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 the Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast, Shonda Helgeson, Chief Nursing Officer at Western Wisconsin Health, introduces Alicia Myers, the Inpatient Services Manager. Alicia discusses her role and the services provided by the Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at Western Wisconsin Health. The TCU, also known as the swing bed program, offers care for patients who are not acutely ill but need additional support before returning home. Myers highlights the personalized care, state-of-the-art equipment, and comprehensive rehabilitation services available. The episode aims to raise awareness about the TCU as a viable option for patients in need of extended care after an acute hospital stay.

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 Redefining Rural Healthcare, Urgent Care Provider, Dr. Matt Hansmeier, M.D. introduces Karen Herrera, Western Wisconsin Health’s first Medication Therapy Management (MTM) pharmacist. Karen discusses her role in optimizing medication use, supporting providers, and delivering personalized, culturally informed care. She shares what inspired her to pursue MTM, highlights the services offered, and explains how she helps patients navigate complex medication challenges through a holistic approach.

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.

The podcast episode is part of Season 2 of Western Wisconsin Health's Redefining Rural Healthcare series. Ben Wunrow, the manager of rehabilitation services, interviews Dr. Laolu Lediju, a family practice physician at Western Wisconsin Health. Dr. Lediju discusses his background, including his medical education in Nigeria and the United States. He highlights his experience serving both Baldwin and Roberts communities, the breadth of services provided, and the unique benefits of rural healthcare. Dr. Lediju also elaborates on his specific interests in occupational health and his involvement in community health, both locally and through medical missions in Nigeria

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, our guest host, Ellen Thompson, interviews Dr. Dennis Hartung, an OBGYN who has practiced at Western Wisconsin Health for the past 9 years.

Dr. Hartung emphasizes the importance of collaboration between providers, working closely with family medicine doctors and midwives to deliver comprehensive, personalized care. He recounts a story of helping facilitate a smooth hospital transfer for a home birth patient, highlighting Western Wisconsin Health's welcoming approach to working with midwives and home birth families. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Hartung advocates for a more respectful, collaborative model of maternity care, and expresses hope for improvements in rural healthcare reimbursement to keep vital birthing services open in small 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 Gastroenterologist, Chukwunonso Chime, MD

This episode Dr. Chime dives into his own journey and how he landed here at WWH. He provides insights and detailed information on the practice, procedures, and patient care within his medical field. The discussion encompasses the roles and responsibilities of gastroenterologists and highlights the complexities and advancements in treating gastrointestinal disorders.