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 […]

Although Minnesota is known for its cold winters, summer heat can be just as dangerous. Hot, humid weather can overwhelm the body’s ability to cool itself, leading to heat-related illnesses ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies. Heat-related illness occurs when the body is unable to get rid of excess heat and maintain a safe […]

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 […]

Spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of summer in Minnesota—but it also means increased exposure to ticks. At Riverwood Healthcare Center, we want our patients and community to stay safe while enjoying everything summer has to offer.  Minnesota is a high-risk state for tickborne diseases, especially in wooded, grassy, and lakeside environments common across […]

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 […]