t hesitate. “I still love it and I want to go skiing. I’m sure I’ll get to the top of the hill and be afraid to go down, but I’ll do it anyway.”

“She doesn’t really have a lot of quit to her,” added her dad, Travis. “If she wants to ski, she’s not going to let this experience keep her from doing it. After all this, I think whatever she wants to do, in any aspect of life, she won’t let anything stop her.”

HELPING MAKE MIRACLES HAPPEN

Story by Lynn Taylor Rick Photos by Bob Slocum

Shawn Powers doesn’t treat pediatric patients at Monument Health, but his work impacts their lives each and every day — not through clinical care, but through his role as the program manager of Children’s Miracle Network.

“As program manager of Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) with the Monument Health Foundation, I’m responsible for raising funds that support our pediatric patients. These funds help local kids, from infants requiring critical care in the NICU to older children treated in the pediatric unit. Support for CMN plays a significant role in the comfort and care of those young patients.”

After a challenging start in life, 8-year-olds Jack and Barrett were named CMN National Champions in 2024, joining a group of amazing kids who help raise awareness about CMN and the need for charitable donations.

Children’s Miracle Network is a national organization that was founded more than 40 years ago to empower local communities to support health care for children. There are 170 CMN programs in the United States and Canada.

Monument Health launched its CMN program in 1989. Shawn joined the program in 2010 and took over as program manager five years later. Today, CMN raises approximately $800,000 each year through local efforts. It’s become so successful that last year Monument Health’s program was awarded a national award from CMN — the Highest Percentage Increase Award — for 138.69 percent year-over-year growth.

“This percentage was the highest of all 170 hospitals, big and small, in the entire CMN network,” said Hans Nelson, Director of the Monument Health Foundation. “This wouldn't have happened without Shawn at the helm.”

Monument Health CMN provides funds for a wide range of supplies and equipment for children being treated. That might include a $35,000 Giraffe bed for premature infants in the NICU to simple comfort items such as

blankets, toys and games for children in the pediatrics unit. It could mean helping with travel expenses for a sick kid or providing helmets to youth in the helmet safety program.

“My goal is to generate as much support for CMN and young patients as possible,” Shawn said. “This isn’t just about a dollar amount — although every cent helps kids in our community — it’s also about connecting to the community and finding ways to reach people who want to help.”

With Shawn leading the program, CMN raises funds through events and programs, including a golf tournament, mediathon, corporate partnerships and more. “Every single dollar raised in our community stays in our community,” Shawn said. “We have very strong local support, and it makes such a huge impact on the program and the kids in our care.”

While Shawn doesn’t work with patients directly, he’s passionate about the idea that his work has a direct impact on them. It makes his job especially rewarding. He also

enjoys helping donors find their own passion — a cause they want to support in CMN. “Making a charitable gift can be highly personal and for many of our donors it is a well-though-out decision," he said. "We value belief in our purpose, and we want our supporters to understand the impact they have on our pediatric patients.”

“In one of my first jobs out of college, I worked at a Colorado golf resort known for exceptional customer service. I learned how to bring events to customers and create the very best experience for them. I do my best to bring that same philosophy to my work at CMN,” Shawn said. He goes out of his way to ensure that donors feel connected to the cause through flawlessly planned events like the Golden Guitars Gala and personalized experiences like meeting some of the children who have been helped by CMN funds. The relationship building in his work is what brings him particular joy.

“I get to meet and work with so many amazing people and help connect them to the cause,” he said. “It’s the best part of my job.”

The newest CMN fundraising event, launched two years ago under Shawn’s leadership, is the Golden Guitars Gala.

In partnership with Rapid City native Kory Van Sickle of the band Kory & the Fireflies, the Golden Guitars Gala brings a bit of musical glamor to the CMN mission.

Kory designed a custom guitar for Monument Health CMN, a fully-functional, ribbon-shaped gold flake model. When musical acts perform at The Monument in Rapid City, they’re asked to sign one of the guitars. Kory also uses his musical contacts to get guitars autographed by artists around the country. Then, on the second Saturday of June each year, CMN holds its Golden Guitars Gala in Rapid City, where they auction off 18 to 19 autographed guitars.

