EXAMINERFALL/WINTER 2020

Dr. Curtis Adams Leaves a Legacy

OB-GYN is recalled as a devoted father, caring doctor

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www.yanktonmedicalclinic.com Page 2 | Adams Recalled As Devoted Father, Caring Doctor

Page 1 | Adams Recalled As Devoted Father, Caring Doctor

This story originally appeared in the Yankton Press & Dakotan on July 24, 2020.

A local doctor has left a legacy of excellence and commitment.

Curtis Adams, an obstetrician and gynecologist (OB-GYN) at the Yankton Medical Clinic (YMC) for the last 40 years, died suddenly on July 19 from complications arising from a recent surgery. Funeral services were handled by Yankton’s Wintz & Ray Funeral Home with Rev. Jacqueline Hickox-Morgan officiating.

Adams was still practicing at YMC until the day he passed. During his tenure, he cared for countless patients and delivered thousands of babies.

A Minnesota native, Adams attended Augustana University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry. In 1974, he married Brenda Givens, a nurse in Hennepin County. They raised three sons: Brent and Jonathon, who both became doctors, and Craig, who became an attorney.

Adams graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1977 and moved to Yankton, where he completed his residency under Dr. Brooks Ranney before going into practice at YMC.

Six months of Adams’ residency were spent at Indian Health Services in Anchorage, Alaska. He took his wife and 1-year-old son, Brent, who would one day also practice medicine at YMC.

“He always talked about experiences there. He would strap me to his back to go salmon fishing,”

Brent Adams told the Press & Dakotan. “My mom was pregnant with my brother Jonathon at the time, so I think he always kind of cherished that experience.”

Also, Adams had autonomy and gained valuable hands-on experience that he might not have had in a larger setting, Brent said.

Brent also recalled tales of a moose that roamed the hospital grounds in Anchorage.

“It was kind of an ornery moose, hanging around the hospital,” he said. “You had to look before you went in because, if you didn’t, the moose might nab you and you’d get in a tangle with the moose.”

Adams was a dedicated father, teaching each of his sons to strive for excellence in whatever they chose to do.

“We would be at open gym shooting baskets and he’d say, ‘Well, if you make this many free throws, you’ll get a new pair of basketball shoes,’” Jonathon Adams told the Press & Dakotan. “It would always be more than you could probably throw. It was hard work. I don’t think I ever won those bets.”

The lesson was to learn to set your goals high, and he always gave you the sense that you could do it, Jonathon said.

Adams was a self-starter when it came to home improvement, Jonathon said, although in the end, he often wound up calling on the professionals.

One particular time, he recalled, was in the dead of winter when the satellite dish kept going in and

Adams Recalled As Devoted Father, Caring DoctorBy: Cora Van Olson

out while the family was trying to watch television. His father decided it was necessary to get out an extension ladder and inspect the dish.

“The ladder is sitting on ice. I get up there and the satellite dish is encased in a block of ice,” Jonathon said. “So I come down, we try to take the ladder down and it slips and goes right through the living room window.”

In addition to enjoying home improvement, Adams liked cars, and when he bought one, would take the family on a “Griswold-style” vacation in the new vehicle, to Minnesota or Disney World and, once, to Washington, D.C., Jonathon said.

“He was always looking at a car,” Craig Adams told the Press & Dakotan. “He had a Corvette when he was younger, and was thinking about getting another one for the longest time, but he would never spend the money on himself.”

Though Adams was always busy with work, he was also there for his sons when needed.

“It was God, his family and then his patients,” Craig said. “That all came before him.”

Adams was often called away from family events to care for a patient or deliver a child.

“We all understood his dedication to his job,” Craig said. “Growing up, that was completely normal to me.”

Adams lost Brenda in 2003 to breast cancer, but continued to take family trips to go golfing with his sons.

“I was home when my mom was sick,” Craig said. “He was able to focus on his patients, and then focus on my mom. When she died, he was there for all of us.”

In 2005, Adams married Madonna Kilbride.

