Building Local Community Through Arts, Cultural, and Recreational Events, and the Exchange of Goods and Services
In this episode of Your Health, WinnMed’s Erik Brink, D.O., and Emplify Health by Gundersen’s Chris Winters, M.D., discuss robotic-assisted surgery: how it works, common misconceptions, and most importantly, how robotic-assisted surgery benefits patients.
WinnMed is pleased to welcome Ben Krouse-Gagne as the new Director of Foundation.
Ben brings a wealth of experience in philanthropy and community engagement, having spent over a decade building strong donor relationships and leading successful fundraising initiatives. Most recently, he served as Senior Development Officer at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) Alumni & Friends Foundation, where played a key role in generating significant philanthropic support by managing the Planned Giving program, serving as the liaison to the College of Science & Health, and leading multiple strategic fundraising initiatives.
Nearer to home, Ben served as the Director of Community Engagement at Helping Services for Youth & Families, where he partnered with individuals, businesses and organizations to provide local support for those in need. He and his wife, Christina, an Occupational Therapist at WinnMed, live in Decorah with their two young children.
“I’m thrilled to join the WinnMed Foundation at a moment of real momentum, with the chance to help turn that energy into transformative healthcare for our region,” says Krouse-Gagne. “Strengthening community health and expanding access to exceptional care are deeply important to me, and I’m eager to work alongside the WinnMed Foundation Board to build relationships, elevate our mission, and mobilize the support that will shape the future of care here.”
The WinnMed Foundation, a 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization, partners with donors who value community service by providing impactful ways to support local healthcare. The Director of Foundation leads their philanthropic strategy alongside the Foundation Board and in coordination with the WinnMed leadership team. Recent Foundation initiatives include the Transforming Tomorrow expansion naming opportunities for WinnMed’s new Clinic and Obstetric spaces. This momentum also extends to strengthening surgical services and building permanent endowments that will support WinnMed’s mission in perpetuity, ensuring exceptional care for generations across the region.
Steve Slessor, WinnMed Chief Administrative Officer, says, “The WinnMed Foundation has done excellent work to support our organization over the years and with the recent success of our naming opportunities for Transforming Tomorrow, there is great momentum moving forward. Ben was clearly the right candidate with his background to help take our foundation to the next level and match potential donors with areas they are passionate about.”
The WinnMed Foundation Board is comprised of community leaders who volunteer their time, knowledge, compassion and resources toward serving the healthcare needs of WinnMed patients. Current board members: Kerbie Dahlen, President; Mike Huinker, Vice President; Jennifer Harman, Secretary/Treasurer; Jim Burns, Rick Burras, Richard Gaard, Karla Hageman, John Heying, Erick Kephart, Kelly Sorenson, Eric Svestka, M.D., Steve Slessor, WinnMed Chief Administrative Officer (Ex Officio); and Ben Krouse-Gagne, WinnMed Foundation Director.
To reach the WinnMed Foundation, call 563-387-3129 or email [email protected].
WinnMed is pleased to welcome Cole Puffer, M.D., to its medical team. Joining the practice the end of April, Dr. Puffer provides family medicine care for patients of all ages in the clinical setting and serves as a hospitalist, caring for inpatients during their hospital stay.
Originally from southeast Minnesota, Dr. Puffer spent his undergraduate years in Decorah where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Luther College. He went on to medical school at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus prior to moving to the west coast for a family medicine residency through Cascades East Family Medicine Residency, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Since completion, he has provided clinical and inpatient medical care through Sky Lakes Medical Center, alongside his teaching responsibilities for OHSU. Dr. Puffer is certified with the American Board of Family Medicine.
Dr. Puffer returns to Decorah with his wife, Devon – originally from Decorah and a fellow Luther College alum – and their young daughter. His medical interests include health policy and health systems work, community health and wellness, pediatric care, education, and preventive medicine.
“I provide person-centered care for people of all ages, including newborn and pediatric care, preventive care, and geriatric care,” says Dr. Puffer. “I take a collaborative approach and value each patient’s perspective. I’m glad to be returning to the Driftless area after completing my training out west. Outside of work, I enjoy woodworking, literature, and spending time outdoors with my wife, daughter, and our border collie.”
Family medicine, also known as primary care, is a medical specialty dedicated to providing comprehensive and continuous care for individuals and families of all ages, genders, and health conditions. Family medicine providers serve as the first point of contact for patients, playing a vital role in preventive care, chronic disease management, and overall wellness. By building long-term relationships, they ensure personalized care and coordinate with specialists when needed. At WinnMed, physicians and advanced practice providers deliver primary care services in Decorah, as well as in outreach locations including Ossian, Mabel and campus clinics at Luther College and Upper Iowa University, serving the college population.
