Author: Winneshiek Medical Center

Winneshiek Medical Center celebrates National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, 2022

The aspiration to “give back” is a common theme when speaking to WMC volunteers.

Winneshiek Medical Center’s 75 active volunteers are present in many areas, including the information desk, hospice, Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), Auxiliary Gift Shop, and at special events.  Additionally, volunteers provide hand-crafted items for patients, help with mailings, share their gardening talents and provide for other needs, as requested.

Nancy Ruen of Decorah joined WMC’s volunteer program early in 2022.  “I retired from being a nurse (from Mayo Clinic in Rochester) directly before the COVID-19 pandemic began. It was always my intention to volunteer to give back to the community, but options were limited.”  Nancy was able to volunteer at the food pantry in Decorah throughout the pandemic and expanded her time to include WMC a couple of years later.  She currently serves in the WMC Gift Shop and at the Information Desk.  “Of my roles at WMC, I enjoy volunteering in the Gift Shop the most,” she says.  “It is a fun environment and I like interacting with the shoppers.  I am able to choose my schedule, and the staff at WMC are helpful, welcoming and accommodating.”

The Winneshiek Medical Center Gift Shop is run by the WMC Auxiliary and is staffed by volunteers. Cards and gifts are available as well as a unique section of jewelry, watches, handbags and baby/child items. New and seasonal items are regularly added to the shelves, and shopping at the WMC Gift Shop is always tax free. Proceeds from the WMC Gift Shop support patient care equipment purchases and WMC staff education opportunities and fund the health career scholarship.

Glendalu Wuest has been volunteering at WMC since 2004.  Like Nancy, Glendalu volunteers in the WMC Gift Shop, and she also serves as a board member for the WMC Auxiliary.  She says, “After retiring from Spectrum, I missed being around people and wanted to give back to my community.  My friend, Bev Christen, recruited me, and I have been active at the medical center since then.”  Volunteer duties and processes have changed over the years, but Glendalu has always felt at home.  She says, “At WMC, the staff and patients really appreciate the volunteers.  We are always looking for new energy to join our volunteer team, so consider giving back by becoming a WMC volunteer!”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, call the Winneshiek Medical Center Volunteer Services department at 563-387-3036.

Why did you choose midwifery care?
I became interested in birth and providing care to women when I read the book, A Wise Birth, by Penny Armstrong and Sheryl Feldman. I wanted to assist
women through the normal physiological process of pregnancy and birth; helping them have the birth experience they desire, while keeping them safe
and feeling supported. Becoming parents is such a life changing experience, and it can have so many unexpected twists and turns. Walking through the journey with a trusted provider can help women navigate all the changes.

What do you enjoy most about your practice?
I really enjoy getting to know the women and their families, finding out what is important to them, and how to make their experience as positive as possible.
Every woman and every birth is different, and I love the challenge and beauty that can be found in each situation.

What do you enjoy most about working at WMC?
Besides getting to help take care of women and their families, I enjoy the staff at WMC. We are a small hospital, and we have a dedicated group of physicians, providers, nurses and staff who truly care about each other and our patients. We always have challenges, but the team work that is created is like none other that I have ever witnessed or been a part of.

What are some hobbies/interests you enjoy outside of your work?
In my free time, I enjoy the activities that our small farm brings: growing Christmas trees, planting vegetable and flower gardens, and making maple syrup and apple cider. I also am an avid runner and quilter, which are interests that always help with mental health! Finally, I am a music lover and enjoy opportunities to make music with the community and our three daughters when I get the chance.

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. 

A bunion is a common condition of the foot where there is misalignment that forms at the base of the big toe.  The skin over a bunion can become red and sore, and there can be pain with activity, including even simple activity like wearing a shoe.

According to Mayo Clinic, it is estimated that up to 30% of the population will develop bunions.  Some bunions will never cause any problems, while others may result in painful or irritating symptoms.  Cosmetically, bunions may prevent people from wearing fashionable shoes like high heels or boots due to the tightfitting or narrow nature of those shoes.