“From our first date, we knew we were going to get married,” Madonna Adams said. “The whole 17 years was a fairy tale. He gave me the best 17 years of my life.”When the end came, it came quickly and surprised his wife and children. Adams was set to be transported to Sioux Falls, but did not make it.

“I was holding his hands and he looked at me and he said, ‘I am so sorry,’” Madonna said. “I said, ‘Don’t you leave me,’ and he just looked at me and said, ‘I am so glad that you’re here.’”

Adams is survived by his wife, three sons, three step-children and 10 grandchildren.

L-R: Brent Adams, M.D., Curtis Adams, M.D., Remington Adams (Brent’s son)

L-R: Curtis Adams, M.D., Craig Adams, Jonathon Adams, M.D., Brent Adams, M.D.

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www.yanktonmedicalclinic.com Page 4 | Three New Specialists Join Yankton Medical Clinic

Page 3 | Three New Specialists Join Yankton Medical Clinic

Three New Specialists Join Yankton Medical Clinic

Martha Holstein, M.D., pediatrician and internist, has joined Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C.

Dr. Holstein holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota, and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine in Vermillion, South Dakota. She recently completed her residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Holstein chose to practice a dual specialty after having great experiences in both pediatrics and internal medicine during medical school. “I love building that long-term relationship with my patients,” Holstein explained. “As a med-peds physician, I have insight and experience with late adolescents and young adults with complex medical issues transitioning to adult care. I look forward to offering a continuum of care from newborn babies to older adults.”

“The Yankton Medical Clinic offers a high level of care and is home to a fantastic group of physicians that I’m excited to be a part of,” she continued. ”Yankton is the perfect place to raise our family and enjoy the outdoors.”

Holstein and her husband, Josh, have three children. “I love South Dakotans and Nebraskans – our heartiness, love for our neighbors and our agricultural roots. I’m a small-town South Dakota farm girl at heart.” Dr. Holstein enjoys spending time biking, hiking, boating with her family and trying new recipes.

Professionally, Dr. Holstein is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Nebraska Chapter, the American College of Physicians Nebraska Chapter and the National Med-Peds Residents Association.

Dr. Holstein joins Drs. Susan Fanta, John Frank, Tyler Hanson, Daniel Megard and Amanda Sedlacek and physician assistants Sarah Arens and Melissa Fullner-Marshall in the internal medicine department. Holstein also practices pediatrics and joins Drs. Dawn Larson, Sara Pepper, April Willman and David Withrow.

Dr. Holstein is currently accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment for either internal medicine or pediatrics call 605-665-1152.

Martha Holstein, M.D.Pediatrics & Internal Medicine

Scott Kindle, M.D.Dermatology

As a native son of Yankton, Scott Kindle, M.D., often wondered what it might be like to practice medicine in his hometown. Last spring, it became reality

when he joined the Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C.’s dermatology department.

“I grew up in Yankton and have always thought about the possibility of returning to Yankton to practice,” Dr. Kindle explained. “I was familiar with the Yankton Medical Clinic. I knew it was a great clinic with a strong reputation. It also allowed me to come home and raise my family in a great place.”’

Dr. Kindle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, followed by a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. His residency was completed at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and he has since then been practicing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

It was in those environments as a student that Dr. Kindle determined that dermatology would be his specialty.

“I first started to appreciate and understand the importance of the skin while volunteering in the burn unit in Lincoln, Nebraska, during college,” he said. “I then shadowed a dermatologist and eventually did rotations in dermatology during medical school and learned to like it more as a specialty. I enjoy the mix of general clinic visits as well as the variety of procedures we do each day. In addition, I am able to see patients of all ages.”

Dr. Kindle is board certified by the American Academy of Dermatology. Professionally, Kindle is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the South Dakota State Medical Association.

Dr. Kindle and his wife, Randi, have four children: Jadi, Ellie, Gus and Hank. The family enjoys the outdoors–boating, sports and hunting–and cheering on the Huskers and Vikings.

Dr. Kindle is currently accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment call 605-664-2741.

Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C. is pleased to welcome Dr. Jordan Schild to its roster of family medicine practitioners.

Schild attended the University of South Dakota and USD’s Sanford School of Medicine in Vermillion, South Dakota, to receive both his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and his Doctor of Medicine degree, respectively. He continued on to the University of Minnesota in Mankato, Minnesota, to complete his residency with the Mankato Family Medicine Residency Program.

Family medicine has always felt like a good fit for Dr. Schild. “I enjoy the long-term relationships, continuity of care and variety of patients family medicine offers,” he said.

Schild and his wife, Katie, have two children, Isla and Lily. He looks forward to building his practice in Yankton, a community where he and his wife are able to be close to family in a place they love and know well. In his spare time, Schild enjoys spending time with his family, playing music, smoking meats, working with computers and riding his motorcycle. He is also an avid fan of the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Twins.

Dr. Schild began seeing patients Sept. 1 and is currently accepting new patients at Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C. and Vermillion Medical Clinic. He joins Drs. David Barnes, McKenzie Hanson, Carrissa Pietz, Scott Weber, Abigail Reynolds and nurse practitioner Jennifer McGinnis in Yankton Medical Clinic’s family medicine department.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Schild call 605-665-8910 in Yankton and 605-624-8643 in Vermillion.

Jordan Schild, M.D.Family Medicine

www.yanktonmedicalclinic.com

www.yanktonmedicalclinic.com

Page 5 | Chase More. We Keep You Moving!

Page 6 | High-Level Spine Care with a Hometown Touch

For orthopedic surgeon Brent Adams, M.D., practicing medicine in Yankton was a natural choice. Adams, who has been with Yankton Medical Clinic since 2013, grew up in the River City, the son of a long-time Yankton OB-GYN, Curtis Adams, M.D.

As an electrical engineering major at South Dakota State University, Dr. Adams spent several summers working on the electronics that underlie different medical devices. After graduating from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Adams completed his orthopedics residency at the University of Kansas and went on to a spine fellowship at the Twin Cities Spine Center.

“Sometimes, I don’t feel like the word gets out that we have a fellowship-trained spine surgeon here,” says Dr. Adams, who spent three years at the Kansas Joint and Spine Institute in Wichita before coming home to Yankton. “Fellowship training is important because it raises the level of expertise beyond that of general orthopedics. All I did for an entire year was spine surgery. It really hones your skills to do the best job for patients.”

Today, about half of his orthopedic practice is devoted to the treatment of conditions of the spine, such as cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis, herniated discs, sciatica, cancer, deformities and scoliosis. Adams is the only member of the International Scoliosis Research Society in the state of South Dakota.

“My training is the same as surgeons in Sioux Falls or Sioux City,” he says. “I do scoliosis surgery, fusions, microdiscectomy, cervical surgery, tumor surgery–anything and everything for the spine.”

A new CT-based OR navigation system in Yankton helps ensure precision during spinal procedures. But Adams says there are other aspects to spine care besides surgery. Yankton has that covered, too. “We now have a pain management program in Yankton and can offer access to high quality epidural injections. Those things are here because spine care is here,” he says.

Along with his fellowship-trained orthopedic colleagues Jessica Reissig, D.O., and Jeremy Kudera, M.D., Dr. Adams says he wants to ensure that Yankton-area patients do not have to travel to get cutting-edge care. Most joint surgeries are now done on an outpatient basis, thanks to more effective pain control measures and new surgical techniques. Yankton surgeons adopted the anterior approach to total hip arthroplasty so that even these patients can go home the next day.

“We are offering the same level of subspecialty care that larger places are offering, but we have more of a hometown approach,” says Adams. “I have close relationships with our post-operative physical therapists and I talk frequently with the PTs who are working with my patients. That is a big benefit for patients and it is not possible in some places.”

High-Level Spine Care with a Hometown Touch

To make an appointment with Dr. Brent Adams in Yankton call 605-665-1722 or in Norfolk call 402-844-8110.

