Riverwood welcomes behavioral health therapist

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce that Johannah Orbeck has joined its Behavioral Health provider team as a behavioral health therapist. In this role she will assess, diagnose, and provide psychotherapy to individuals, age 18 and older. Previously, Orbeck did waiver case management with Pinnacle Services for Ramsey County. Other work experience includes working […]

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Holiday hours for Riverwood clinics, pharmacies

Riverwood Healthcare Center’s clinics in Aitkin, Garrison and McGregor will be closed on Thurs., Nov. 28, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The clinics will close early at noon on Tues., Dec. 24 and remain closed on Wed., Dec. 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday. They will also close early at noon on Tues., Dec. 31, […]

The Bostroms bring stories and Kona to life

Riverwood employees Dr. Erik Bostrom and Amanda Bostrom share a passion for creativity, the great outdoors, and their dog, Kona, a five-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer. Amanda, a speech therapist of seven years, and Erik, a physician for eight years, met at Riverwood and have been crafting a unique life together ever since. Their adventures often […]

From Healthcare to Firefighting: How Our CNO Balances Leadership and Community Service

For many, balancing a high-level leadership role with family and personal commitments is a full plate. But for our Chief Nursing Officer, the desire to give back to her community sparked a remarkable journey—from bedside nursing to battling blazes as a firefighter. Three years ago, she joined Riverwood Healthcare Center as Chief Nursing Officer, bringing […]

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Riverwood celebrates staff milestone anniversaries

On November 14, Riverwood Healthcare Center celebrated a remarkable group of employees and retirees at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, honoring 43 individuals for milestone anniversaries and retirements. Together, their contributions total nearly 750 years of service—a testament to their enduring commitment and dedication to the communities they serve. Riverwood CEO Ken Westman opened the evening […]

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Lights of Love to shine soon

In its 40th year, the Lights of Love program of the Riverwood Healthcare Center Auxiliary will honor and memorialize the loved ones of area residents this holiday season. This year’s ceremony will be held on Sun., Nov. 24, at 1:00 p.m. in the Aitkin clinic lobby. The short program will include a musical selection and […]

Physician and Coach: Dr. Tim Arnold’s Journey of Running and Mentorship

For Dr. Tim Arnold, a family physician at McGregor Clinic and chief medical information officer at Riverwood Healthcare Center, running is more than a way to stay in shape—it’s a lifelong passion that has shaped his approach to wellness and life. Dr. Arnold’s journey as a runner began in high school, where he participated in […]

Riverwood welcomes RPAP medical student

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Kyle Strate, a third-year medical student at the University of Minnesota Medical School, who is participating in the Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP). Through the RPAP program, a third-year medical student lives in a rural community for nine months and participates in rotations of hospital and clinic care […]

Meet Dr. Horowitz: Adventurer, Outdoorsman, and Interventional Spine Physican

Dr. Joshua Horowitz, an Interventional Spine physician at Riverwood Healthcare Center, followed a unique journey into medicine. Before entering medical school in his 30s, he had already earned his pilot’s license at 19, flying both helicopters and airplanes, worked as a flight instructor, built homes, and served as a crew member on a commercial halibut […]

From Injury to Triumph: A Grand Canyon R3 Adventure

When Jonas Kyllonen—a physical therapist at Riverwood—his wife Emily and their friends Hilary and Joel decided to take on the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim ultramarathon, they had no idea just how transformative the journey would be. What began as a bucket list goal became a test of endurance, resilience, and camaraderie. It all started when they […]

Aitkin hospital nurse receives DAISY Award

The latest nurse to receive the DAISY Award, recognition for outstanding nursing, at Riverwood Healthcare Center is Lisa Streadwick, a registered nurse for the hospital inpatient unit. She has worked for Riverwood for three years, caring for medical, surgical and obstetrics patients. Riverwood participates in the DAISY Award honoring exemplary nurses who have been recognized […]

Women’s wellness series kicks off at Beanery

Riverwood Healthcare Center and the Beanery Café & Roastery in downtown Aitkin are partnering to present a series of monthly meetups on women’s health and wellness. The first meetup is “Nurture and Nourish,” on Thurs., Oct. 24, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Beanery. Hear from Dr. Jennifer Tessmer-Tuck, obstetrician and gynecologist at Riverwood Healthcare […]

Riverwood Healthcare welcomes new board member

Riverwood Healthcare Center is proud to announce the appointment of Bryan Nistler to its Governing Board of Directors. “On behalf of our board, I am excited to welcome Bryan to this important leadership position,” said Riverwood CEO Ken Westman. “His business management experience and deep ties to the McGregor community will be invaluable in guiding […]

A Passion for Coaching, Shaping Lives Both On and Off the Court

For Wade Zubke, Riverwood Business Informatics Manager, coaching volleyball was never part of the plan. But life has a funny way of redirecting our paths. Since 2016, Wade has balanced his career with his passion for coaching young athletes. It all started when his daughter, Brooke, expressed interest in joining her school’s 6th-grade volleyball team. […]

Aitkin hospital earns five-star rating for cleanliness

Recently, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare announced a list of hospitals across the country that have earned a five-star rating for cleanliness, including Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin, Minn. This report is produced based on patient satisfaction surveys issued and compiled by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS). This is […]