Thomas Marquardt, D.P.M., Mayo Clinic Health System podiatrist at Winneshiek Medical Center, is now offering a new treatment for bunions.  Called Lapiplasty ®3D Bunion Correction, this procedure stabilizes the bottom toe joint to correct the alignment without surgically cutting the bone.

He says “For years, 2D osteotomy (or bunion surgery) was the best way to correct severe bunions.  The procedure consisted of straightening the big toe by removing part of the bone.  Most patients responded well to this treatment, but recovery took a long time and symptoms did not always completely go away.  The new 3D procedure is less invasive, has a greater success rate and has a much shorter recovery time.” 

The new technology uses a titanium plate to secure the joint in three locations to correct the misalignment.  The titanium plate remains on the joint to prevent it from drifting back out of alignment.  Most patients are able to put weight on their foot within days after surgery, and once recovered, can wear their desired shoes without limitations.

Dr. Marquardt says, “Following a full recovery using the 3D bunion technology, most patients can return to their normal practices, including activities and shoe choice.”

If you have questions about bunions, or are interested in learning more about Lapiplasty ®3D Bunion Correction at Winneshiek Medical Center, call Dr. Marquardt for an appointment at 563-382-2911.

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinus lining that is caused by a bacterial infection and commonly called a sinus infection. Your doctor may recommend saline nasal sprays, antibiotics, nasal steroid sprays, decongestants and over‐the‐counter pain relievers to help relieve the condition.

However, if you experience symptoms for longer than 12 weeks you could have chronic sinusitis. 

Balloon Sinuplasty is a pioneering minimally-invasive breakthrough procedure that relieves the pain and pressure associated with chronic sinusitis or chronic sinus blockage. Similar to how angioplasty uses balloons to open blocked arteries, Balloon Sinuplasty, a system of FDA‐cleared, catheter‐based instruments, opens blocked sinuses.

The procedure is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery. It allows most patients to return to normal activities quickly.

New 3D Navigation Technology to enhance Balloon Sinuplasty at WMC

Winneshiek Medical Center recently purchased special navigation technology (TruDi® Navigation Technology) to further enhance endoscopic sinus surgery and the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure performed at WMC.

Mayo Clinic Health System Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon William Remington, M.D. performs endoscopic sinus surgery and Balloon Sinuplasty procedures at Winneshiek Medical Center.  He says, “When using the new navigation technology during the sinus surgery procedure, I can track and display the real-time location of instruments relative to the patient’s (pre-acquired) CT images. Through precise identification of the instrument’s tip location and orientation, this can improve my understanding of the location and orientation of the guidewire or instrument in the complex anatomy of the patient’s sinuses.”

Dr. Remington adds, “The more accurate I can be performing sinus surgery, the better the results are for the patient, both for recovery and for the long-term effectiveness in relieving sinusitis.” To make an appointment with Dr. Remington, call Winneshiek Medical Center at 563-382-2911.  To learn more about Balloon Sinuplasty, visit www.winmedical.org/balloon-sinuplasty.

Meghan and Ryan Harrod from Cresco, IA welcomed their first born, Treyton, in 2019 at Winneshiek Medical Center with Andy Goodner, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System family medicine and obstetrics physician. When they found out they were expecting again they knew they wanted to see Dr. Goodner. Meghan shares, “Dr. Goodner and the OB team were so accommodating when we delivered Treyton. They made sure I was as comfortable as possible, and provided great care.”

On the evening of December 14, 2021, the Harrod’s left home for an induction with their second child. When they had arrived at Winneshiek Medical Center it was evident the organization was preparing for the predicted wind storm about to impact the area the following morning. Meghan says, “Connie (Klimesh), obstetrics nurse at WMC, brought in flashlights to the labor room in case things got as bad as they had expected.” As Meghan’s labor progressed, so did the weather.

The OB team moved Meghan and Ryan to a tornado save room for safety precautions. Once Meghan was settled, the anesthetist came to provide her with an epidural. “I knew I wanted an epidural, but I was nervous. When I received my first epidural during my pervious delivery, my blood pressure had dropped slightly,” says Meghan. “However, I explained the situation to the provider and was reassured with their familiarity of those types of situations. Prior to getting my epidural this time around, I was happy to have my nerves put at ease.”

