Barb Kallio, Embarrass, Minn., is an avid bowler, sometimes bowling in two different leagues. She set a personal goal to carry on with her passion of bowling until she reached the age of 85. Until she couldn’t. Barb could no longer bowl due to a hand issue. “It wasn’t just bowling,” Barb said. “I could […]

A recent issue of Becker’s Hospital Review features Riverwood Healthcare Center CEO Ken Westman on its national list of “80 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know” for 2023. This list highlights 80 top executives from rural hospitals across the United States with one other Minnesota CEO, Jake Redden of Madelia Health, featured. The Becker’s article cites […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center welcomes Tracey Eakman as the new director of the Surgical Services Department. Eakman brings 14 years of experience overseeing surgery departments in the Twin Cities, at North Memorial Health and Maple Grove Surgery Center. At North Memorial Health, Eakman managed the day-to-day operations of a busy ambulatory surgery center with approximately 10,000 […]

Heart Health Month in February is a great time for individuals to look at what they can do to improve their heart health and lower heart disease risks. That’s why Riverwood Healthcare Center is offering a “Heart Health: Benefits of Exercise” virtual seminar on Thurs., Feb. 23, 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. Mitch Kline, exercise physiologist […]

  Riverwood Healthcare Center reports that significant progress has been made on its surgery expansion construction project at its hospital in Aitkin. Designed by DSGW Architects with Kraus-Anderson as the general contractor and construction manager, the surgery expansion project will feature a 72,000-square-foot surgery addition. Construction has been underway since August 2022. The outline of […]

Jacki Rinta is the new manager of the surgical services department at Riverwood Healthcare Center, where she has worked in multiple leadership roles since 2015. Rinta brings more than 20 years of experience overseeing hospital operating rooms and the sterile processing area. She has collaborated with surgeons and staff to identify and prioritize patient needs […]

Rob Schmieg, a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA), has joined Riverwood Healthcare Center’s surgical services provider team.  Schmieg brings extensive anesthesia experience, working at Lakewood Health in Staples as a CRNA and director of anesthesia, and most recently as an anesthesia supervisor and CRNA for Mayo’s Critical Access Hospitals in Wisconsin. During his CRNA practice, he […]

For more than 50 years, Sandy F. struggled with acid reflux symptoms. She finally found long-lasting relief when she sought care at the Minnesota Reflux and Heartburn Center at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. Sandy shares comments on her successful treatment outcome: “I’ve had acid reflux since I was age 5. It was horrible. I […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce a new team of physicians to provide ear, nose and throat care at its specialty clinic in Aitkin. Dr. Kurtis Waters and Dr. Ethan Kraft of Advanced Specialty Associates, will see patients at Riverwood’s specialty clinic in Aitkin several days a month, beginning in January 2023. Otolaryngology (also […]

Riverwood Healthcare is pleased to announce the hire of Mark Waind, Chief Information Officer consultant. Waind is an accomplished health care executive with 15 years of chief information officer experience. His educational background includes earning a Master of Science degree in Business from the University of St. Mary, Bismarck, N.D. Waind has received a CHCIO […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce Breann Goedken has moved into the position of diabetes care and education nurse. With the completion of her registered nurse degree from Central Lakes College, Goedken is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree through Western Governors University. She has previous experience working in medical/surgical inpatient care and home health […]

During her 20’s and early 30’s, Miranda King suffered from chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). At age 34, she finally found permanent relief through treatment at the Minnesota Reflux and Heartburn Center at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. “I was unable to eat a lot of foods or drink certain things because I would become […]

Fever, sore throat and body aches are common symptoms of illness circulating this winter. Is it the flu, Covid or another respiratory ailment? How do you know when to seek medical care? Learn more at a “Navigating Seasonal Illnesses: Influenza, RSV, COVID and More” seminar on Jan. 25, 12:00 to 12:30 p.m., which Riverwood Healthcare […]

Two furry friends specialize in bringing smiles and joy to young and old alike. Just about everyone they see is excited to see and pet them. Muppet and Snickers, both Goldendoodles, are therapy dogs who volunteer with their owners, Linda and Dave Causton, at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin.  Now seven years old, they spend […]

Welcome Lucas David, Riverwood’s first baby of the new year! Baby Lucas was born to Elizabeth and Chris Lilley on Jan. 2 at 5:47 p.m., weighing 6 lbs. and 19 inches long. Not only the first baby of 2023, but a special delivery indeed as the mother is a Riverwood family employee. Elizabeth Lilley is […]