,

Will R. Eidsness, M.D.*

605-665-7841

+ BOARD ELIGIBLE *BOARD CERTIFIED

RADIOLOGY UROLOGY

Michael P. Pietila,M.D., FCCP, FACP*Pulmonology/Critical Care

605-665-1152

Ryan J. Garry, MD, FACS*Specializing

in General & Breast Surgery

605-664-2742

GENERAL SURGERYEAR, NOSE & THROAT

M.D.*605-664-2742

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Jeremy Kudera,M.D., ABOS*605-665-1722

Luke C. Serck, M.D.*Specializing in General &

Vascular Surgery

605-664-2742

FAMILY MEDICINEPEDIATRICS

Matthew D. Krell,MD, FAAP*

605-624-8643

Vermillion MedicalClinic Primary Care

Christopher Hathaway, M.D., Ph.D.*

605-664-2742

Whitney Delforge,CNP

605-665-1722

Steven H. Gutnik,M.D., FACP*, Associate

605-665-1722

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Micah Likness,M.D.*

605-665-0062

NEPHROLOGY ONCOLOGY/HEMATOLOGY

Byron S. Nielsen, M.D.*

605-665-1082ONCOLOGY/HEMATOLOGY

Lori A. Hansen,M.D., FACP, FCCP*605-665-1082

PULMONOLOGY

Judith R. Peterson, M.D.*

605-665-1152

PHYSICAL MED & REHAB

Amanda Sedlacek, D.O.*

605-665-1152

PALLIATIVE CARE

Michelle Chaussee,MPAS, PA-C605-624-8643

Charles C.Yelverton, MD*605-624-8643

UROLOGY

Mary LeeVillanueva, M.D.*605-665-1722

Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C. - Norfolk

Located at Fountain Point Medical Community

3901 W. Norfolk Ave.Norfolk, NE 68701

Kelly Jueden, CNP

402-316-4606

FAMILY MEDICINE

Charles Harper, M.D.

402-316-4606

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Brent Adams,M.D., ABOS*, General

Orthopedics & Spine Specialist

605-665-1722

Jessic M. Reissig,D.O., General Orthopedics

& Foot/Ankle Specialist

Dawn Lauer,MPAS, PA-C605-665-1722605-665-1722

Leann Bassing, M.D.*

605-665-1722

RHEUMATOLOGY

Amy Fluit,MPAS, PA-C605-624-8643

Purva Sharma,M.D.+

605-665-1722

Tom Viereck, CNP

605-665-1722

George Fournier, Jr., M.D., FACS*605-664-2742

David J. Barnes, M.D.*

605-665-8910

McKenzie Hanson, M.D.*

605-665-8910

Carrissa Pietz, M.D.*

605-665-8910

Abigail Reynolds,M.D.*

605-665-8910

FAMILY MEDICINE

SpecialtyCare

PrimaryCare

Kevin Bray,M.D., FACOG*605-665-5538

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Scott A.Weber, DO*Family & Sports Medicine

605-665-8910

Todd A. Farnham,Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA605-665-0062

