For Aitkin High School graduates Josie Kostick and Zack Ehnstrom, this summer offered more than a break from classes. Through Riverwood’s Summer Health Care Internship Program (SHCIP), they gained firsthand experience in Surgical Services, witnessing the teamwork, precision, and compassion that make exceptional patient care possible. Although their career goals differ, both students left the experience with a […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is alerting patients and community members about a phishing scam targeting MyChart users at health systems across the country. While Riverwood patients have not been impacted, the organization is sharing this information proactively to help patients recognize and avoid fraudulent emails designed to steal personal information. The scam involves emails promoting a free “MyChart Medicare Kit” or “Senior […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a community blood drive on September 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and September 30 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place in Conference Rooms C/D at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. With the nation’s blood supply remaining critically low, […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is proud to recognize registered nurse Andrea (Andi) Barneveld as a recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an international recognition program honoring nurses who provide exceptional, compassionate care. Andi was nominated by Deanna Bredt, who was admitted to Riverwood following an emergency room visit that led to an unexpected hospitalization. Bredt described feeling overwhelmed, vulnerable, and anxious as she navigated an unfamiliar medical […]
For nearly a year, Cori LaLande’s sciatica pain rode shotgun. As she and her husband traveled the country in their RV, the pain followed her from one destination to the next, taking a physical and emotional toll that made it difficult to enjoy the lifestyle she loved. Along the way, she searched hard for answers. Cori saw specialists, committed to physical therapy, […]
For Jim Thomes of Brainerd, choosing Riverwood was one of the best healthcare decisions he has made. While he had previously been hesitant about receiving surgical care at a smaller, community-based hospital, his experience at Riverwood for hernia surgery quickly changed his perspective. From his first consultation through recovery, Jim found exceptional care, personalized attention, and a level of service that exceeded […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Michael Beckmann, who will begin advanced orthopedic fellowship training on August 1. Dr. Beckmann is the fifth surgeon accepted into the one-year orthopedic fellowship program, which provides advanced surgical training and mentorship in adult reconstruction and complex joint replacement procedures. Working alongside fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons Dr. Erik […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Kylie Mead, PA-C, to its Same Day Clinic team, further expanding access to timely, high-quality care for patients throughout the region. Mead joins Riverwood with experience in emergency medicine, having served as a physician assistant at St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood, MN, and Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury, MN. […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Joel Madson to its family medicine team. Dr. Madson will provide comprehensive primary care services at Riverwood’s clinics in Aitkin and McGregor, caring for patients of all ages. Dr. Madson is already a familiar face to many in the region, having previously served the […]
For Gwen and Dave Dickey, Riverwood has been more than just a hospital— we’ve been a trusted part of their lives for more than 50 years. After moving to Aitkin in 1969, Gwen went on to build a career at Riverwood, becoming our first ever station secretary before later moving into transcription. She’s seen Riverwood’s […]
Participating centers create confidence in the quality-of-care stroke patients receive during rehabilitation and recovery Riverwood Healthcare Center has received recognition for its participation in the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Stroke post-acute care initiative to enhance guideline-based care for stroke patients, ultimately improving and prolonging lives. Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce that Tara Wichterman, PharmD, has been named Manager of its Garrison Pharmacy. Wichterman brings a strong background in pharmacy care and a commitment to patient-centered service. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Pacific University School of Pharmacy in Hillsboro, Oregon, and has been a valued member […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is proud to announce the promotion of Emma Arnold to Population Health Program Manager—an exciting step forward as Riverwood continues to strengthen care across our communities. In her new role, Arnold will lead efforts to advance Riverwood’s population health strategy, improving patient outcomes, enhancing quality performance, and expanding value-based care initiatives. Arnold began […]
Hannah Wieczorek was no stranger to migraines. For years, they arrived uninvited, disrupting and dimming her days. To cope, she shaped her life around the intense, throbbing pain. She wore sunglasses inside to block harsh light and avoided noisy, busy environments that could worsen symptoms. The things she loved most, like social gatherings, laughter with […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is proud to welcome Shannon Sylvester as its new Environmental Services Manager. She brings environmental services experience from her previous role, along with a range of positions in healthcare. In her role at Riverwood, Sylvester will oversee Environmental Services operations, including staffing, workflows, and day-to-day coordination across the facility. “I strive to […]