Riverwood to offer flu shots, Covid-19 vaccinations

Flu season is coming and getting vaccinated offers the best protection. The vaccine works to reduce the risk of getting seriously ill, including hospitalizations, pneumonia and death. Riverwood Healthcare Center will offer flu and Pfizer Covid-19 shots for the public by appointment at all three of its locations at these community clinics and times: Aitkin […]

Cardiologist joins Riverwood heart health team

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce that Dr. Sohaib Basharat of the Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute (MHI) has joined the cardiology provider team. He will begin seeing patients at Riverwood’s specialty clinic in Aitkin in October. Specializing in cardiovascular and preventative cardiology, Dr. Basharat joins Dr. Peter Stokman and Dr. Tim Dirks, MHI […]

New radiology system supports breast, prostate MRIs

A new advanced imaging system just made its debut at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. The DynaCAD imaging system will be used for breast and prostate MRIs, which were previously unavailable at Riverwood. The biggest benefit of the DynaCAD software is that it provides the radiologist with the technology needed for reading and interpreting breast […]

Aitkin hospital earns five-star rating

Last month, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid released its Hospital Compare Report showing how hospitals across the nation are performing. Riverwood Healthcare Center earned an impressive five-star rating for the last reporting period covering October 2022 through September 2023. This report is produced based on patient satisfaction surveys issued and compiled by the Hospital […]

Local physician takes on ultramarathon

Dan Lonergan, MD, a dedicated anesthesiologist in Riverwood’s Neck, Back, and Spine clinic, has taken on an extraordinary personal challenge that few would dare attempt. He has transitioned from a self-described non-runner to completing a grueling 100-mile ultramarathon. His journey is a testament to grit, determination, and the power of a wellness mindset. Just a […]

Riverwood surgeon finds wellness benefits on the water

When she is not caring for patients, Dr. Susan Moen, orthopaedic hand and wrist surgeon at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin, enjoys rowing workouts with the Daisy Crew of the Brainerd Lakes Rowing Club. The Daisy Crew, a group of women from diverse backgrounds, comes together for an hour of rowing in a long, narrow […]

Riverwood to host surgery expansion grand opening

Riverwood Healthcare Center is thrilled to invite the community to the grand opening of its newly expanded surgery addition on Monday, August 12, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. This celebration marks the culmination of a significant two-year project aimed at enhancing healthcare services in our region. Designed by DSGW Architects and constructed by Kraus-Anderson, the […]

Introducing Riverwood’s New Podcast: Riverwood On Call

Introducing Riverwood’s New Podcast: Riverwood On Call We are thrilled to announce the launch of Riverwood Healthcare Center’s new podcast, Riverwood On Call. Hosted by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Taylor, this podcast will feature insightful discussions and interviews with our dedicated providers. Tune in to learn about common health issues and innovative treatments. […]

Riverwood Auxiliary celebrates 70 years of service

In 1954, a dedicated group of women saw the need to support the new Aitkin Community Hospital, which opened its doors in January 1955 following a groundswell of support from residents and community fundraising. This year, the Riverwood Healthcare Center Auxiliary is celebrating 70 years of service to the hospital, clinics and communities Riverwood serves. […]

Riverwood urologist honored with Center of Excellence designation

Riverwood Healthcare is proud to announce that Urologist Brandon Reynolds, MD, has been designated as a UroLift™ System Center of Excellence physician. Dr. Reynolds is the only urologist north of the Twin Cities to earn this unique distinction. This designation is awarded to physicians who have attained advanced training with the UroLift™ System, which offers rapid […]

Riverwood welcomes new Garrison pharmacy manager

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce Valerie Corcoran Bahl as the new manager of its Garrison pharmacy. Following 17 years of managing the Garrison pharmacy, John Mateyka is cutting back to casual status. “We are so grateful for John’s long-term service and dedication to Riverwood and our Garrison pharmacy customers and wish him all […]

Riverwood welcomes new pre-op nurse practitioner

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce Pre-operative Nurse Practitioner Brittany Howe, who began working in a new position in early June. Howe meets with patients scheduled for surgery, performing history and physicals, while working closely with anesthesia, surgeons, and primary care providers to make sure all necessary testing is completed and followed up on […]

Urology community health seminar

Do you have uncontrollable urges to go to the bathroom? Do you need to get up to go multiple times during the night? Are you having difficulty emptying your urinary bladder or having frequent accidents? Learn more at a “Urology: Are you going to the bathroom too often?” program on Tues., July 23, 5:30 to […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center joins Headwater High-Value Network with CEO Westman as Chair

AITKIN, Minn.—June 27, 2024, 10 a.m. CDT—The Headwaters High-Value Network announced its launch as a collaboration of 19 independent rural Minnesota hospitals working together on clinical and business initiatives to strengthen healthcare in rural communities across the state. The centerpiece of the Headwaters collaboration is a clinically integrated network (CIN) featuring 19 hospitals and more […]

Aitkin hospital nurse receives DAISY Award

The latest nurse to receive the DAISY Award, recognition for outstanding nursing, at Riverwood Healthcare Center is Nichole Bock, a registered nurse for the hospital inpatient unit. Bock has worked for Riverwood for eight years, caring for medical and surgical patients. Riverwood participates in the DAISY Award honoring exemplary nurses who have been recognized by […]