excellence Articles

Combating homelessness among women veterans is a tough battle. one of the most effective — albeit unexpected — weapons in this fight might just be an evening gown.

When the time came for Laura Brunmaier to make a decision about her future, she made the best possible choice — she followed her heart.

Bariatric surgery can be life-changing to patients who need it, but it isn’t a quick fix — it requires a dedicated approach and a team effort. Luckily for her patients, Keena Byrd-Moro, DNP, is happy to be part of the team.

Monument Health urologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract problems involving the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra in both men and women. They also treat conditions involving the prostate and other reproductive organs in men. Urologists with Monument Health are members of the American College of Surgeons.

Mental, emotional and physical health are all connected — so what happens to the mind and body when they’re faced with long periods of loneliness?

Award-winning family develops strong bonds with patients.

The Monument Health Heart and Vascular Institute’s electrophysiology program is setting a standard for exceptional patient care using state-of-the-art methods and technologies, with leading cardiologists at the helm. As a result, hearts across the region are beating right on time.

Preventative medicine, fitness and diabetes management are among the most fulfilling facets of working in primary care for Custer’s Zach Petersen.

Her husband's leukemia diagnosis was a driving force for Dr. Hockhausen, ultimately leading her to pursue a career in medicine. Eventually, she found her passion in dermatology.

Healing Garden an oasis for all

More than two decades after getting involved in health care in the community where she grew up, Registered Nurse Barb Irwin is still as passionate as ever about working to help the people who mean the most to her.

Drinking an entire bucket of water could turn you pail, but dehydration is no joke.

At some point, everyone has felt like they’re on top of the world. Jacob Weasel, M.D., has actually been there. And he’s just getting started.

Though he may have been born of tragic circumstances, Ben Ericks has had a great life. If you were to ask him what kept him from being a victim of that tragedy his answer would be simple — family.

A surgical APP, like Chris, often see patients before, during and after surgery. These visits provide the surgeon with additional patient information. This comprehensive care model ensures the patient is treated by a highly trained care team.

Pain often forces people to give up the things that they love doing. Luckily, Dr. Buck has their back.

James Woodhead, BSN, Director of Nursing in Custer, went to college in Arizona on a basketball scholarship. He didn’t start school knowing he wanted to be in nursing, but two years into his education he realized he wanted to work in emergency care.

Is it safe to get your prescription drugs from an online pharmacy? Rapid City Hospital’s Director of Pharmacy has a few thoughts.

Sandra Gruenig never planned to work in health care, but after moving to the Black Hills from the Philippines, she found her true calling in nursing.

Does your teen feel sluggish 10 minutes before their history exam? A PB&J might be just what they need to get through those essay questions with a clear head.

When Julie Raymond, M.D., Director of the Breast Cancer Center at Monument Health, passed away, her colleagues lost an inspiration and a friend. The entire region lost a force for good.

Physician Spotlight: Rajesh Pradhan, M.D., FACC, Cardiologist, Heart & Vascular Institute, Rapid City Since his first visit to South Dakota in 2013, Dr. Pradhan and his wife — both natives of Nepal — felt like they had found a new home. After seeing the physicians and the advanced procedures that were being performed at the Heart and Vascular Institute, he knew Monument Health was right for him.

Physician Spotlight: Wesley Badger, M.D., General Surgeon, Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue People come to Spearfish, S.D. for the outdoors, but General Surgeon, Wesley Badger, M.D., wants to help grow the city into a surgical destination for excellent care. How? By providing high-quality care in the same manner he would like to receive it.

Welcome our newest physicians

Jared Sutton, M.D., is a Critical Care physician working in the Intensive Care Unit at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital. Anish Patel, M.D., is a Hospitalist at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.

Although he plays many roles at Monument Health, one thing is constant for Dr. Hooten — his desire to help his patients breath easier.

Dr. Michael specializes in general orthopedics and is passionate about helping people live their lives to the fullest. Whether it’s treating trauma cases or performing joint replacement surgery, Dr. Michael wants to ensure her patients have the best possible orthopedic care.

Director of Infusion Services, Brandi Tackett, PharmD., is passionate about the science behind vaccines and immunization. She and the rest of the pharmacy team at Monument Health bring expertise to every patient’s decision about medication.

