Tag Archives: Aitkin
Cardiologist joins Riverwood heart health team
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce that Dr. Sohaib Basharat of the Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute (MHI) has joined the cardiology provider team. He will begin seeing patients at Riverwood’s specialty clinic in Aitkin in October. Specializing in cardiovascular and preventative cardiology, Dr. Basharat joins Dr. Peter Stokman and Dr. Tim Dirks, MHI […]
Prostate Cancer Awareness, Preventative Care
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and it is a great time to focus on the importance of early detection and preventative care. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, yet it is also one of the most treatable when caught early. Understanding the risks and taking proactive steps in screening […]
Fast medical care critical for stroke patient
A native of Aitkin, Minn., Don McKay never imagined his first trip for hospital care would be caused by a stroke. Knowing what stroke symptoms look like helped Don and his wife, Joane, get fast medical care at Riverwood Healthcare Center. McKay shares his outstanding treatment experience and outcome. “Joane and I were watching the […]
Riverwood Auxiliary celebrates 70 years of service
In 1954, a dedicated group of women saw the need to support the new Aitkin Community Hospital, which opened its doors in January 1955 following a groundswell of support from residents and community fundraising. This year, the Riverwood Healthcare Center Auxiliary is celebrating 70 years of service to the hospital, clinics and communities Riverwood serves. […]
Riverwood urologist honored with Center of Excellence designation
Riverwood Healthcare is proud to announce that Urologist Brandon Reynolds, MD, has been designated as a UroLift™ System Center of Excellence physician. Dr. Reynolds is the only urologist north of the Twin Cities to earn this unique distinction. This designation is awarded to physicians who have attained advanced training with the UroLift™ System, which offers rapid […]
Riverwood welcomes new pre-op nurse practitioner
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce Pre-operative Nurse Practitioner Brittany Howe, who began working in a new position in early June. Howe meets with patients scheduled for surgery, performing history and physicals, while working closely with anesthesia, surgeons, and primary care providers to make sure all necessary testing is completed and followed up on […]
Riverwood welcomes new human resources officer
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce Jessica Schmiesing as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and member of its senior management team. She is responsible for the overall human resources strategy, operations, and administration. Schmiesing grew up in Central Minnesota and graduated from Little Falls High School. She attended Hamline University, where she double majored […]
Local woman earns Deaf studies, national sign language honors
In mid-May, Vicki Johnson-Sherbrooke, who works in housekeeping for Riverwood Healthcare Center at its Garrison clinic, graduated with high honors earning a Deaf Studies Certificate at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. The program covered the basics about American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture. Johnson-Sherbrooke, who moved from the Twin Cities to Aitkin in 2006, […]
Bonnie O’Neil wraps up 50 years with Riverwood
Bonnie O’Neil wasn’t looking for a job when she was admitted to the Aitkin Community Hospital in Aitkin in 1973. She had suffered a broken leg in a snowmobile accident and was in traction in the hospital for 100 days. During her follow-up care at the clinic, which at that time was staffed by only […]
Nurse practitioner joins cardiology team at Riverwood
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce that Nurse Practitioner Laura Biewer of the Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute (MHI) has joined the cardiology provider team. Specializing in cardiovascular and preventative cardiology, Biewer will work closely on patient care with Dr. Peter Stokman and Dr. Tim Dirks, MHI cardiologists who have been offering care at […]
Riverwood introduces new orthopaedic provider
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome a new member to its orthopaedic team in Aitkin, Nurse Practitioner Jeff Temple. With a wide array of clinical and surgical experience, Temple has worked in the orthopaedics field for more than 35 years, beginning his career as a surgical technologist in 1987. He has advanced training and […]
Nurse anesthetist joins Riverwood
Kelly Anderson, a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA), has joined Riverwood Healthcare Center’s surgical services provider team. Anderson brings more than 20 years of anesthesia experience, including 14 years at Regions Hospital’s, a Level I Trauma Center in St. Paul, Minn., and eight years with South Valley Anesthesia at Regina Hospital in Hastings. During her CRNA […]
Riverwood celebrates staff milestone anniversaries
On Nov. 2, Riverwood Healthcare Center honored 46 employees and retirees who have celebrated milestone anniversaries or retirement in the past year at a special dinner at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge. Their collective years of service total 880 years! Riverwood CEO Ken Westman opened the program with a warm welcome for the employees and retirees […]
Online app helps manage medications
Managing prescription medications can be time-consuming and complex. Now there’s an online tool called RxLocal that can help make the process easier. “Mobile apps like RxLocal streamline pharmacy service and communication, saving patients time and effort during a busy day,” explains Spencer Page, director of pharmacy at Riverwood Healthcare Center. The RxLocal app provides a […]
Physical therapist joins Riverwood Healthcare