While things were progressing with Meghan’s labor the nurses were doing their best to keep her distracted by offering baby name ideas. “One nurse even mentioned to me the name Gus because it was going to be “gusty” outside. It was fun to laugh and joke around with them,” says Meghan. “To be honest, Ryan and I wouldn’t have known the weather was bad if it wasn’t for the overhead announcements happening because everyone’s focus was on us and providing a safe delivery for Kal.”

Meghan and Ryan Harrod with their sons Treyton and Kalvin. When they found out they were expecting their second child they knew they wanted to see Dr. Goodner.

Meghan and Ryan welcomed their second son, Kalvin into their family. Meghan shares, “soon after delivery Kalvin was placed on my chest, and just like that the power went out for about two minutes before the generators turned on.” Following the delivery, the Harrod family remained in the labor room for some time for safety reasons due to the power outage. “It’s our goal to provide a secure, safe and comfortable environment for mothers and babies before, during, and after delivery,” shares Brianne Leikvold, RN, nursing director for obstetrics at Winneshiek Medical Center.

Once it was safe Meghan, Ryan, and baby Kal were transferred to their postpartum room, and provided a snack from the nutrition services team. “The kitchen didn’t have power because of the storm, but they made sure to take care of us to the best of their ability,” comments Meghan. “Once the power was restored throughout the facility the meals were satisfactory!”

“Dr. Goodner checked on Kal and I routinely to make sure the wind storm didn’t cause added anxiety or nervousness to either of us. It’s nice to have access to a rural hospital that cares so deeply for their patients,” says Meghan.

“It’s important to me that my patients feel comfortable and safe during their postpartum stay, shares Dr. Goodner. “Welcoming a newborn into the world brings on a whole new level of emotions, so connecting with my patients frequently to assess their needs has always been a top priority for me.”

At Winneshiek Medical Center, birthing is special and personal. Our team of Mayo Clinic Health System physicians, plus one midwife, works alongside our specialized obstetric nurses to provide an unparalleled experience for families. Our providers deliver over 90 percent of their own prenatal patients, a reassuring statistic you may not find in larger facilities. To make an appointment for prenatal care at Winneshiek Medical Center call 563-382-2911.

Winneshiek Medical Center Decorah Clinic Audiology is pleased to provide patients donated hearing aids who qualify through the clinic assistance program. “This has benefited patients who otherwise would be unable to get hearing aids,” shares Cynthia See, Au.D., Mayo Clinic Health System audiologist at WMC Decorah Clinic

The program allows anyone to donate any brand of used hearing aids that are in good condition to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and then reused for patients in need. “Patients appreciate the program because it truly changes their quality of life,” shares Dr. See.

If you’re interested in donating used hearing aids or want to support the program with a monetary donation contact Winneshiek Medical Center Foundation. You may request a tax-deductible donation receipt if you choose. “We’re pleased offer this program to the patients we serve,” says Holly Kanengeiter, WMC Foundation coordinator. “It’s another way we can address the health needs of our community and support those patients who are dealing with hearing loss.”

Winneshiek Medical Center Audiology specializes in evaluating and treating patients with hearing loss. In addition to fitting hearing aids, Dr. See can help with concerns about hearing, ringing of the ears, dizziness, ear fullness, and ear drainage. For more information visit: Winneshiek Medical Center – Audiology.

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!”

Senior Circuit exercise classes are held on Tuesdays from 8:45 to 9:45 am in the Calmar Rehab Clinic.

Senior Circuit classes are structured to include exercises for cardio, strength, flexibility, endurance and balance – emphasizing correct and safe techniques for older adults.

Location

WMC Calmar Rehab Clinic
115 North Maryville
Calmar, IA 52132

Cost

Interested participants can purchase one Senior Circuit class for $5, or purchase a 10-class Senior Circuit punch card for $45.  Anyone recovering from a recent injury or surgery should consult with their doctor before attending this class.

Back to Classes and Events calendar