To make an appointment with Dr. Puffer call 563-382-2911 or request an appointment through MyChart.
In this episode of Your Health, Licensed Mental Health Counselor Katie Greving talks about the challenges of going off to college.
WinnMed has awarded Home Health & Hospice nurse, Jennifer Nahl, RN, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, a national recognition celebrating nurses who deliver exceptional care.
Nominated by a patient’s loved one, Jennifer was recognized for the extraordinary compassion, honesty and unwavering support she provided to the patient and his family during his final months. She offered comfort through her gentle presence, genuine kindness, and intuitive understanding of his needs, while also uplifting the family. Jennifer built meaningful connections by listening intently to the patient’s favorite stories and memories, helping him feel valued and understood. Her clear, honest communication fostered trust, ensured the family felt fully informed and honored the patient’s wishes. Through her dedication, empathy, and exceptional care, Jennifer brought dignity and peace during the family’s most vulnerable moments, leaving an immeasurable and lasting impact. Jennifer has been a member of the WinnMed team since 2010.
The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP in 1999. During his hospitalization, they deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family. When he died, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way.
Anyone may thank a deserving nurse. To nominate an extraordinary WinnMed nurse, fill out the online form here.
At their January 2026 meeting, the WinnMed Board of Trustees approved the transition of Thomas Marquardt, D.P.M., from Mayo Clinic Health System to WinnMed employment, effective in February 2026. Dr. Marquardt will continue in his role as Chief Medical Officer, supporting all physician groups at WinnMed while also providing podiatric clinical and surgical care alongside his administrative responsibilities.
As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Marquardt reports directly to the Board of Trustees, alongside Steve Slessor, Chief Administrative Officer.
“The physician-administrative leadership dyad model has served the organization well over the last 20 years and has helped us get to where we are today. This transition supports WinnMed’s regional hub strategy for future growth as we continue to recruit providers and expand services across the region,” said Clark Goltz, chair of the WinnMed Board of Trustees. “Dr. Marquardt’s ongoing leadership and clinical expertise are invaluable as we look to the future.”
A graduate of Luther College, Dr. Marquardt received his podiatric medical degree from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, a program within the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago. He was in private practice for nine years in the Milwaukee area, working closely with and training residents at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, and joined Mayo Clinic Health System in 2006. In addition to his medical and surgical practice, he has served Decorah Clinic Physicians as Vice President for Practice and Professional Development for approximately 10 years and as Specialty Medical Director since 2015. He was appointed Chief Medical Officer in 2020.
Dr. Marquardt expressed appreciation for both the personal and professional relationships built through Mayo Clinic Health System. “I value the collaboration and support I’ve experienced over the years,” said Dr. Marquardt. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with MCHS and our teams locally to advance patient care and strengthen services for the communities we serve.”
WinnMed is proud to announce a major investment in the future of surgical care with the acquisition of a da Vinci 5 Robotic Surgical System, state-of-the-art technology that will bring advanced, minimally invasive procedures to patients in northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota and surrounding communities. This newest model of the da Vinci system is just the second in Iowa, following University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
The da Vinci system is widely regarded as the gold standard in robotic-assisted surgery. It allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision, flexibility, and control through small incisions, resulting in less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times for patients.
“This is a significant step forward for WinnMed and the communities we serve,” said Steve Slessor, chief administrative officer, WinnMed. “The da Vinci robot represents a transformative investment in surgical care, and we are excited to bring this level of innovation to the northeast Iowa region.”
The system is housed in one of WinnMed’s newly constructed operating rooms, specifically designed to accommodate robotic technology through the Transforming Tomorrow renovation and expansion project.
Surgeons from all the Decorah medical practices will use the robot to perform certain surgeries at WinnMed. In 2025, general surgeons Erik Brink, D.O., with WinnMed, Caroline Schwickerath, D.O., with Mayo Clinic Health System, and Chris Winters, M.D., with Emplify Health by Gundersen will begin robotic surgery, with additional surgeons utilizing the technology in 2026.
Dr. Brink shares, “Robotic-assisted surgery allows us to perform procedures with greater accuracy and less trauma to the body. For patients, this means quicker recovery times and fewer complications. I’m thrilled to bring this level of care to our community and to be part of WinnMed’s commitment to innovation.” Dr. Brink was introduced to da Vinci technology in 2009 during his medical education and residency and then, following his service in the United States Navy, reengaged with the system. He has been providing robotic surgery since 2023 and was instrumental in bringing the technology to WinnMed in Decorah when he joined the medical practice in spring of 2025.
