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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
June is Men’s Health Month, a time for men to look at how to maintain their own good health. Preventive health care and regular screenings are crucial for men to detect and manage potential health issues early. CANCER SCREENINGS Here’s a comprehensive guide on essential cancer screenings: Prostate cancer screening should begin starting at age […]
In mid-May, Vicki Johnson-Sherbrooke, who works in housekeeping for Riverwood Healthcare Center at its Garrison clinic, graduated with high honors earning a Deaf Studies Certificate at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. The program covered the basics about American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture. Johnson-Sherbrooke, who moved from the Twin Cities to Aitkin in 2006, […]
In mid-May, the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) awarded Riverwood Healthcare Center with the High Reliability Organization Award. This award was presented at a conference in Minneapolis where MHA presented awards to 40 hospital and health system teams and individuals across Minnesota. The High Reliability Organization Award recognizes efforts to improve quality and safety. With […]
May is American Stroke Month. Make sure your friends and family know the warning signs of a stroke. It could save the life of a loved one. Remember BEFAST to recognize stroke symptoms. Balance loss. Eyesight changes. Face drooping. Arm weakness. Speech difficulty. Time to call 9-1-1. With a stroke, calling 9-1-1 can save a […]
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. While mental health issues are important to address year-round, this is a dedicated time to highlight that mental health matters. “We all have mental health,” comments Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Janet Larson at Riverwood Healthcare’s Behavioral Health Clinic. “Mental health is our ability to engage with our emotions, […]
As the Land of 10,000 Lakes transitions into warmer months, Minnesotans eagerly embrace outdoor activities. However, along with the joys of nature comes the potential nuisance of woodticks. These tiny arachnids are prevalent in Minnesota’s wooded areas and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. In this guide, we’ll explore essential tips for […]
Riverwood Healthcare is pleased to welcome Susan Zelenak as senior human resources generalist to its staff. In this role, Zelenak will support Riverwood’s team with a variety of HR projects and functions, including employee relations, recruitment of new talent, legal compliance, and leave management. In short, she will build relationships to implement best practices in […]