AUDIOLOGY

Beth Beeman,Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA605-665-0062

Will C. Hurley,M.D., FACC, FACP*605-664-2741

CARDIOLOGY

Amy M. Eichfeld,M.D., FACOG*605-665-5538

Robert T. Ferrell,M.D, FACOG*605-665-5538

David W. Withrow,M.D., FAAP+605-665-5538

April K. Willman,M.D., FAAP*605-665-5538

Jordan Schild,M.D.*

605-665-8910FAMILY MEDICINE INTERNAL MEDICINE

John J. Frank, M.D.*

605-665-1082

Susan E. Fanta, M.D.*

605-665-1082INTERNAL MEDICINE

Melissa Fullner-Marshall,MPAS, PA-C605-665-1152

Tyler Hanson, M.D.*

605-665-1082

Daniel J. Megard, M.D., FACP*605-665-1152

Martha Holstein, M.D. Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

605-665-1152

Jill F. Sternquist,M.D., FACOG*605-665-5538

Tim Irwin, M.D.*, FACC*605-664-2741

DERMATOLOGY

Liz Wortmann,CNP

605-664-2741

Sara Pepper,M.D.*, FAAP605-665-5538

PEDIATRICS

Erin Wolf,Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA402-844-8110

AUDIOLOGY

Jason R. Howe,MS, FAAA, CCC-A605-665-0062

Sarah Arens,MPAS, PA-C605-665-1152

Amanda Sedlacek,D.O. Palliative Care

605-665-1152

Jennifer McGinnis,CNP

605-665-8910

Martha Holstein, M.D. Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

605-665-1152

Dawn M. Larson, M.D.+

605-665-5538

PEDIATRICS

Scott Kindle,M.D.

605-664-2741

EAR, NOSE & THROAT

David Abbott,M.D.*

605-665-0062

Page 7 | Clinic Providers

Our Providers

Page 8 | Clinic Providers

www.yanktonmedicalclinic.com

6 ft

Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length)

from other people.

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched

objects and surfaces.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the

trash and wash your hands.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Stop the Spread of Germs

cdc.gov/coronavirus316917-A August 6, 2020 7:24 PM

Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.

When in public, wear a mask over your

nose and mouth.

Page 9 | Stop the Spread of Germs

Page 10 | Strong Relationships Keep Yankton Rheumatologist Close to Home

Rheumatologist Leann Bassing has strong ties to Yankton, having grown up in the community of 15,000; she even chose to return to her hometown to practice at Yankton Medical Clinic and raise her own kids. Today, Dr. Bassing is one of five doctors from her medical class to settle in Yankton.

“I think I always knew I would come back home,” says Dr. Bassing. “Yankton is the perfect sized community. It’s close to larger towns, I still get to see my family and best friends from high school, and I know many of my patients personally. It is the ideal place for me.”

Bassing says a high school program on health care careers first sparked her interest in medicine. She studied psychology at the University of Nebraska and went on to medical school at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine. After an internal medicine residency in Vermillion - and a brief flirtation with geriatrics - she returned to University of Nebraska Medical Center for a fellowship in rheumatology.

“I really considered doing a fellowship in geriatrics, but I ultimately landed in rheumatology, which is the right fit,” says Bassing. “I still get to take care of a lot of patients in that older population, but I enjoy working on a number of complicated rheumatological conditions, too.”

One aspect of rheumatology that was particularly appealing to Dr. Bassing is the chronic nature of many of the conditions she treats. Conditions such as systemic vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus often require complex planning and ongoing care that Bassing finds both challenging and rewarding.

“Lupus, in particular, is different in every patient who has it and can require aggressive treatment,” says Dr. Bassing. “I really like the fact that I am going to work with many of my patients for the rest of their lives. That is more fulfilling to me than seeing a person once or twice.”

Dr. Bassing has special interest in rheumatoid arthritis, a complex condition that affects 1-2% percent of the population.

“Because it is so common, there is always a lot of new research on rheumatoid arthritis and in rheumatology in general,” says Dr. Bassing. “The field is always pushing to advance, looking for better treatments and treatments that are better tolerated. This is great from a physician standpoint because it gives me a lot of options.”

As much as she enjoys complexity, Dr. Bassing says simple can be gratifying, too.

“I love treating gout, which is a pretty simple form of arthritis,” she says. “It is easy to confirm and it is great to be able to tell your patient that you can definitely make them feel better. A lot of times, gout patients are in a lot of pain.”

Whether the condition she is confronting is complex or straightforward, Dr. Bassing says the ability to consult with other specialists on-site is an invaluable aspect of working at Yankton Medical Clinic.

“If I need to talk about a patient with nephritis, I can just walk downstairs and talk to a nephrologist in five minutes,” says Bassing. “Another example is ulcerative colitis. These patients can develop inflammatory arthritis and I get to work with the gastroenterologist in the office right next to mine. The level of coordinated care here is just so efficient. It is a huge benefit to patients.”