For Todd Olesen, patient and maintenance employee, hip pain didn’t appear overnight—and it certainly didn’t go away quickly. What started as a twinge turned into a four-year journey of managing daily discomfort that worked its way into every part of his life. Even simple things, like getting a good night’s sleep or tackling projects around […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Wes Hoppe to its Governing Board of Directors. A lifelong member of the Aitkin community, Hoppe brings more than 20 years of professional experience and a strong commitment to local service. As a small business owner, he manages a wealth advisory practice, helping families achieve […]
At their latest meeting, Riverwood’s Lakes Area Aphasia Support Group welcomed a special guest. Laughter bounced around the room as Aitkin County Sheriff Dan Guida swapped stories, fielded fishing advice, and connected with group members. For people living with aphasia, interactions with law enforcement can sometimes feel stressful or intimidating. Aphasia — most often caused […]
Vicki Peterson likes to keep it moving. At her home in McGregor, she fills her days with walks, time with family and friends, and a calendar packed with the things she loves. But for two years, urge urinary incontinence began to shrink her world in ways she couldn’t ignore. More and more, her day revolved […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center announced today that it has been named a 2026 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ recipient by Healthgrades, the #1 site Americans use to find a doctor or hospital. This achievement reflects Riverwood’s commitment to superior, patient-centered care and puts the organization in the top 15% of hospitals nationwide for patient experience. Riverwood is […]
A stroke doesn’t wait—and neither should you. May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a reminder to recognize stroke symptoms and act fast. A stroke can happen suddenly and without warning. It occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. When that happens, brain cells suffer within minutes. The longer treatment is delayed, the […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Lunzer to its team of providers, where she will join the Primary Care team as an Internal Medicine provider. Dr. Lunzer completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota’s College of Biological Sciences, earning a degree in Biochemistry and graduating magna cum laude. She went on to receive […]
Gail Welch, 69, didn’t expect her visit to Minnesota to turn into a story worth writing about—but that’s exactly what happened. A writer and former EMT from Maryland, Gail made the trip to visit her brother, driving through three blizzards with her dog along the way. “It was a wild ride from the start,” she […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is excited to welcome Victoria Klaphake, MSW, LGSW, as a behavioral health therapist to its Integrated Behavioral Health provider team. In her role as an outpatient therapist, Klaphake will work with individuals experiencing a wide range of concerns, including mood disorders, anxiety, sexual health, and relational challenges. Klaphake brings a broad range […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center has earned Lab Accreditation from Joint Commission, an independent, evidence-based standards setting organization that sets the benchmark for safe, high-quality patient care through healthcare accreditation. This accomplishment formally recognizes Riverwood’s ongoing commitment to meeting rigorous performance standards and delivering the safest, highest quality care to its patients. Riverwood underwent a rigorous onsite survey February 3 – 5, 2026. During the visit, a Joint Commission surveyor assessed compliance across key areas with laboratory […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is proud to celebrate RN Gordon “Gordy” Schwartz, recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The DAISY Award is a national recognition honoring nurses who demonstrate exceptional dedication to patients. Gordy was nominated by the wife of a patient he cared for during two Emergency Department visits. When the patient returned, […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Nurse Practitioner Rebecca Knopik, FNP-BC, to its Family Medicine team in Aitkin and Garrison. Knopik joins the team as a core clinical partner, supporting patient care through appropriate visits, in‑basket management, preventive health services, and chronic disease management. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Nurse Practitioner Andrea Wippler, FNP-BC, to its Family Medicine team in Aitkin. Wippler joins the team as a core clinical partner, supporting patient care through appropriate visits, in‑basket management, preventive health services, and chronic disease management. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, from […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Andrew Highum, DPM, a highly trained foot and ankle surgeon/podiatrist, to its medical staff. Dr. Highum completed his undergraduate degree at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and earned his doctorate from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. He completed his residency training at […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center has been designated as a Blue Distinction® Center for Knee and Hip Replacement. Awarded by Blue Cross Blue Shield, this designation recognizes hospitals that meet rigorous quality standards and demonstrate excellent patient outcomes. The Blue Distinction® program is built on criteria developed by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in partnership with the American Academy of Orthopedic […]
