Author: Winneshiek Medical Center

Svestka’s

Kent Svestka, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System Emergency Medicine Physician at Winneshiek Medical Center, 1994-1997, 2005 – current with his son, Eric Svestka, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System Family Medicine Physician at WMC, 2020 – current.

Even as a young child, Eric Svestka noticed the “thing” his dad did for work was impactful to others. He recalls family outings where a member of the community would come up to thank his dad. Eric says, “I always knew Dad was a helper. People appreciated what he did and would stop us to share their gratitude for helping them through a challenging time.” Eric was a beneficiary of his dad’s help on more than one occasion growing up. He says, “I remember the time I flipped on my bike and broke my arm. I was in pain, and then Dad showed up. He crafted splints from old carpet pieces to stabilize my bones before heading to the hospital, but it was more his calm demeanor than his actions that comforted me.”

Although he considered other careers, Eric always returned to the idea of being a physician. He says, “I drew a picture of me dressed up in a doctor’s coat in Kindergarten – spiky blond hair and all! Being a
physician has always been the plan at some level!”

Kent says, “Eric really honed in his plan to become a physician later in high school and into college. He had the mental aptitude to complete the schooling followed by the desire to achieve it. I felt very proud for choosing the medical career, understanding his commitment and compassion toward others.”

Eric did not immediately identify his path within the medical field. He says, “At medical school we were encouraged to specialize. However, I grew up with and was surrounded by the idea that a person’s doctor was their go-to for everything. When exploring specialties, I found I missed treating the ‘whole’ person and found myself gravitating toward family medicine.” Kent adds, “I encouraged him to find a specialty that appealed to him, and to settle in a place that would make his family happy.”

Following residency, Eric practiced in Florida for six years before life brought him back to Decorah. He says, “I was working in a private practice in Florida and developed interest in improving the systems in which medical care is delivered. Mayo Clinic Health System as a whole aligned with my values and evolving interests. About this same time, an opportunity opened in Decorah and the rest fell into place.”

In 2020, Eric and his family returned to their hometown. He says, “It’s wonderful to raise my family here – in the community Megan and I grew up in.” Joining the same medical practice as his father was an added benefit. Eric adds, “Patients see my dad in the Emergency Department, then care transfers to me for follow up or hospital care. Some patients joke they ‘get both Svestkas’ for care! I like having Dad here, and the other physicians he has practiced with for years. I feel that having a multi-generational practice brings depth and understanding to the practice as a whole. We learn from each other.”

Locke/Mark

Kevin Locke, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System Family Medicine Physician at Winneshiek Medical Center, 1989 – 2022 with his daughter Anna Mark, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System Family Medicine Physician at Winneshiek Medical Center, 2021 – current.

Anna (Locke) Mark knew early on that when her dad was working late, he was doing so to help people.  Kevin Locke, M.D., has been a family medicine physician in Decorah since 1989.  Her mother, Mini, is also a health care provider, and Anna grew up experiencing a family life centered on caring for others, around-the-clock.

 “When Anna was in grade school,” Kevin says, “I remember coming home late again and the kids asking why. I explained that some health issues are difficult situations and it can be hard to decide the right thing to do. Anna said, ‘But Dad, your job is easy. If someone has a headache, give them a headache pill, if they have a stomachache, give them a stomachache pill.’  To her, at that time in her life, solutions were simple and my job was solely to help people feel better.”

Anna’s plan to enter into the medical field evolved over time.  She says, “Initially, I did not want to go into medicine because of the demanding nature I had seen from the profession as a kid. Over time though, my views changed. I realized being a doctor meant I would be able to continuously learn, use critical thinking skills/decision making, and also help people through a respected profession.” 

Kevin recalls the night Anna made the announcement to her parents.  “February of her freshman year at college, it started as a routine phone call. Then quietly came the confession…  in spite of ignoring and redirecting her feelings, she couldn’t deny it anymore and was going to be a doctor.” He adds, “After the initial shock, we were proud and joyful. My wife and I feel it is a great way to serve our fellow man, and now Anna shares in that.”

