In this episode of Western Wisconsin Health’s 'Redefining Rural Healthcare' podcast, culinary services manager Garrett Pokela speaks with registered dietician Cheri Rott about her role at the organization and shares tips for healthy eating during the holidays. Cherri discusses the importance of hydration, balanced meals, reducing stress, and how to manage holiday indulgences. She also elaborates on the Lifestyle Simple Health Medicine program, which educates patients on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and other key health pillars. Additionally, they cover the benefits of various protein sources, the significance of fiber, and strategies for making healthier choices while eating out or dealing with holiday leftovers.

Season two of Western Wisconsin Health’s Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast opens by spotlighting the high-quality, community-based care available in rural areas. In recognition of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, guests Christa Walz from Adoray Home Health & Hospice and Andrea Burns, Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, discuss their roles and the key differences between hospice and palliative care. They highlight the personalized, holistic support these services provide and how the partnership between Western Wisconsin Health and Adoray ensures seamless, compassionate care close to home. The episode emphasizes the value of early engagement and the flexibility that nonprofit, community-based care brings to rural patients and families.

In this episode of Western Wisconsin Health’s Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast, Emily Koehler talks with new oncologist Dr. Yang Liu about her background, passion for cancer care, and patient-centered approach. Dr. Liu shares how early experiences shaped her interest in oncology, highlights the value of personalized treatment, and emphasizes strong patient relationships. She discusses WWH’s proactive healthcare model and dispels misconceptions about rural cancer care, noting that patients can access the same high-quality treatment locally as in larger cities. Dr. Liu also reflects on exciting advancements in personalized oncology and the importance of guiding patients through their care journey.

In this episode of Western Wisconsin Health's Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast, host Tam Kammerud introduces nurse practitioner Alicia Sund, who practices at the Spring Valley and Baldwin clinics. Alicia shares her journey from considering pharmacy school to finding her calling in nursing and eventually becoming a nurse practitioner. She discusses the unique challenges and rewards of working in a rural healthcare setting, highlights her passion for personalized patient care, and reflects on her upbringing in a small community. Alicia also shares personal anecdotes, offers advice to aspiring healthcare professionals, and talks about her interests outside of medicine.

In this episode, Director of Community Relations, Ryma Lindquist interviews certified nurse midwife Sarah Tyler-Peterson, who shares her journey to midwifery, the broad scope of midwife care, and her work at the Spring Valley clinic. Sarah highlights the importance of accessible women’s healthcare, the collaborative spirit at WWH, and the rewarding community connections formed through her role.

In this episode of Redefining Rural Healthcare, guest host Natasha Ward talks with psychiatric nurse practitioner Jana Gegen about her path from corporate work to holistic mental health care. Jana shares her experience treating patients with dementia, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, the challenges of rural healthcare, and the importance of self-care to prevent burnout.

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.