Josh Jacobson , C- NP
The Minnesota Center for Orthopaedics (MCO) continues to add to its staff, including a nurse practitioner and a nurse coordinator at Riverwood Healthcare Center, as the need for orthopaedic care continues to grow rapidly in north central Minnesota.
Josh Jacobson, Nurse Practitioner specializing in orthopaedics, joined Riverwood’s medical staff earlier this year and sees patients in Aitkin, Monday through Friday. He works closely to coordinate patient care with three MCO orthopaedic surgeons–Dr. Erik Severson, Dr. Jon Herseth and Dr. Susan Moen—and two MCO physician assistants Matt Fleming and Tom Lewandowski.
“I want my patients to feel cared for as well as getting treated,” Jacobson said. “I’m honored to be able to help individuals improve physical functioning and live healthy, productive lives.”
Jacobson has 12 years of hospital nursing experience, as a registered nurse in cardiac surgery and intensive care and as a nurse practitioner/hospitalist in internal medicine. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in nursing and his master’s degree and certification as a family nurse practitioner at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.
Drawn to northern Minnesota eight years ago as a great place to raise a family, Josh Jacobson and wife Leah have four sons and two daughters.
Brianna Brophy, RN
Brianna Brophy, Orthopaedic RN Coordinator, has worked in orthopaedic care in Aitkin and Crosby for 10 years. She is now the go-to nurse for Riverwood orthopaedic patients, especially those having total joint replacements. She can answer patient questions and concerns before surgery, during hospitalization and after discharge to home.
“My favorite part about working in orthopaedics is being able to watch patients who have struggled with pain for years, or those who have walked with a severe limp, walk again with ease and no pain,” Brophy said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of their care from start to finish.”
Recently, Brophy earned her Nursing associate degree and RN certification from Rasmussen College. In 2008, she earned her medical assistant degree from the Minnesota School of Business.
Brianna Brophy and husband Patrick live in the Aitkin area with two young daughters.
For an appointment for orthopaedic care in Aitkin you may self-refer. Simply call Riverwood’s specialty clinic at 218-927-5566.