Technology is vital to the medical community. Monument health’s sports medicine strives to make sure its athletes are protected using the latest innovation.

Career paths aren’t always straight lines — and sometimes, taking the long way around leads exactly where you’re meant to be.

Monaleze Saini, M.D., Family Medicine Physician, Custer Family medicine physicians, such as Monaleze Saini, M.D., navigate patients through important life transitions.

Abbie Metzler D.O. Primary Care Sports Medicine, Monument Health Orthopedic & Specialty Hospital

As technology becomes ever present in our day-to-day lives, it’s no surprise wearable fitness devices are popular. While there are no quick fixes or magic solutions in health, wearables can be a powerful tool on your fitness journey.

When Dayna Swanson, RN, took an assignment at Monument Health, she didn’t know how long she would stay. After less than a year in the Black Hills, she started calling Rapid City home.

Konnie Sorensen Manager of Volunteer Services Monument Health Rapid City Hospital

Taking care of your health is a lifelong process that includes regular preventative screenings. It’s important to keep up with screenings, but it all starts with understanding your personal health risks and the tests recommended at your stage in life.

Dr. Tronnes places a high value on family. That’s what brought him to the Black Hills, and it shines through in his practice, no matter the setting.

Sometimes breakthroughs in treatment options mean updating old procedures instead of creating new ones.

Dr. Lewis has built his family medicine practice over three decades — and he’s excited to see it stay in the family.

Dr. Lewis grew up watching her father’s dedication to his patients, and she looks forward to continuing to provide them with the level of care they’ve come to expect.

Lack of sleep can make us irritable, but it can also cause a host of health problems you might not expect. Luckily, getting better sleep may be as simple as changing what you eat.

Many people quit their new fitness routine long before they see results — but a lot of times it's simply because they don't like their gym.

Sometimes tough decisions really do require “brain surgery.” Luckily, Dr. Schmidt has that covered.

With 21 years of experience in the United States Navy, and over 25 years of experience in hospital and clinic settings, Dr. Storch is exactly who you need to make sure your employees can meet the physical demands of the job.

Rapid City surgeons provide a full spectrum of care and leading-edge procedures close to home.

Too much sugar in our diet can lead to a host of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. The key to sugar intake is knowing what amount is healthy, and making smart choices about diet and exercise.

Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in the moment, while not being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what's happening around us.

For Dr. Moyer, plastic surgery isn’t just about enhancing appearance. It’s a way to ensure that patients not only look their best, but feel their best as well.

After leaving Rapid City — the town where she grew up — to complete her Family Medicine residency, Dr. Davis returned to the area to treat patients in the Black Hills.

Most consider climbing an extreme sport that’s only accessible for elite athletes in peak physical condition. While the sport does pose greater risk than others, climbing doesn’t actually require above average fitness to get started.

Golf is an excellent way to stay active. Being physically prepared for the demands of a golf swing, and understanding how to swing efficiently, can allow golfers of all ages and abilities to enjoy the sport and avoid injuries.

With summer weather and hundreds of miles worth of riding, cycling in the Black Hills never gets old.

In the course of her career, Dr. Heather Brewer has delivered over 3,000 babies and counting. Now she’s closing in on a new accomplishment — delivering the babies of patients she delivered.

When he isn’t treating patients in the ICU, Dr. Michael Hansen enjoys giving back to organizations like Best Buddies and Special Olympics, and even runs his own YouTube channel.

After a year of indoor or at-home workouts, spring is the perfect time to move physical fitness routines outside. The experts at Monument Health weigh in on how to safely implement walking or running into an exercise routine.

Monument Health’s new Lifestyle Medicine program seeks to change the way we approach our health and chronic condition management.

Carol Engel, who has cancer, is one of the patients who is benefiting from the clinical collaboration between Monument Health and Mayo Clinic physicians.

When she isn’t treating patients, you can find Dr. Falkenburg working the soil and finding peace in the Healing Garden, located on the Monument Health Custer Hospital and Clinic campus.

Since 2001, Dr. Frederickson has been helping women battle gynecological cancer at the Cancer Care Institute. With advances in research, technology and resources she is showing no signs of slowing.