Dr. Winters, M.D., says, “I am more than excited to offer modern robotic-assisted procedures to my patients in northeast Iowa. Robotic-assisted surgery allows for complex procedures to be performed precisely through small incisions allowing patients an opportunity for a better outcome, faster recovery, and less discomfort.”
The da Vinci 5 system supports a wide range of procedures, including hernia repairs, gallbladder removal, colorectal procedures, and treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It may also be used in urologic and gynecologic surgeries, depending on patient needs and future service expansion.
In partnership with Luther College, WinnMed is enhancing mental health support for students by introducing Licensed Mental Health Counselor Katie Greving to the Luther Clinic team. Greving will provide Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) services full-time on campus, offering students convenient access to care within their familiar environment.
IBH is a short-term treatment (12 or fewer therapy visits) that combines medical and behavioral services to address overall health and well-being and is aimed at helping the patient build coping skills, reduce symptoms of distress, or reach specific behavioral goals.
Greving brings more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa and her Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of Nebraska. She is an active member of the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association and the American Mental Health Counselors Association, serves on the State of Iowa’s Dyslexia Board, and leads Decoding Dyslexia Iowa, a nonprofit advocating for students with learning disabilities.
“I have spent most of my career working in college mental health and am thrilled to be at Luther,” said Greving. “Life can be stressful, and my goal is to be a safe and supportive resource for students as they navigate their college experiences.” Her professional interests include the impact of social media on mental health, supporting college athletes, and assisting individuals with learning disabilities.
The Luther Clinic, located in Larsen Hall on the Luther College campus, provides year-round student health services, including routine, preventive, acute and ongoing health care services, as well as sports medicine services for Norse athletes.
The WinnMed Auxiliary invites the community to celebrate the season of giving through the 2025 Light for Life program.
Light for Life is the Auxiliary’s annual community giving campaign. For a donation of $15 or more, your loved one is honored or remembered with lighted snowflakes in the windows of WinnMed. The snowflakes light up WinnMed each night in December.
This year’s WinnMed Auxiliary Light for Life campaign will support the Ambulance department with the purchase of an Electric Patient Lift Chair, a critical tool that allows staff to safely assist patients who have fallen or need help transferring. This equipment not only reduces the physical strain on EMS staff but also provides patients with a more comfortable and dignified experience during lifts and transfers.
Light for Life donations will also support the WinnMed Wound Center with the purchase of an EZ Way Smart Stand, a device designed to promote stability, reduce fall risks, and support safe ambulation and pivot transfers. By offering controlled assistance, the Smart Stand helps patients maintain mobility while ensuring staff can provide care with greater confidence and safety.
Donations may be made at WinnMed or forms are available on the Auxiliary page through December 31, 2025. Contributions are tax deductible.
For further information, contact the WinnMed Auxiliary at 563-387-3036.
Expert Advice from Michael D’Netto, M.D.
If you’re experiencing unexplained sneezing, rashes, or breathing issues, allergy testing can help identify the cause—and lead to lasting relief. At WinnMed in Decorah, Michael D’Netto, M.D., a Mayo Clinic Health System board-certified Allergist and Immunologist, offers comprehensive allergy evaluations to pinpoint triggers and personalize treatment.
Here’s how to prepare for your appointment to ensure the most accurate results:
1. Stop Taking Antihistamines
Antihistamines can interfere with skin test results. Dr. D’Netto recommends stopping:
“Stopping antihistamines before testing is crucial,” says Dr. D’Netto. “They can block the skin’s reaction and lead to false negative results. However if these medications cannot be stopped, blood testing, which is not impacted by antihistamines, can be considered.”
2. Noting to East or Drink, Except Water
At least two hours prior to the appointment, Dr. D’Netto recommends nothing to eat or drink – except water – so the allergy testing is performed on a largely empty stomach.
3. No Vigorous Activity
Vigorous exercise can alter the body’s reaction and interfere with test results. Avoid vigorous activity for at least one hour prior to testing.
4. Bring a Symptom Diary
Note when your symptoms occur, what you were exposed to, and any patterns you’ve noticed. This helps guide which allergens to test.
5. List All Medications
Bring a list of all medications and supplements you’re taking. Some may need to be adjusted before testing.
6. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Wear short sleeves or loose-fitting clothes to allow easy access to your arms or back for testing.
What to Expect
Dr. D’Netto will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and conduct skin or blood tests based on your symptoms. Allergy skin test results are available the same day.
“Allergy testing is safe, quick, and incredibly helpful,” Dr. D’Netto adds. “It’s the first step toward feeling better and taking control of your health.”
Make an appointment
Dr. D’Netto is accepting new patients at WinnMed in Decorah. Call WinnMed at 563-382-2911 or request an appointment online through WinnMed’s online portal, MyChart.