Anna graduated from University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, and received her Doctor of Medicine degree from University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, IA. She completed her family medicine residency at Genesis Quad Cities Family Medicine in Davenport, IA.  As she completed her medical education, Anna and her husband, Alex, set their sights back on Decorah.  She says, “We wanted to stay in Iowa and be close to family. I liked the idea of working with my dad because he has always been supportive and I fully believe having a multi-generation practice makes me a better physician.  I think family medicine has changed over the years and we have a lot to learn from the generations before us.”

After 33 years in medicine, Kevin is retiring this December.  The piece of advice he leaves for Anna is a 1927 quote he read many years ago from Dr. Francis Peabody: For the secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient. Kevin says, “Dr. Peabody’s quote has been a powerful and centering concept in my career, and what was true nearly 100 years ago still rings true today. Anna did several rotations with me in her education journey and I repeated and demonstrated this concept frequently. It’s the best advice I can give her, and after practicing with her this past year, it is apparent she is already there. Anna is deeply dedicated to her patients.”

Winneshiek Medical Center is pleased to welcome Bethany Stevens, ARNP. Bethany will be providing advanced wound care to patients in the new Wound Center located in the North Building on the WMC campus in Decorah. WMC anticipates the Wound Center will be open to patients in January.

The Wound Center is a specialized service offering patients access to the latest techniques and procedures for the best chance for healing wounds in an outpatient setting. Along with Bethany, care will be provided by Dr. Schwickerath, who is a board certified wound specialist physician in addition to her general surgery specialty at WMC. Dr. Schwickerath achieved this certification through the American Board of Wound Management.

Bethany received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Allen College in Waterloo, IA. Since 2015, she has been providing wound care to patients in Independence, IA at Buchanan County Health Center.

“I’m looking forward to expanding this specialty service to our region,” shares Bethany. “I have seen first-hand the stress and burden carried by those living with a chronic wound. And I have also witnessed the impact that wound healing brings. That’s why I chose this specialty — to help patients heal and get back to living again.”

To learn more about the services and treatment modalities at Winneshiek Medical Center’s new Wound Center visit WMC Wound Center or call 563-382-2911.

Mike Vermace of Decorah was not surprised to learn he would need a knee replacement.  Having experienced multiple athletic injuries in his youth, Mike endured years of sporadic pain and tenderness.   An episode of excessive swelling of his left knee prompted Mike to pursue treatment.

“I came to Winneshiek Medical Center to address the swelling and saw Dr. Emily Connor in the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Department.  She told me that I could continue to manage the symptoms, but to truly experience relief, I should consider replacing my knee joints,” he says. Emily Connor, M.D., is a Mayo Clinic Health System orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon who practices full time at Winneshiek Medical Center. 

Winneshiek Medical Center Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provides:

• Total Knees
• Total Hips
• Total Shoulders
• Knee Scopes
• Shoulder Scopes
• ACL Reconstruction
• Rotator Cuff Repair
• Basic Trauma (wrist, hip, ankle fracture, etc.)
• Hand Procedures (cysts, carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, CMC arthroplasty, etc.)
• Pediatrics

Mike soon scheduled the first surgery with hopes that his right knee would be replaced as soon as would be feasible.  He says, “As an elective procedure, I had the flexibility to schedule the procedure when it worked for my family.  When I was ready, I called to schedule my surgical consult and was seen by Dr. Connor the very next day.”

Most joint replacements at Winneshiek Medical Center are scheduled 3-4 weeks after the consult to allow time for pre-operative appointments and education.  Mike started with a class called Joint Expectations. He says, “The Joint Expectations class answered all my questions and addressed any ‘unknowns’ I had.  After that class, I was ready for my surgery and confident to be able recover successfully at home,” says Mike.