Guitars have been signed by music superstars like Willie Nelson, Morgan Wallen, Foreigner, Journey and many more.

In just two years, the event has raised more than half a million dollars. “A lot of that success is because of Shawn's leadership, attention to detail, communication and overall event execution,” said Hans.

For more information, visit monument.health/goldenguitars

FRIENDS IN

A friend in need is a friend indeed, especially when one needs a hand. Or a shoulder.

For Rapid City-area real estate agent Nick Dupont, friendship with an orthopedic surgeon eventually led to a new outlook on long-persisting injuries and a trusted source of care for a loved one.

Nick was rear-ended in traffic in 2020 and has been on a journey of recovery ever since. As time went on, Nick continued to seek treatment for the ongoing effects of the wreck, but did not want to accept that “toughing it out” may be a new normal for him. He was frustrated by a lack of progress that held him back from his active lifestyle. Nick needed a second opinion, and he ended up getting one from his friend, Orthopedic Surgeon Daniel Lochmann, M.D.

The two met when Nick served as the real estate agent during Dr. Lochmann’s relocation from Wisconsin in early 2019, and the two have been friends and business associates ever since. One evening while playing golf together, Nick lamented his continuing difficulties with healing. Dr. Lochmann suggested they reconvene the discussion at Monument Health Orthopedic & Specialty Hospital, inviting his friend to see him as a patient.

“Nick is a really physical guy and is really active, but he was struggling with some things,” Dr. Lochmann said. “I told him I’d be happy to take a look.”

Nick had an MRI shortly thereafter, which led to Dr. Lochmann recommending surgery with Joseph Humpherys, D.O., FAAOS.

“Nick certainly had some deficiencies in function with his rotator cuff, and some issues with the biceps tendon as well,” Dr. Lochman said.

While in pre-op, Nick was briefed by Dr. Humpherys and also got a visit from Dr. Lochmann, who stopped in to wish his friend well.

“This is precisely why we have our team of surgeons who have multiple specialties,” Dr. Humpherys said. “Collaborating with Dr. Lochmann to help this patient is an example of our practice here.”

Nick had the procedure in late October and is eagerly awaiting the end of his 6-month recovery window to

“I was joking that Blake wanted to be just like me,” Nick said. “Now we have the matching scars to prove it.”

NICK DUPONT

resume full activity. He and his wife, Alicen, stay busy with three children and their business.

Now that he has nearly recovered, Nick is much more optimistic about his healing and returning to his active lifestyle. “It’s made a world of difference for me. It’s given me comfort that I needed, because I was just managing before. It’s a lot better, that’s for sure.” Nick said.

“I’m looking forward to getting back into some things,” he added. “My family is, too.”

While Nick expressed his gratitude for his friend’s assistance, he may have seen more of the Orthopedic & Specialty Hospital than he wanted to this past year. Nick once again found himself in Dr. Lochmann’s care when his son, Blake, 15, had an accident at school and suffered a broken collarbone.

“Blake’s clavicle didn’t reset on its own the way we would have liked, so we ended up putting in some plates and screws to get it lined up again,” Dr. Lochmann said.

He was glad to see Blake make a full recovery, although Nick said ending up on the operating table was not an example he hoped his son would follow.

“I was joking that Blake wanted to be just like me,” Nick said. “Now we have the matching scars to prove it.”

Vaughan Bowen, M.D.

Otolaryngologist, Rapid City

Dr. Vaughan Bowen is a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA) and a Diplomat of the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine.

My role

I have been an otolaryngologist for 23 years. I am trained in the diagnosis, treatment and surgical evaluation of ear, nose, throat, head and neck disorders.

