Category: Community

WinnMed in Decorah, Iowa has been awarded a $700,000 federal appropriations grant for surgical equipment, sponsored by Congresswoman Ashely Hinson. The award was announced to WinnMed leadership following the re-opening of the government in November. The dollars will support the recent purchase of a da Vinci 5 Surgical Robot, the newest version of this robotic equipment by Intuitive. It is only the second in the state of Iowa, following University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Congresswoman Hinson said, “Earlier this year, I got to tour the improvements underway at WinnMed in Decorah and see their lifesaving services firsthand. I’m so proud to have helped secure federal funding for surgical department upgrades at WinnMed. This project will equip WinnMed with state-of-the-art surgical technology—expanding access to safe, minimally invasive surgeries in rural Iowa and reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for care. I will continue fighting to improve access to care in rural Iowa.”

The da Vinci 5 allows surgeons to perform complex procedures through small incisions, which can lead to less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. Its advanced features include improved ergonomics for surgeons, high-definition 3D visualization, and refined instrument control, all designed to elevate the surgical experience. Erik Brink, D.O., WinnMed General Surgeon, was the first to use the equipment in early November. He said, “It was an honor and privilege to begin to offer the very best in safety and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Many patients will benefit from the increased capability of WinnMed.”

WinnMed Chief Administrative Officer said, “We are incredibly thankful to receive the appropriations grant and be selected by Congresswoman Hinson’s office as one of her projects to fund. Coming at a time of rapid growth at WinnMed, being able to have support to help fund much needed (but expensive) equipment like a surgical robot helps accelerate our progress to bring this technology to our region.”

Expert Insight from Michael D’Netto, M.D.

An estimated 10% of Americans report a penicillin allergy, but studies show that over 90% of them are not truly allergic. Mislabeling can lead to the use of less effective or more expensive antibiotics, increasing the risk of side effects, antibiotic resistance, and longer hospital stays.

At WinnMed in Decorah,Michael D’Netto, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System Allergist and Immunologist, offers penicillin allergy testing to help patients safely determine whether they are truly allergic—and potentially remove the label for good.

“Many patients carry a penicillin allergy label for years based on childhood reactions or vague symptoms,” says Dr. D’Netto. “But with proper evaluation and testing, we can often confirm they’re not allergic and open the door to safer, more effective treatments.”

What Is Penicillin Allergy Testing?

The evaluation may include:

• Skin testing using small amounts of penicillin and its components, and/or
• A supervised oral challenge with amoxicillin

This process is safe, quick, and highly accurate. A negative result means the patient can safely take penicillin and related antibiotics in the future.

Why It Matters

Removing an incorrect penicillin allergy label can:

• Improve treatment outcomes
• Reduce healthcare costs
• Support antibiotic stewardship
• Lower the risk of drug-resistant infections 

“Penicillin allergy testing is one of the most impactful things we can do for long-term patient safety,” Dr. D’Netto adds.

If you’ve been told you’re allergic to penicillin, talk to your provider about a referral to Dr. D’Netto for testing. You may not be allergic after all—and that knowledge could change your care for the better.

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.

WinnMed has awarded Surgery & Infusion RN, Kristen Mashek, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, a national recognition celebrating nurses who deliver exceptional, compassionate care.

Kristen was nominated by a longtime patient who described her as “the epitome of what an award-winning nurse should be.” The patient praised Kristen’s ability to bring comfort and positivity during challenging treatments, noting that her “bubbly voice and bright smile” consistently make a difference. Whether she’s providing direct care or simply passing by, Kristen goes above and beyond to ensure patients feel cared for and supported. Kristen has served as a registered nurse at WinnMed since 2017.

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 at https://winnmed.org/daisy-award

Expert Advice from Dr. Michael D’Netto

For many, pets are family—but for those with allergies, they can also be a source of sneezing, congestion, and discomfort. Fortunately, with the right strategies, it’s possible to manage pet allergies while keeping your furry companion indoors.

Create Pet-Free Zones

Keep bedrooms and other key areas off-limits to pets to reduce allergen exposure where you rest and sleep.

Bathe and Groom Regularly

Weekly baths and frequent brushing (ideally by a non-allergic household member) can significantly reduce dander.

Clean Smart

Use HEPA filters in vacuums and air purifiers, wash pet bedding weekly, and consider replacing carpets with hard flooring.

Manage Symptoms

Medications like antihistamines and nasal sprays can help.

Allergen immunotherapy

For long-term relief, allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be an option. This is the one treatment option which modifies the underlying cause of allergic symptoms in response to a pet, rather than attempted avoidance or symptom management with medications.

“Pet allergies don’t always mean you have to give up your pet,” says Michael D’Netto, M.D., a Mayo Clinic Health System board-certified Allergist and Immunologist at WinnMed in Decorah. “With a combination of environmental control, medical treatment, and expert guidance, many people can live comfortably with their animals.”

Get Tested

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are pet-related, an allergist can perform testing to confirm and guide treatment.

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.