Riverwood Healthcare Center is proud to highlight the success of its Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Externship Program as two local students, Anika and Morgan Just, have completed their CMA training in eight months.    Riverwood’s CMA program removes barriers to entering healthcare by fully funding the one-year CMA training for selected candidates in exchange for a two-year […]

In honor of the late Roger and Sandy Wilson, the Wilson family of Aitkin established the Roger and Sandy Wilson Scholarship to support individuals advancing their education in healthcare. The fund is administered by Riverwood Foundation at Riverwood Healthcare Center. These scholarship funds are intended to ease the burden of tuition costs so that aspiring […]

The Aitkin Community Hospital, Inc., dba Riverwood Healthcare Center, will host its 78th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 25 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom with participants signing in remotely via phone or computer.    Riverwood will present an overview of the finances for the organization, fiscal year 2025 accomplishments, and Foundation and Auxiliary updates. These presentations will be followed by a business meeting.       […]

Your heart is the hardest‑working muscle in your body. At Riverwood Healthcare Center, Heart Health Month is your cue to pause, check in, and make a few smart choices that support your long-term wellbeing. Timothy Dirks, MD, cardiologist with the Minneapolis Heart Institute who provides care at Riverwood, shares this quick checklist: know your numbers, […]

Riverwood is introducing a Cancer Support Group to provide a welcoming space for individuals who are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or navigating survivorship. The group meets from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month in Conference Room C/D at Riverwood Healthcare Center, 200 Bunker Hill Drive, Aitkin. Led by Kirstiane Bilyeu, […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center proudly welcomes Mya VanNurden, MS, PT, a local graduate, to its Therapy Services team serving Aitkin and McGregor.  VanNurden brings four years of experience as a traveling physical therapist, caring for patients in clinics and hospitals across Minnesota and Florida. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and Master of Science in Physical Therapy from […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce the addition of Dawn Back, DMSc, MSOL, PA-C, as a hospitalist on its medical staff. Dawn brings decades of experience in family medicine and emergency care, along with a strong commitment to serving rural communities.  Back earned her Doctor of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Butler University […]

The new year is a great time to focus on your health—but forget the pressure for perfection. Real wellness comes from small, sustainable changes that you can stick with. We’re here to guide you with a few practical tips: Eat to Feel Good Skip the fad diets and aim for balance. Add more color to […]

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness that tends to spread more widely during the fall and winter months. While many people recover within a few weeks, the flu can cause serious complications—especially for older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic health conditions.  Common flu symptoms may include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center is proud to recognize Amanda VanderHagen, RN, as the latest recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an international honor celebrating compassionate, patient-centered care.  VanderHagen was nominated by Amanda Bostrom, a speech therapist at Riverwood and recent first-time parent, for the exceptional support she provided during labor and delivery. In her nomination, Bostrom […]

Holidays are often a time for celebration, but they can also bring added stress, moments of grief, and emotions that feel overwhelming. When the season feels heavy, know that you’re not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 9 in 10 adults experience holiday stress related to financial worries, missing loved ones, and family conflict. “It’s normal […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Paula Emberland as its new Purchasing Manager. Emberland brings more than 15 years of combined experience in purchasing, finance, and accounting, along with a deep commitment to supporting healthcare operations in rural Minnesota. With more than five years of purchasing experience in manufacturing and over […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center is proud to announce that Brandon Reynolds, MD, board-certified urologist, has been named Chief of Surgery. In this leadership role, Dr. Reynolds will oversee surgical services across Riverwood, working closely with clinical teams to support excellence in patient care, safety, surgical outcomes and innovation. A recognized leader in his field, Dr. Reynolds […]

For more than 12 years, Riverwood patient Brian Johnson battled relentless heartburn, relying on daily medication that never truly brought relief. He knew there had to be a better solution. When Brian began exploring treatment options, the Minnesota Reflux and Heartburn Center at Riverwood Healthcare Center stood out. The advanced reflux procedures, proven surgical expertise, […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce that Jason Brunko, PharmD, has joined its pharmacy team as Pharmacy Manager at the Aitkin Pharmacy located in Paulbeck’s. Brunko brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to patient-centered care to his new role. Brunko graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1989. He earned a Bachelor of […]