My goal

I deeply care about the overall health of my patients; my goal is to take the best care of my patients as possible. One of my goals is to increase the care of allergy and asthma patients, in conjunction with their primary providers and other specialists. I care about my patients’ overall well-being. I enjoy discussing other health concepts that may not be directly related to ENT, like vitamin D levels and improving diet and lifestyle to lead a healthy overall life.

My passion

I used to own my own farm and hayed and fixed equipment. I still enjoy being outside, whether I’m doing a landscaping project, working on my home greenhouse and garden or going hiking and hunting.

My team

I am fortunate to work alongside passionate health care professionals in Rapid City and Spearfish, who share my interests and goals for our patients. We are a dynamic team and continuing to grow with the addition of a new audiologist in Rapid City and the growing allergy practice.

My role

As Director of Anesthesia services, I serve as a leader of change and advocate of quality care. Strategic thinking and teamwork are essential components to managing anesthesia services for multiple operating rooms, endoscopy suites and a wide variety of procedural areas outside of the main OR. Our service covers Rapid City Hospital, the Orthopedic & Specialty Hospital and Same Day Surgery Center. I work in collaboration with CRNAs, anesthesiologists, surgeons, department leaders and organizational administrators to ensure OR productivity, customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance and positive patient outcomes. Along with managing day-to-day operations, I also oversee budgets.

My goal

My goal is to continue leading a team of anesthesia professionals that provide high-quality care to patients of all ages. It is important for me to support my team and help others understand the significance of our work and its impact on hospital operations. CRNAs are Board Certified Advanced Practice Providers that are specifically trained in the delivery of anesthesia. Our CRNAs are continuously at the patient’s side while they undergo their procedure. We are responsible for monitoring, putting the patient to sleep, insertion of advanced airways, titration of medications, pain management and ensuring the patient’s safe emergence from their anesthetic. Our goal is to ensure our patients are safe and remain sedated and pain-free during surgical procedures.

My passion

I am most passionate about building a team that sets the bar high in providing exceptional patient care. We strive to meet and exceed organizational goals. We work in the Anesthesia Care Team model and embrace the collegial relationship built with the anesthesiologist at West River Anesthesia. Collaboration between CRNAs and anesthesiologists in delivery of care contributes to the positive outcomes of our patients.

Amy Gartner, CRNA

Director Anesthesia Services, Rapid City

Amy leads a team of 50 certified registered nurse anesthetists who work at three different Monument Health facilities.

Welcome our newest physicians

DERMATOLOGY

Mary Logue, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Monument Health Dermatology in Spearfish. She earned her medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and went on to complete a Pediatric internship with Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. She then completed her Dermatology residency at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and is board-certified in Dermatology and Mohs Micrographic Surgery. In addition to practicing general adult dermatology, Dr. Logue specializes in pediatric dermatology, skin of color, psychocutaneous dermatology and surgical dermatology. She believes in a holistic approach to health care that considers all factors impacting her patients’ skin health. She also believes in the importance of understanding a patient’s personal values to develop their ideal individualized health plan. She takes pride in having a practice committed to serving our rural and underrepresented communities.

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Issam Turk, M D., is a board-certified Internist and Gastroenterologist/Hepatologist at Monument Health Gastroenterology. He received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at MSU-College of Human Medicine Ascension Providence Park Hospital in Southfield and Novi, Mich. Dr. Turk is an active member of the American College of Gastroenterology and ASGE. Dr. Turk listens carefully to each patient, treating each case individually. He implements both a pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approach when it comes to a patient’s treatment plan. Most importantly, he makes sure his patients understand their condition and diagnosis and works together with them to achieve a definitive treatment.

PEDIATRIC HOSPITALIST

Alicia Palmer, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatric Hospitalist at Rapid City Hospital. Dr. Palmer received her medical degree from Sanford School of Medicine at University of South Dakota and completed her residency in Pediatrics at the University of Arizona Medical Center in Tucson, Az. She is board-certified in General Pediatrics and Hospital Pediatrics. She was an assistant professor at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson and the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Prior to coming to Monument Health she was a pediatrician at Black Hills Pediatrics in Rapid City.