Mike’s surgery went smoothly and his overnight stay revealed an unexpected benefit of receiving care at WMC.  He says, “The transition from surgery to recovery to hospital nursing and therapy was different than I had ever experienced at other locations from numerous past surgeries.  The communication and flow of information from one caregiver to another was above my expectations.  All my nurses knew my pain control preferences and had listened when I shared I always feel cold after surgery.  They had warm blankets waiting for me.  The communication chain was excellent.  There was no ambiguity and I was a person, not a protocol.”

Mike has resumed activities he’s been unable to enjoy for decades. He says, “I loved taking long hikes, but over the years, have gradually avoided them because of the potential for knee pain.”

Mike chose to receive his post-operative physical therapy from Winneshiek Medical Center Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine with physical therapist Judd Landers.  “The coordination between Dr. Connor and Judd during physical therapy was very clear.  She was monitoring my progress and Judd communicated her feedback to me at therapy appointments.  Again, in comparison to my past surgeries, Dr. Connor’s post-operative engagement was unexpected and wonderful,” says Mike.

Mike has resumed activities he’s been unable to enjoy for decades.  He says, “I loved taking long hikes, but over the years, have gradually avoided them because of the potential for knee pain.”  Mike adds, “If I could name the two overarching positives from my knee replacement, I would say the first is that I could schedule surgery for when it worked for me, and the second is that I have a renewed ability to do the things I love.” 

Following such a positive experience and successful outcome, Mike has scheduled his second knee replacement with Dr. Connor.  He says, “The quality of care, convenient location, and my confidence in the people and processes has led me to have my right knee replaced at Winneshiek Medical Center with Dr. Connor.  I am able to get everything I need right here at a facility that rivals, and at times, exceeds, the level of care in larger or specialized facilities.”

Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah is accepting new patients. You do not need a referral. For an appointment, call 563-382-2911.

The public is invited to preorder Christmas Dinner meals from Winneshiek Medical Center. Meals will be available for curb side pick up in parking lot E, door E-1 on WMC’s Decorah campus. Orders for pick up are available every 15 minutes on Sunday, December 25, 2022 between 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Please select the “clock” icon in your cart to change the time of your pickup. “There is limited availability for each time slot, so be sure to book early,” shares Chad Wurtzel, nutrition services supervisor at Winneshiek Medical Center. “If you’re preferred time does not appear when booking your order this simply means that time is full.”

The dinner will include honey glazed baked ham, garlic mashed potatoes, whole green beans, corn casserole, coleslaw, dinner roll, cranberry sauce, and apple pie. Each meal will be individually plated, and costs $12. “This is the first time we’ve had to make a change to our menu,” shares Wurtzel. “Ham is being served rather than turkey this year due to the turkey shortage, and supplier issues.”

Order deadline is December 19, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. and payment is due when placing your preorder. Payments will not be accepted upon pick up.

Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), a free, objective program that supports Iowans in understanding Medicare, has welcomed two new volunteers in Winneshiek County.

Ron Onsager of Decorah is retired from the sales industry, working many years for Weis Buick.  He has held numerous volunteer positions, and is currently serving on the Decorah Zoning Board of Adjustment.  “I enjoy interacting with and helping others and like to have purpose when I volunteer. Helping seniors navigate Medicare is a needed service that I find rewarding.”

Julie Ohde, also of Decorah, chose to volunteer with SHIIP because she likes working with others and solving problems.  She says, “We moved to the area five years ago, and I wanted to get more involved in my community.  As a SHIIP volunteer, I can partner with others in this community to help them save money on prescriptions, along with many other Medicare issues.” Prior to moving to Decorah, Julie worked as the County Conversation Board Director in Louisa County (IA). 

Ron and Julie each completed the State of Iowa SHIIP training in summer of 2022 and are seeing clients at Winneshiek Medical Center. They join current SHIIP volunteers Jim Sims and Karen McLean in serving clients seeking to better understand their Medicare options. 

What is SHIIP?

