Redefining Rural Healthcare

In this episode of Western Wisconsin Health's Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast, Ellen Thompson, COO, introduces the second season and the Spring Valley Clinic series. Ellen interviews Karissa Hanson, a family nurse practitioner at the clinic, who shares her journey into nursing and her passion for rural healthcare. They discuss typical health issues seen in the community, such as diabetes and addiction, and the clinic's commitment to providing top-notch, personalized care. Throughout the conversation, Karissa emphasizes the importance of building trust with patients and the role of community support in enhancing rural healthcare. The episode concludes with a hopeful outlook on the clinic's future and its impact on transforming the community from a medical desert to a thriving hub of healthcare services.

In this episode of Western Wisconsin Health's 'Redefining Rural Healthcare' podcast, host Eilidh Pederson, CEO of Western Wisconsin Health, speaks with Chief Human Resources Officer Erin Benson to discuss the extensive services provided by the hospital. They explore the unique challenges and solutions related to maintaining a sustainable and engaged workforce in a rural setting. Erin highlights the importance of trust-based leadership, the hospital’s values, and numerous initiatives such as professional development, wellness programs, and innovative apprenticeship models. The episode also touches on safety measures for healthcare workers, strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent, and the importance of a nurturing work culture. Erin also shares her personal motivations and methods for staying energized in her role, emphasizing the fulfillment of seeing teams working cohesively towards shared goals.

In this episode of Western Wisconsin Health's Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast, guest host Mike Veldhuis interviews family Nurse Practitioner Sarah Anderson. Sarah shares her diverse healthcare background, passion for rural medicine, and interests in dermatology and therapeutic hypothermia. She discusses her role on the hospital's quality team and highlights the benefits of rural living, including her love for horseback riding and the outdoors.

In the latest episode of Western Wisconsin Health's podcast, guest host Nick Berger, Director of Specialty Services, interviews Dr. Peter Dahlberg, a general surgeon, about the comprehensive services offered in their rural setting. The discussion covers the breadth of medical services, the impact of advanced technology like robotics in surgical procedures, and the benefits of personalized care. Dr. Dahlberg shares his journey to becoming a surgeon, the evolution of general surgery, and the innovations that are reshaping patient outcomes. He also highlights the hospital's commitment to training residents with cutting-edge techniques and the importance of multidisciplinary support in ensuring high-quality healthcare in rural communities.

In this episode of the 'Redefining Rural Health Care' podcast, Dr. Michael Douglas from Western Wisconsin Health interviews Sara Atteberry, a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatrics. Sara shares her journey from working in urban healthcare settings to her current role in rural Wisconsin. She discusses the unique challenges and rewards of providing pediatric care in a rural setting, her involvement in expanding pediatric services, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. The podcast also highlights the upcoming addition of new pediatric providers and the hospital's mission to innovate and offer comprehensive care despite geographic barriers.

Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast host and Associate Chief of Staff at Western Wisconsin Health, Dr. Michael Douglas, sits down with Family Practice Physician Assistant, Katie Carstens, PA-C. Katie shares her journey from changing career paths multiple times to finding her niche in primary care and oncology at Western Wisconsin Health. She highlights the importance of preventive care, chronic disease management, and her passion for working with diverse patient populations. Katie reflects on her formative experiences in training and the support she received from her husband, her background in kinesiology, and various rotations before becoming a PA.

Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast host and Associate Chief of Staff at Western Wisconsin Health, Dr. Michael Douglas, sits down with Family Practice Physician, Dr. Nate Schwartz.In this episode, Dr. Schwartz shares his journey into healthcare and his passion for caring for a diverse range of patients while building meaningful relationships. He discusses his role at Western Wisconsin Health, where he provides comprehensive care across various areas, including obstetrics, pediatrics, men’s health, women’s health, and mental health. Dr. Schwartz also highlights his recent collaboration with other providers to offer treatment for opioid dependency, helping patients on their path to recovery and healthier lives.