TRAUMA SURGERY

Salvador Vazquez, M.D., is a General Surgeon at Rapid City Hospital. Dr. Vazquez completed his medical degree and his General Surgery internship and residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, La. Prior to coming to Monument Health he worked as a general surgeon at Opelousas General Health System and in private practice in Opelousas, La.

ISSUE 14, SPRING 2024 // HOPEFUL

DOWN

1. Monument Health Breast Care Program earned accreditation from this organization (abbr.)

2. Patients at this clinic will be greeted by the friendly and helpful Darienne Jahner

3. The type first of responders who safely transported Morgan Geppert off Terry Peak

4. Vaughan Bowen, M.D., is this type of doctor (abbr.)

6. Nick Dupont and his son Blake have matching what

9. Jim Phillips coached many sports in the Lead-Deadwood area, but this sport is one he still actively participates in

11. Danny Morris works at Monument Health as a _________ Supervisor

12. Kili Cole is a talented musician, she plays the cello and this wind instrument

15. Which Monument Health Hospital received the 2023 Press Ganey Human Experience Guardian of Excellence Award

ACROSS

1. Kyle Schmidt, M.D., specializes in this

5. Endocrinologist Sonalika Khachikian, M.D., helps patients navigate this disease

7. Certified Nurse Practitioner abbreviation

8. CRNAs administer and are responsible for what during a procedure

10. Daniel Lochmann, M.D., is a surgeon who specializes in which medical field

13. The first Monument Health Has Talent winner, Anna Simons, sang a rendition of this Leonard Cohen song

14. Shawn Powers is the program manager for this (abbr.)

16. The color of the guitars auctioned off to support our local CMN

18. This new medication can delay the progression of symptoms for those with type 1 diabetes

20. Danny Morris has earned a new nickname at work, it is the __________ Man

21. Pial Hope, D.O., played this instrument at Monument Health Has Talent

22. Kory Van Sickle is the lead singer of a band with his namesake and which glowing insects

17. Elizabeth Sterling is a Special Olympic athlete who enjoys bowling and what other sport

19. Monument Health expanded X-ray services at its clinic in what South Dakota town

20. This type of surgery is specific to skin cancer

WANT TO PEEK AT THE ANSWERS?

We’re near you

ASSISTED LIVING

Monument Health

Assisted Living 432 North 10th Street Custer, SD 57730 605-673-5588

AUDIOLOGY

Monument Health Rapid City Clinic 4150 5th Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-5700

Monument Health Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue 1445 North Avenue Spearfish, SD 57783 605-644-4170

BARIATRICS

Monument Health Gillette Clinic 620 W Four-J Court Gillette, WY 82716 307-682-1204

Monument Health Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue 1445 North Avenue Spearfish, SD 57783 605-644-4170

Monument Health

Rapid City Hospital 353 Fairmont Boulevard Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-5700

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Monument Health

Behavioral Health Center 915 Mountain View Road Rapid City, SD 57702 605-755-7200

Monument Health Family Medicine

Residency Clinic 502 East Monroe Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-4060

Monument Health

Lead-Deadwood Clinic 71 Charles Street Deadwood, SD 57732 605-717-6431

Monument Health Rapid City Clinic 640 Flormann Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-3300

Monument Health Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue 1445 North Avenue Spearfish, SD 57783 605-644-4170

Monument Health Sturgis Clinic 2140 Junction Avenue Sturgis, SD 57785

605-720-2600

CANCER CARE

Monument Health

Cancer Care Institute 353 Fairmont Boulevard Rapid City, SD 57701

605-755-2300

CARE CENTER

Monument Health Sturgis Care Center 949 Harmon Street Sturgis, SD 57785 605-720-2400

DIABETES

Monument Health Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street 640 Flormann Street Rapid City, SD 57701

605-755-3300

Monument Health Spearfish Clinic, North 10th Street 1420 North 10th Street Spearfish, SD 57783 605-717-8595