The Iowa Insurance Division’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is available to offer free, unbiased and confidential assistance to Iowans in this process.  Volunteer counselors can help people understand their Medicare benefits by:

• Checking a client’s current Part D or Medicare Advantage plan to make sure drugs are covered at the lowest cost and with the least amount of restrictions
• Reviewing a client’s employer coverage and comparing it to other Medicare options
• Checking to see if clients are eligible for Part D “Extra Help”
• Providing education to help clients understand options if not currently on a drug plan

Local Medicare Help

SHIIP counselors review all plans offered and do not promote any particular plan or company.  To help you compare plans during the open enrollment period (now through December 7, 2022), volunteer SHIIP counselors are available by appointment at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah by calling 563-387-3036.  In person, Zoom and telephone appointments are offered to clients.

For SHIIP support, call Winneshiek Medical Center at 563-387-3036.

As a retired teacher and coach, Rich Gaard is a familiar name in our community. But his familiarity goes a step beyond at Winneshiek Medical Center. Rich and his wife, Carol, support a special American flag program at Winneshiek Medical Center to honor all military men and women, past, present, and future, from Winneshiek County and the surrounding area.

“The flag flown over Winneshiek Medical Center is not just any flag – each one is special because it has flown over the Pentagon in honor of our military,” says Rich. A retired colonel in the Army Reserve, Rich served as the Deputy Legislative Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. “When I retired from my position at the Pentagon, the Chief of Staff asked me to leave with a mission to do as much as I could to recognize our veterans,” says Rich. “I was aware of the Pentagon flag program and began to work in cooperation with the staff at Winneshiek Medical Center to dedicate their flags for our military.”

“We are grateful to the Gaard’s for their donation to the WMC Foundation so that we may sustain this program,” says Holly Kanengieter, WMC Foundation Coordinator. “Many patients and visitors enter our doors each day, some of whom are veterans or families of veterans, and it is our pleasure to welcome them by flying the American flag at the main entrance in their honor.”

Which Medicare Part D and/or Medicare Advantage plan will be best for you next year?  Open enrollment for Iowans on Medicare who want to change plans is underway now until December 7, 2022.  Iowans who miss the open enrollment deadline most likely will have to wait a full year before making changes to their plan. Changes to Medicare plans will be effective January 1, 2023. 

The Iowa Insurance Division’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is available to offer free, unbiased and confidential assistance to Iowans in this process.  Volunteer counselors can help people understand their Medicare benefits by:

• Checking a client’s current Part D or Medicare Advantage plan to make sure drugs are covered at the lowest cost and with the least amount of restrictions
• Reviewing a client’s employer coverage and comparing it to other Medicare options
• Checking to see if clients are eligible for Part D “Extra Help”
• Providing education to help clients understand options if not currently on a drug plan

Local Medicare Help

SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa.  SHIIP counselors review all plans offered and do not promote any particular plan or company.  To help you compare plans during the open enrollment period, volunteer SHIIP counselors are available by appointment at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah by calling 563-387-3036.  In person, Zoom and telephone appointments will be offered to clients.

Karla Bakken, SHIIP coordinator at Winneshiek Medical Center, says, “I encourage seniors to schedule an appointment with a SHIIP counselor early this season and not wait.  Those who wait until the end of the enrollment period to start the process may miss the deadline.”  The deadline for changing plans is December 7, 2022.

For SHIIP support, call Winneshiek Medical Center at 563-387-3036.

The drive home from Christmas break changed the course of Calista Brockman’s junior year at Upper Iowa University.  Just 10 short minutes away from Fayette, Calista lost control of her vehicle on slippery roads and slid in the ditch. Although her car was damaged, Calista did not have any noticeable injuries and was able to end her night without an emergency room visit.

However, within a few days, Calista noticed dizziness and balance issues.  A softball player for UIU, she spoke to her athletic trainer about it who referred her to Emily Connor, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System orthopedic surgeon at Winneshiek Medical Center. Calista says, “Dr. Connor saw me in the UIU training room the next day, which was really convenient since my car was no longer drivable.  She is one of our team physicians and her specialty is orthopedic surgery.  Dr. Connor thought I had a concussion but wanted someone familiar with concussion care to confirm and follow my recovery.”