Despite working in a relatively small area, Bassing says she never feels isolated or out of touch with advances in rheumatology. She attends symposiums and reads journals, follows American College of Rheumatology guidelines and maintains ties with her rheumatology colleagues at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and at Avera in Sioux Falls.

“I feel fortunate because rheumatology is a relatively small group and we all tend to know each other,” she says. “I always feel like any of us could call the other any time we need to.”

Those relationships allow Dr. Bassing to live, work and raise her family in the community she loves.

Strong Relationships Keep Yankton Rheumatologist Close to Home

For Care C lose to Your Home.We provide speciality Care in 17 locations outside Yankton.

Did you know there are 17 locations besides Yankton for seeing our outreach speciality care physicians? Our locations listed below may help you save miles, so make your appointment in advance for greater convenience.

South DakotaOUTREACH LOCATIONS

NebraskaOUTREACH LOCATIONS

Freeman, SDFreeman Regional Health Services605-925-4129 • Jill F. Sternquist, M.D., FACOG Obstetrics/Gynecology

Gregory, SDAvera Gregory Hospital605-835-8394 • Kevin Bray, M.D., FACOG Obstetrics/Gynecology

Parkston, SDAvera St. Benedict Hospital & Clinic605-928-3311 • Michael P. Pietila, M.D., FCCP, FACP Pulmonology • Micah Likness, M.D. Ear, Nose & Throat

Scotland, SDLandmann-Jungma Memorial Hospital605-583-2227 • Luke C. Serck, M.D. General & Vascular Surgery

Tyndall, SDBon Homme Family Practice Clinic605-589-3322 • Brent Adams, M.D. Orthopedic Surgery • Robert T. Ferrell, M.D., FACOG Obstetrics/Gynecology • Ryan J. Garry, M.D., FACS General & Breast Surgery

Creighton, NECreighton Area Health Services402-358-5700 • Kevin Bray, M.D., FACOG Obstetrics/Gynecology • Lori A. Hansen, M.D., FACP, FACCP Pulmonology • Jesse Kampsho�, M.D. General Surgery • Michael P. Pietila, M.D., FCCP, FACP Pulmonology

Norfolk, NEYankton Medical Clinic, P.C - NorfolkLocated at Fountain Point Medical CommunitySpeciality Clinic402-844-8110 • David Abbott, M.D.; Micah Likness, M.D.; Ear, Nose & Throat • Ryan Garry, M.D. General & Breast Surgery • Leann Bassing, M.D. Rheumatology • Michael Pietila, M.D. Pulmonology • Brent Adams, M.D. (General Orthopedics & Spine Specialist); Jessica Reissig, D.O. (General Orthopedics & Foot/Ankle Specialist) Orthopedics • Christopher Hathaway, M.D., Ph.D. Urology

Tyndall, SD (cont.) • Jeremy Kudera, M.D., ABOS Orthopedic Surgery

Wagner, SDBubak Medical Clinic605-384-5457 • Kevin Bray, M.D., FACOG Obstetrics/Gynecology • Luke C. Serck, M.D. General & Vascular Surgery

Wagner Community Hospital • Will C. Hurley, M.D., FACC Cardiology 605-664-2741 • Byron S. Nielsen, M.D. Nephrology 605-665-1082 • Brent Adams, M.D., ABOS Orthopedic Surgery 605-665-1722

Wagner Indian Health System605-384-3621 • Amy M. Eichfeld, M.D., FACOG Obstetrics/Gynecology

Vermillion, SDOlson Medical Clinic605-624-5666 • Lori A. Hansen, M.D., FACP, FACCP Pulmonology

Vermillion Medical Clinic605-624-8643 • George R. Fournier, Jr., M.D., FACS Urology • Lori A. Hansen, M.D., FACP, FACCP Pulmonology • Jason Howe, MS, FAAA, CCC-A Audiology • Jesse L. Kampsho�, M.D. General Surgery

Vermillion, SD (cont.) • Jeremy Kudera, M.D., ABOS Orthopedic Surgery • Bryon S. Nielson, M.D. Nephrology • Jill F. Sternquist, M.D., FACOG Obstetrics/Gynecology

