ON HEALTH
Vernon Memorial Healthcare is proud to announce the upcoming addition of in-house MRI services, made possible by a $2 million grant secured by the Vernon Memorial Foundation.
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Meet Our Exceptional Providers: Dr. Kyle Bakken and Dr. Mitch Sheley
Dr. Kyle Bakken is a dedicated family medicine physician with a passion for offering comprehensive healthcare to individuals and families in rural communities. With a strong background in obstetrics, pediatrics, and family medicine, he strives to provide patientcentered care to all ages.
After graduating with an agriculture degree from UW–Madison, Dr. Bakken worked as a CNA and boat driver at a long-term care facility called the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. He applied to medical school after realizing he enjoyed interacting with the residents there as much as he liked studying science. Knowing he wanted to return to a rural community in the Midwest, Dr. Bakken chose places for his
medical education that offered a mix of large academic hospitals and small town clinics.
As a resident, Dr. Bakken practiced the full spectrum of family medicine and focused a lot of time on working with patients in obstetrics and pediatrics, including learning how to perform c-sections and newborn resuscitations. Throughout his training, he picked up innovative treatments in weight management and ultrasound-based procedures as well. Dr. Bakken gained hands-on experience working in unconventional settings during a wilderness medicine course backpacking through mountains in Wyoming and later presented on providing care in other resource-limited environments.
“As a physician, I think of my role as a medical guide who helps people get to where they want to go with their health. My approach looks at the individual and their relationship to their community and support network to understand their unique medical concerns. I’ve learned meeting patients where they’re at when it comes to their health goals is the best way to build lasting trust. Taking a small step can be a big achievement.”
Dr. Mitch Sheley is a board-certified and highly experienced emergency physician specializing in life-saving emergency care. He completed an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, an Emergency Medicine Residency at Cleveland Clinic - Akron General, and holds a degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
Dr. Sheley joins Vernon Memorial Healthcare as the Emergency Department Chair and Trauma Medical Director, bringing not only his extensive expertise but also a profound
dedication to patient safety, compassionate care, and the health of the community he serves.
Dr. Sheley is committed to delivering exceptional care while fostering strong connections with the people he serves. His approach emphasizes not only providing critical medical expertise but also ensuring every patient feels valued, supported, and heard.
“I am passionate about practicing the full breadth of my skillset and providing care as a valued member of the community.”
Find a Provider
Mitch Sheley, MD
Emergency Department Chair and Trauma Medical Director
Connect with trusted healthcare providers by scanning the QR code or visiting vmh.org/find-a-provider. Vernon Memorial Healthcare’s provider directory is designed to help you find the care you need, offering access to experts dedicated to supporting your health and well-being.
Kyle Bakken, MD Family Medicine
Hirsch Clinic - VMH
Vernon Memorial Healthcare: More Than a Place to See a Doctor
At Vernon Memorial Healthcare, we hope to be more than just a hospital or clinic—we’re part of what makes our community thrive. As an independent healthcare provider, we focus on what really matters: taking care of you and your family.
Being independent means we can make decisions that put people first. You’re not just a number to us. We want to know your story, meet your needs, and provide care that truly makes a difference in your life. That’s what being local is all about—understanding the challenges our neighbors face and working together to overcome them.
Everything we do is guided by a shared purpose: to serve the people of our community with care, compassion, and foresight. Our
goals aren’t about checking boxes—they’re about listening to what our community needs and shaping our future around those needs. For example, bringing in-house MRI services to VMH is a direct result of understanding the importance of access to advanced care close to home. It’s about bringing new VMH employees here from across the county to build families in our community along with the skill to care for them. It’s about making healthcare simpler, more convenient, and better for everyone.
At VMH, we’re more than healthcare providers—we’re partners in building a healthier, stronger future. Together, we can continue to grow, thrive, and make our community a better place for everyone.
David Hartberg Chief Executive Officer
Strengthening Rural Health: Vernon Memorial Foundation Secures $2M Grant for In-House MRI in 2026
Vernon Memorial Healthcare is proud to announce the addition of in-house MRI services, made possible through a $2 million grant secured by the Vernon Memorial Foundation from the Non-State Infrastructure Grant Program. This milestone fulfills a long-term vision to enhance diagnostic imaging capabilities within our independent hospital.
An in-house MRI will allow patients to remain within the building, ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience.”
Stated Barb Webb, Imaging Manager
Additionally, the MRI service will be available five days a week, increasing accessibility of care for our community. On-site construction for this significant project is anticipated to begin in late 2025, with services anticipated to be available in fall 2026. This initiative aligns with our ongoing commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of our community and offering comprehensive, cutting-edge diagnostic services locally.
“As an independent healthcare provider, we take pride in listening to our community and delivering on what matters
most,” said David Hartberg, CEO. “Bringing this existing service in-house reflects our commitment to meeting local healthcare needs while maintaining the personalized care VMH is known for.”
“Furthermore, Vernon Memorial Healthcare will partner with local contractors to bring this vision to life, ensuring that community resources are utilized and local economic growth is supported. By prioritizing community needs, we are fostering a healthier and more resilient environment for all,” said Bill Fieck, Director of Facilities.
The Vernon Memorial Healthcare Foundation played a pivotal role in turning this long-held dream into reality. Their tireless efforts in securing the $2 million grant demonstrate their unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare access for our community. Our sincere thanks go to the Foundation for their exceptional dedication and to the Non-State Infrastructure Grant Program for their generous support. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier community.
Vernon Memorial Healthcare
Vernon Memorial Hospital
507 South Main Street
Viroqua, WI 54665
General Info: (608) 637-2101