DIALYSIS

Monument Health

Dialysis Center

425 N Cambell Street, Suite 200 Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-6950

Monument Health

Dialysis Center 132 Yankee Street Spearfish, SD 57783 605-722-8110

DERMATOLOGY

Monument Health

Gillette Clinic 620 W Four-J Court Gillette, WY 82716

307-682-1204

Monument Health

Rapid City Clinic, 4150 5th Street 4150 5th Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-5700

Monument Health

Dermatology

550 East Colorado Boulevard Spearfish, SD 57783 605-717-8860

EAR, NOSE & THROAT

Monument Health

Rapid City Clinic, 4150 5th Street 4150 5th Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-5700

Monument Health

Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue 1445 North Avenue Spearfish, SD 57783 605-644-4170

ENDOCRINOLOGY

Monument Health Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street 640 Flormann Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-3300

Visiting Clinics: Belle Fourche, Custer, FMR, Hot Springs, Lead-Deadwood, Spearfish, Sturgis

GASTROENTOROLOGY

Monument Health

Rapid City Hospital

353 Fairmont Boulevard Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-5700

GENERAL SURGERY

Monument Health

Gillette Clinic

620 W Four-J Court Gillette, WY 82716

307-682-1204

Monument Health

Rapid City Hospital

353 Fairmont Boulevard Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-1000

Monument Health

Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue

1445 North Avenue Spearfish, SD 57783 605-644-4170

HEART & VASCULAR

Monument Health

Gillette Clinic

620 W Four-J Court Gillette, WY 82716

307-682-1204

Monument Health Heart and Vascular Institute

353 Fairmont Boulevard Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-4300

Monument Health

Spearfish Clinic, North 10th Street 1420 North 10th Street Spearfish, SD 57783 605-717-8595

Visiting Clinics: Belle Fourche, Custer, Hot Springs, Lead-Deadwood, Sturgis

HOSPITALS

Monument Health Custer Hospital

1220 Montgomery Street Custer, SD 57730

605-673-9400

Monument Health

Lead-Deadwood Hospital 61 Charles Street Deadwood, SD 57732 605-717-6000

Monument Health Rapid City Hospital 353 Fairmont Boulevard Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-1000

Monument Health Spearfish Hospital 1440 N Main Street Spearfish, SD 57783 605-644-4000

Monument Health Sturgis Hospital 2140 Junction Avenue Sturgis, SD 57785 605-720-2400

HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT STORES

Monument Health Home+ Home Medical Equipment

1800 N. Haines Avenue Rapid City, SD 57701

605-755-9000

Monument Health Home+

Home Medical Equipment

911 East Colorado Boulevard Spearfish, SD 57783

605-717-8930

HOSPICE CARE

Monument Health Home+

Home Health & Hospice 224 Elk Street Rapid City, SD 57701

605-755-7710

Monument Health Home+

Home Health & Hospice 931 East Colorado Boulevard Spearfish, SD 57783 605-644-4444

Monument Health Home+

Hospice House 224 Elk Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-7710

IMAGING SERVICES

Monument Health Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street 640 Flormann Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-3300

Monument Health Custer Hospital 1220 Montgomery Street Custer, SD 57730 605-673-9400

Monument Health

Lead-Deadwood Hospital 61 Charles Street Deadwood, SD 57732 605-717-6000

Monument Health

Rapid City Hospital

353 Fairmont Boulevard Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-1000

Monument Health Spearfish Hospital 1440 N Main Street Spearfish, SD 57783 605-644-4000

Monument Health Sturgis Hospital 2140 Junction Avenue Sturgis, SD 57785 605-720-2400

Monument Health

Spearfish Clinic, North 10th Street

1420 North 10th Street Spearfish, SD 57783 605-717-8595

Monument Health Orthopedic & Specialty Hospital 1635 Caregiver Circle Rapid City, SD 57702 605-755-6100

Monument Health

Orthopedic and Sports Medicine 2479 East Colorado Boulevard Spearfish, SD 57783 605-644-4460