O’Neill, NEAvera St. Anthony’s Hospital Specialty Clinic402-336-5122 • Kevin Bray, M.D., FACOG Obstetrics/Gynecology • Amanda Sedlacek, D.O. Palliative Care • Michael P. Pietila, M.D., FCCP, FACP Pulmonology • Bryon Nielson, M.D. Nephrology • Luke C. Serck, M.D. General & Vascular Surgery • Mary Lee Villanueva, M.D. Oncology/Hematology

Osmond, NEOsmond General Hospital402-748-3393 • Jesse L. Kampsho�, M.D. General Surgery • Michael P. Pietila, M.D., FCCP, FACP Pulmonology

Plainview, NEPlainview Area Health System402-582-4245 • Jesse L. Kampsho�, M.D. General Surgery • Lori A. Hanson, M.D., FACP, FACCP Pulmonology • Byron S. Nielsen, M.D. Nephrology

Santee, NESantee Outreach Clinic402-857-2300 • Kevin Bray, M.D., FACOG Obstetrics/Gynecology • Sara Pepper, M.D. Pediatrics

www.yanktonmedicalclinic.com

The key to staying healthy during this cold and flu season is prevention, and the best way to do that is to get your flu shot today. They can be given at your doctor’s office or pharmacy and are covered by most insurances. Anyone over the age of 6 months should get vaccinated for influenza every year. Getting a flu shot this year is even more important because of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Getting COVID-19 and influenza at the same time, also called coinfection, can be deadlier than either infection alone.

Here are some common excuses why people do not get the flu shot:

• You are healthy and you do not need the flu shot. FALSE. More than 24,000 people died last year from influenza, some of which were healthy people without underlying medical problems. Many of these deaths could have been prevented by a simple flu shot. If you do not want to get the flu shot for yourself, get it for the ones around you who are at highest risk including your children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, nieces, nephews, pregnant women and coworkers.

• You get sick from the flu shot. FALSE. It cannot cause influenza, though you can get some minor aches and a low grade fever. The chance of a severe reaction is literally one in a million. The benefits of the vaccine far outweighs that risk. Those with an egg allergy also no longer need a special vaccine.

• Vaccines cause autism. FALSE. Some people claim that thimerosal (a mercury containing preservative in some vaccines) causes autism. Multiple scientific studies have shown no link between thimerosal, or any other vaccine component, and autism. Even though it is safe, none of the flu vaccines given at Yankton Medical Clinic contain thimerosal.

Influenza causes the abrupt onset of fever, cough, body aches and fatigue. If you have any of these symptoms,

Page 12 | Don’t Delay Getting Your Flu Shot

stay home! You do not want to spread the virus to others. These symptoms are similar to other viruses such as COVID-19, so you should contact your doctor to see if testing is warranted. Influenza is spread by respiratory droplets so always cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough and wash your hands frequently. Wearing a mask is highly recommended because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but this should greatly reduce the spread of influenza as well.

Although there are treatments available for influenza, they are not recommended for everyone. The medications need to be started within 48 hours of the onset of illness to be most effective and only shorten the duration of illness by about 24 hours. The medications can also cause side effects such as stomach upset, headache and even hallucinations. Usually these risks outweigh the benefit. Treatment is recommended for high risk patients such as children under the age of 5, pregnant women, adults over the age of 65 and those of all ages with chronic medical conditions. Talk to your doctor to see if treatment is right for you.

Flu season is already underway–come see us today at Yankton Medical Clinic to get your flu shot and get protected for this influenza season.

www.YanktonMedicalClinic.com/flu

Don’t Delay Getting Your Flu Shot

Page 11 | For Care Close to Your Home

By: Abigail Reynolds, M.D.

www.yanktonmedicalclinic.com

Patient Portal Allows 24/7 Access to Health Information

Securely access your health information online in a few easy steps.

