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 and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University Global. She completed her Physician Assistant training through the U.S. Air Force’s Interservice Physician Assistant Program, reflecting her deep roots in military medicine.
Prior to joining Riverwood, she practiced in critical access hospitals and rural health clinics across Alaska, Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico. For the past four years, she has focused on emergency medicine in rural Minnesota. Her background also includes deployments to Saudi Arabia and Iraq, as well as service in disaster response for Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Dawn retired from the North Dakota Air National Guard in 2011 after 23 years of service.
Back’s clinical expertise spans family medicine, urology, and emergency medicine. She holds a National Commission Certification (NCCPA) with a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Emergency Medicine.
“My philosophy is to maintain a growth mindset—always learning and improving to provide the best care possible,” Dawn says. “I’m passionate about keeping rural medicine close to home because there’s comfort in being cared for by people who understand the challenges of rural life.”
Dawn and her husband, Dale, have been married for nearly 35 years and enjoy spending time with their two grown sons, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. Outside of work, Dawn competes in versatility ranch horse events and loves all things country.
Riverwood is excited to welcome Dawn’s expertise and dedication to its team. To learn more, visit www.riverwoodhealthcare.org.