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Monument Health Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street 640 Flormann Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-3300

INFUSION SERVICES

Monument Health

Infusion Services 2880 5th Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-7700

LAB SERVICES

Monument Health

Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street 640 Flormann Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-3300

Monument Health Custer Hospital 1220 Montgomery Street Custer, SD 57730 605-673-9400

Monument Health

Lead-Deadwood Hospital

61 Charles Street Deadwood, SD 57732 605-717-6000

Monument Health Rapid City Hospital 353 Fairmont Boulevard Rapid City, SD 57701

605-755-1000

Monument Health Spearfish Hospital

1440 N Main Street Spearfish, SD 57783

605-644-4000

Monument Health

Sturgis Hospital 2140 Junction Avenue Sturgis, SD 57785 605-720-2400

Monument Health

Spearfish Clinic, North 10th Street 1420 North 10th Street Spearfish, SD 57783 605-717-8595

LIFESTYLE MEDICINE

Monument Health Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street 640 Flormann Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-3300

NEPHROLOGY

Monument Health

Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street 640 Flormann Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-3300

NEUROLOGY

Monument Health Neuroscience Center 677 Cathedral Drive Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-5000

NEUROPSYCHOLOGY

Monument Health Neuroscience Center 677 Cathedral Drive Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-5000

NEUROSURGERY

Monument Health Neuroscience Center 677 Cathedral Drive Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-5000

OB/GYN

Monument Health

Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue 1445 North Avenue Spearfish, SD 57783 605-644-4170

Visiting Clinic: Sturgis

OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE

Monument Health

Rapid City Urgent Care, Lacrosse Street 1303 N Lacrosse Street

Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-2273

Monument Health

Rapid City Urgent Care, Jackson Boulevard 2116 Jackson Boulevard Rapid City, SD 57702 605-755-2273

Visiting Clinic: Spearfish

ORTHOPEDICS

Monument Health Gillette Clinic 620 W Four-J Court Gillette, WY 82716 307-682-1204

Monument Health

Orthopedic & Specialty Hospital 1635 Caregiver Circle Rapid City, SD 57702 605-755-6100

Monument Health

Orthopedic and Sports Medicine 2479 East Colorado Boulevard Spearfish, SD 57783 605-644-4460

Visiting Clinics: Custer, Sturgis, Gillette PHARMACIES

Monument Health Home+ Pharmacy

353 Fairmont Boulevard Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-8184

Monument Health Home+ Pharmacy 1420 North 10th Street, Suite 1 Spearfish, SD 57783 605-717-8741

Monument Health Home+

Specialty Pharmacy

2006 Mount Rushmore Road, Suite 2 Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-3065

PLASTIC SURGERY

Monument Health

Rapid City Clinic, 4150 5th Street 4150 5th Street

Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-5700

PODIATRY

Monument Health

Orthopedic & Specialty Hospital

1635 Caregiver Circle

Rapid City, SD 57702 605-755-6100

Monument Health

Spearfish Clinic, North 10th Street

Please call your local clinic to schedule an appointment.

Monument Health is also offering extended services through video and telephone visits with your provider.

1420 North 10th Street Spearfish, SD 57783 605-717-8595

PRIMARY CARE CLINICS

Monument Health

Belle Fourche Clinic 2200 13th Avenue

Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-723-8970

Monument Health

Buffalo Clinic 209 Ramsland Street Buffalo, SD 57720 605-375-3744

Monument Health

Custer Clinic 1220 Montgomery Street Custer, SD 57730 605-673-9400

Monument Health

Family Medicine

Residency Clinic 502 East Monroe Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-4060

Monument Health

Hill City Clinic 238 Elm Street Hill City, SD 57745 605-574-4470

Monument Health

Hot Springs Clinic 1100 Highway 71 South, Suite 101

Hot Springs, SD 57747 605-745-8050

Monument Health

Lead-Deadwood Clinic 71 Charles Street Deadwood, SD 57732 605-717-6431

Monument Health

Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street 640 Flormann Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-3300