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects brain function and is usually caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking of the head and/or upper body.  Symptoms of concussion may include, but are not limited to:

• Headache
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Change in mood or behavior
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Scott Bohner, D.O., Mayo Clinic Health System family medicine physician at Winneshiek Medical Center has been treating patients with concussion symptoms for the past 13 years. In July of 2017, Dr. Bohner furthered his education and obtained his Credentialed ImPACT Consultant (CIC) certification to provide ongoing concussion care to athletes in the region. Dr. Bohner says, “Dr. Connor referred Calista to me and I met with her at Winneshiek Medical Center’s Upper Iowa Clinic on their campus. Through our visit, it was clear she had a concussion. Her best course of treatment was to rest to allow her brain to heal, and to work with physical therapy to address the dizziness and balance issues she was experiencing.”

Calista was out of softball for about one month as she recovered.  Her physical therapy sessions and follow up medical visits were held at UIU and in Decorah.  She says, “Winneshiek Medical Center manages all our health services on campus, including athletics, so it was coordinated to meet my schedule.  I was even given the cell phone numbers of my health care providers in case I needed anything during my recovery.”  Upon her completion of physical therapy, Calista was cleared to go back to practice, and within a few weeks, the team was off to Florida for a tournament.  Calista, who covers some third base, but mostly hits, was able to play with her team.  Calista says, “I’m thankful for the care I received at college.  The doctors, therapist and trainer became my team while I recovered, and it is great to be back on the softball field!”

Longtime Winneshiek Medical Center Board of Trustees member, Roger Huinker, attended his final meeting on Wednesday, May 4, 2022.  

Huinker joined the Board in 2005, just as WMC signed the Management Services Agreement and Professional Services Agreement with Mayo Clinic Health System.  He says, “One of the most interesting transitions in the early years of being on the board was adapting to our new affiliation with Mayo Clinic Health System.”   Over the years, Huinker has seen net patient revenues grow from $31 million in 2006 to nearly $68 million currently.  Additionally, the workforce has grown from 380 employees in 2006 to nearly 480 employees in 2022.  “As a board member, I saw WMC becoming more of a regional medical center that is providing excellent care through our partnering with our own staff and Mayo Clinic Health System,” he says.

Winneshiek Medical Center is owned by the citizens of Winneshiek County and is governed by an elected Board of Trustees.  Seven members serve on the board and elections are held every four years with staggering terms.   In addition to Huinker, who currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Board, members include: Clark Goltz, Chair; Karen McLean, Vice-Chair; Steve Hildebrandt, Karl Jacobsen, Tim Schweizer and Lora Friest. 

Clark Goltz, chair, says, “Roger Huinker is one of those individuals who has made a real positive difference in his role as a member of Winneshiek Medical Center’s Board of Trustees. His seventeen years of dedicated service speak to his commitment to not only the hospital, but to his efforts to make this part of the world a better place to live. Martin Luther King said, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?’ We are grateful that Roger answered that question through his work as a member of the WMC Board of Trustees.”

New Appointee

To complete Huinker’s term, which expires in December of 2022, the Board has appointed Justin Gullekson.  Gullekson is a long-time Winneshiek County resident and is the Decorah Market President for Decorah Bank & Trust Company.  He and his wife, Jeanne, have five children. 

Gullekson has a history of service to our region.  He currently serves as Treasurer of the WMC Foundation Board and on the Board of Directors for the Decorah Community Free Clinic.  His past volunteer experience includes President of the WMC Foundation, Vesterheim Museum Board of Directors, and co-chairperson of Decorah High School’s successful bond issue campaign.  He says, “Our family makes an effort to help out with various community endeavors, and I’m happy to be asked to serve with the medical center.”  He adds, “I hope that my financial background and knowledge will be useful to WMC. I look forward to working with the great folks on the Board of Trustees and at WMC.  Roger will be a tough act to follow.”

The slot opened up by Huinker and temporarily filled by Gullekson will be on the ballot in November 2022.