Heather Molenda, physical therapist, has joined Riverwood Healthcare Center’s therapy services team. Molenda’s prior experience includes working in physical therapy roles for 30 years in a variety of health care settings, including acute care, outpatient care, transitional care and homecare. She spent 16 years working with patients with complex conditions at MHealth Fairview University of […]
Riverwood to offer Covid-19 vaccinations
The Covid-19 vaccine is now available locally, and Riverwood Healthcare Center will offer two public clinics where individuals may get both the flu and Covid shots the last week in October. McGregor Clinic: Wed., Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Aitkin Clinic: Thurs., Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 12 […]
Riverwood receives statewide award for community benefits
Riverwood Healthcare Center was recognized by the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) for one of the outstanding community programs in Minnesota with its Riverwood Connects program. At the recent 2023 MHA annual meeting, Riverwood representatives accepted the award for exemplary achievement in community benefits for addressing social determinants of health with patients. MHA shared these comments […]
Riverwood 2023 flu clinics open
Flu season is coming and getting vaccinated offers the best protection. The vaccine works to reduce the risk of getting seriously ill, including hospitalizations, pneumonia and death. Riverwood Healthcare Center will offer flu clinics for the public by appointment at all three of its locations at these times: Aitkin Clinic: Thursdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 […]
General surgeon brings advanced training in endoscopic surgery
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce the addition of Evan Kelly, MD, to its general surgery team. Dr. Kelly was the fifteenth surgeon to complete a one-year Fellowship training program for advanced surgical training at the Minnesota Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIMIS) at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center […]
Be aware of prostate cancer risks, screening
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer diagnosed in men, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men, after lung cancer. The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the […]
Nurse anesthetist joins Riverwood
Holly Frischmon, a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA), has joined Riverwood Healthcare Center’s surgical services provider team. Earning a bachelor’s degree in Nursing with a minor in Biology from the College of St. Scholastica, Frischmon achieved her registered nurse license soon after graduation. She also completed a Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice from Mount Marty University […]
MRI’s new features help claustrophobic patient
Undergoing an MRI imaging scan can be daunting, especially if a person is prone to feeling claustrophobic in small, tight spaces. When Colleen Richards needed to undergo an MRI to help diagnose neck and back pain recently, she was pleasantly surprised with her positive patient experience at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. “I’m claustrophobic so […]
Riverwood presents DAISY Award to hospital nurse
Riverwood Healthcare Center participates in the DAISY Award honoring exemplary nurses who have been recognized by a patient for their extraordinary act of compassion or a relationship that they have created with a patient that truly made a difference. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform […]
Riverwood announces specialty clinic manager
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce Kari Carlson, registered nurse, as specialty clinic manager for its clinic in Aitkin. This role is a new position to help support day-to-day operations and management of staff within more than 13 specialty areas. Carlson joined Riverwood in 2018 and has been a key member of Riverwood’s Behavioral […]
Riverwood Diabetes Education program earns national recognition
The Riverwood Healthcare Center diabetes self-management education program in Aitkin, Minn., has been awarded continued Recognition status from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Riverwood’s program was originally recognized by the ADA in 2005. The ADA Education Recognition effort, begun in 1986, is a voluntary process that assures that approved education services have met the National […]
Riverwood welcomes new social worker
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce that Heather Benedett has joined the social services team. As a licensed social worker, she works with hospital patients, families and the medical staff to coordinate discharge planning and connect patients with community services as needed. “Heather brings extensive social services experience and knowledge to this position,” said […]
Riverwood presents DAISY Award to oncology nurse
Riverwood Healthcare Center participates in the DAISY Award honoring exemplary nurses who have been recognized by a patient for their extraordinary act of compassion or a relationship that they have created with a patient that truly made a difference. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform […]
Acid reflux can cause esophageal cancer
Each year, the month of April is dedicated to the observance of Esophageal Cancer Awareness and education regarding the risk of Esophageal Cancer posed by persistent heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease.) Adenocarcinoma is increasing at a faster rate than any other cancer in the U.S. Only one in every five esophageal cancer patients survives […]
Riverwood offers quick access to prescription medications
When you or a family member has a new acute illness, Riverwood Healthcare Center offers quick access to prescription medications via the InstyMeds Dispenser, an automated prescription dispensing cabinet, which is located in the family waiting lobby next to the emergency room. This is a good option for patients who are being treated in the […]