You can:• Securely communicate with your health care provider

• Request appointments and view upcoming appointments

• Manage medication re�lls and view list of medications

• Get immmediate access to immunization history

• View lab results and a summary of your o�ce visit after physician signs o� on report

• Review your past medical history and family history for accuracy

• Request medical records without additional paperwork

Getting started is easy:• Go to www.YanktonMedicalClinic.com

• Click on “Patient Portal” at the top of the page

• Click on “Let’s Get Started” to create a new account (each adult account needs a unique email address)

• Complete the �elds and follow the prompts

• Enter the PIN provided by the clinic – any receptionist or the portal help desk can provide you with a PIN

• Click box to agree to terms and conditions

To add a child pro�le:

On the Go

• Log in to your Patient Portal account

• Click “Account” in the upper right corner

• Select “Add a child/dependent account”

Download the Patient Portal app on the App Store or Google Play by searching “InteliChart.” The app does have limited functions, but you can view all functions of the portal on a desktop or laptop.

Questions?The help desk is available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer any questions you may have about the Patient Portal. Call 605-665-7841, ext. 2229.

• Enter PIN and date of birth (PIN required for each patient)

Page 13 | Yankton Medical Clinic Deploys Patient Surveys

If you have had an office or telehealth visit with a provider at the Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C. - Ear, Nose & Throat, Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C. - Norfolk, Yankton Medical Clinic (YMC) or Vermillion Medical Clinic recently, you have likely received a patient satisfaction survey to complete after your visit.

YMC has contracted with survey company Rater8, a leader in health care reputation management, to elicit patient feedback for their experiences at the clinics. Patients can expect an email or text message with five short questions asking for their feedback after each visit. One question is about the provider they’ve seen, and the other four are randomly chosen from a pool of questions. After an initial five questions, some patients are asked to rate and leave a review of their provider and experience on a variety of online platforms like Google, Facebook, Vitals or Healthgrades. Patients won’t receive multiple surveys if they’ve made multiple visits within a specific time period.

Even in its short time span of implementation–approximately seven months–the clinic’s average score is 4.8 on a 5-point scale with more than 13,000 ratings to date. This score is above the average rating of other Rater8 clients.

“The feedback we’ve received thus far is wonderful,” explained clinic Chief Operations Officer Becky McManus. “As the clinic continuously evaluates processes and services, we hope to identify areas for improvement that we may not have seen previously. We will use the feedback to make updates or changes, if necessary, to make each visit the best possible experience.”

In addition to leaving ratings and feedback, patients may check the Rater8 website to read reviews of YMC providers by visiting www.yanktonmedicalclinic.com/find-a-provider/, looking up a provider and clicking on “view my bio.” Reviews are displayed on each provider’s profile.

Yankton Medical Clinic Deploys Patient Surveys

Page 14 | Patient Portal Allows 24/7 Access to Health Information

We welcome your feedback!

Watch for our survey from rater8

Please leave a review

1104 West 8th StreetYankton, SD 57078

NameAddress

City, State

101 S. Plum St.Vermillion, SD 57069

605-624-8643Regular Clinic Hours:

Monday - Friday 8 a.m - 5 p.m.ConvenientCare Hours:

Monday - Friday 5 - 7 p.m.Telehealth available after hours

at 605-665-7841

1104 West 8th St.Yankton, SD 57078

605-665-7841Regular Clinic Hours:

Monday - Friday 8 a.m - 5:30 p.m.Saturday 8:30 a.m. - NoonConvenientCare Hours:

Monday - Friday 5 - 8 p.m.Saturday Noon - 3 p.m.Sunday Noon - 5 p.m.

2525 Fox Run Parkway, Suite 101Yankton, SD 57078

605-665-0062Regular Clinic Hours:

Monday - Friday8 a.m - 5 p.m.

3901 W. Norfolk Avenue Norfolk, NE 68701

Specialty Clinic - 402-844-8110Audiology – Ear, Nose & Throat – General Surgery

Orthopedics – Pulmonology – Rheumatology – Urology

Internal Medicine & Family Medicine402-316-4606

Regular Clinic Hours:Monday - Friday

8 a.m - 5 p.m.

www.YanktonMedicalClinic.com