Monument Health

Spearfish Clinic, North 10th Street 1420 North 10th Street Spearfish, SD 57783 605-717-8595

Monument Health

Sturgis Clinic 2140 Junction Avenue Sturgis, SD 57785 605-720-2600

Monument Health

Wall Clinic 112 7th Avenue Wall, SD 57790 605-279-2149

PULMONOLOGY

Monument Health

Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street

640 Flormann Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-3300

RHEUMATOLOGY

Monument Health

Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street 640 Flormann Street Rapid City, SD 57701

605-755-3300

SLEEP CENTERS

Monument Health

Rapid City Clinic, 2929 5th Street 2929 5th Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-4000

Monument Health Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue 1445 North Avenue Spearfish, SD 57783 605-644-4170

SURGERY CENTER

Same Day Surgery Center 651 Cathedral Drive Rapid City, SD 57701

Monument Health Surgery Center 1316 North 10th Street Spearfish, SD 57783

605-642-3113

THERAPIES –PT, OT, SPEECH

Monument Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Center

1050 Fairmont Boulevard, Suite A100 Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-1230

Monument Health Rehabilitation 2200 13th Avenue Belle Fourche, SD 57717

605-723-8961

Monument Health Rehabilitation

1220 Montgomery Street Custer, SD 57730 605-673-9400

Monument Health Rehabilitation 61 Charles Street Deadwood, SD 57732 605-717-6000

Monument Health Rehabilitation 2140 Junction Avenue Sturgis, SD 57785 605-720-2400

Monument Health Rehabilitation

2449 East Colorado Boulevard Spearfish, SD 57783 605-644-4370

Monument Health Orthopedic & Specialty Hospital 1635 Caregiver Circle Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-6100

TRAVEL MEDICINE

Monument Health

Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street 640 Flormann Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-3300

Monument Health

Spearfish Clinic North 10th Street 1420 North 10th Street Spearfish, SD 57783 605-717-8595

URGENT CARE CLINICS

Monument Health

Rapid City Urgent Care, Lacrosse Street 1303 N Lacrosse Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-2273

Monument Health Rapid City Urgent Care, Jackson Boulevard 2116 Jackson Boulevard Rapid City, SD 57702 605-755-2273

Monument Health

Lead-Deadwood

Urgent Care Services 71 Charles Street Deadwood, SD 57732 605-717-6431

Monument Health Spearfish Urgent Care 1420 North 10th Street Spearfish, SD 57783 605-717-8595

Monument Health

Sturgis Urgent Care Services 2140 Junction Avenue Sturgis, SD 57785 605-720-2600

Monument Health

Custer Urgent Care Services 1220 Montgomery Street Custer, SD 57730 605-673-9400

UROLOGY

Monument Health

Rapid City Clinic, 2805 5th Street 2805 5th Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-5700

WOUND & OSTOMY CARE

Monument Health

Rapid City Clinic, 2929 5th Street 2929 5th Street Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-1309

Monument Health

Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue 1445 North Avenue Spearfish, SD 57783 605-644-4170

April 6

April 6-7

May 10

May 20

Monument Health Foundation Hospice Ball Spearfish

Monument Health Community Health Screenings at YFS Kids Fair

Rapid City

Monument Health

Children’s Miracle Network Mediathon

Black Hills

Monument Health Foundation Tee It Up Fore Cancer Golf Tournament

Rapid City

June 1

Monument HEALTH Cancer Survivorship Day

Rapid City

June 8

Monument Health Foundation Golden Guitars Gala

Rapid City

THE BREAST SURGERY TEAM

Our expert team of surgeons are here to support you every step of the way.

With compassionate care close to home, we provide comprehensive breast surgery and reconstructive solutions to help restore your health and rebuild your confidence.

Trust in our expertise, and let us help you write your story of strength and resilience.

Nicholas Czosnyka, M.D. General Surgeon

Kayla Hatten, CNP General Surgery

Kendra Storm, DNP Breast Surgery

Ashlea Semmens, M.D. Breast Surgeon