Author: electricpulp

Brynne Gardner has been a physical therapist at Monument Health Lead-Deadwood for just over a year. Originally from Wyoming, she feels right at home here in the Black Hills, and has found a lot of fulfillment working with her patients. “As a physical therapist here, I get to work with both inpatients and outpatients, so you get to help a lot of patients through their entire plan of care,” she said. “You’ll start working with them while they’re in the hospital, and then continue along their plan of care and help them get back to the activities they want to do.” That’s exactly what Brynne did with Steve Mason.

Steve is a 65-year-old retiree, who spent his working years as an electrician and then a miner. In February he was on his way to see his doctor for a routine check up when he slipped on a small patch of ice — a little accident that caused big problems. “I went to the emergency room in Deadwood, and learned I had broken my ankle in three places,” Steve said. “I had to go to Rapid City for two surgeries, then I stayed up in Deadwood. That’s where I eventually met Brynne.”

Brynne started working with Steve to help redevelop strength and tolerance in his ankle. “It was a pretty significant injury, and Steve’s biggest goal was that he wanted to be able to return home, but he had to be able to make it up the stairs leading to his house.”

“I have about 13 steps to get to my house,” Steve explained. “When you live in Lead, you’ve got steps. That was my biggest concern, and Brynne understood and helped me focus on that.”

It wasn’t a quick process, but over many weeks she was able to help Steve gain tolerance in his ankle to be able to make it up the steps. Returning as an outpatient, his goal was still home oriented. “He wanted to get around his house more safely, to be able to go up and down those steps more easily and more quickly,” Brynne said. “So we worked through all of that to improve his stair-climbing ability.”

“Steve always had such a positive attitude, and even on some of the tougher days he stayed positive and was willing to believe in the process, and I know that’s part of what made him successful,” said Brynne. “He always made our day and made us smile with a joke. He loved therapy and we loved treating him, so we had fun.”

From Steve’s perspective, the support he received from Brynne and others at Lead-Deadwood Hospital made a big difference. “I like to have fun, but it got hard being in the hospital for five weeks,” he said. “Brynne and her coworkers had fun with me, teasing me a little to keep things light, and it really helps when you have people that make you feel at home.”

Steve is happy about the progress he’s made, and the fact that he can tackle the steps in front of his house with no problem. “I need to get my leg a little stronger — I still use a cane when I have to walk a long way, but I’m getting there. Brynne really helped me out, and I’m thankful she did.”

October is Physical Therapy Month. Thank you to Brynne and all of the physical therapists at Monument Health who are committed to helping their patients return to the lifestyles and activities they love. To learn more about physical therapy at Monument Health, click here. 

Monument Health Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) Department and skeletal assessment services has been awarded accreditation by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD). They join the Monument Health Spearfish Clinic, 10th Street, as the only clinics in the area with ISCD accreditation. The Spearfish Clinic has been accredited since 2013.

“We are happy to have the team at Flormann Street accredited, as this makes three clinics in South Dakota with accreditation, and two in our region,” said Cathy Sowers, DNP, Medical Director of the Spearfish Osteoporosis Clinic.

This accreditation encompasses the technical and professional aspect of DXA and skeletal assessment services provided by the osteoporosis team at Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street.

The entire team of clinicians — comprised of certified nurse practitioners and technicians who are certified bone densitometrists — were involved in the evaluation for accreditation. Their dedication to the field reflects excellence in the quality care and expertise in the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of DXA studies. Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street performs over 3,000 DXA scans a year.

“Being awarded this accreditation speaks to the standard of excellence that patients can expect from our osteoporosis team,” said Lori Sobczak, Program Specialist.

“By applying for and receiving ISCD accreditation Monument Health Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street has demonstrated a commitment to quality programs and services,” said Larry Jankowski, Facility Accreditation Chair. “Earning ISCD accreditation tells the community and potential patients that Monument Health Medical Clinic – Flormann Street has attained a measure of excellence and quality performed in this field.”

The osteoporosis team at Monument Health Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street has dedicated significant time and effort to achieving this level of excellence.

“Every member of our team is committed to going above and beyond. We want all of our patients to feel confident when they come see us to get a high-quality bone density test,” added Lori.

To learn more about bone density health and scans, go to monument.health/osteoporosis.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American women, and there are more than 4 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. In South Dakota, an estimated 645 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.

This summer, to help meet the growing need, Monument Health welcomed Breast Surgical Oncologist Ashlea Semmens, M.D., as the new Medical Director of the Breast Surgery Program, as well as Plastic Surgeon Olga Schuth, M.D. Dr. Semmens and Dr. Schuth join Breast Surgeon Alice Police, M.D., Kendra Storm, DNP, an advanced practice provider specializing in breast cancer and breast health, Plastic Surgeon Hunter Moyer, M.D., Plastic Surgery Advanced Practice Providers Ashley Anziano, PA-C and Cassidy Kotelman, PA-C and Spearfish-based General Surgeon Nicholas Czosnyka, M.D. and Kayla Hatten, CNP, who both have a special interest in breast surgery.

Dr. Semmens came to Monument Health after completing General Surgery Residency in order to provide high-level and cutting-edge breast cancer care, and more recently completing a one-year Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship.

“I approach my work with the philosophy of treating each patient individually,” Dr. Semmens said. “Breast cancer care continues to evolve and improve as new studies are published and guidelines are updated. While keeping that in mind, I use a shared decision making approach to care working with my patients, giving them space to advocate for their health. Together with their needs and the latest studies, we work together to find the safest and strongest care plan, unique to each patient.”

Dr. Schuth recently completed an integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery residency, during which she worked with a number of breast cancer patients and survivors. “It’s important that we treat the whole patient, not just the cancer,” she said. “Some patients may need or prefer surgical intervention, while others may have the opportunity for less invasive treatments. Some may opt for reconstructive surgery after treatment is complete. For many women, this helps them regain a sense of normalcy.”

In March 2023 Monument Health partnered with the West River AHEC to launch a Community based CNA program. Since the program launched, 12 people have been certified and 22 are currently enrolled with another 30 ready to start.

Graduates of the Community CNA class go on to work in the health care field and some use this as a way to kickstart their medical career.

Annaliese Braucht recently completed the Community CNA program. She was recruited through the Community CNA Program and now works as a nurse aide in the Pediatrics Unit at Rapid City Hospital. She’s also a full-time student at South Dakota Mines, working toward her bachelor’s degree with the goal of one day going to medical school.

“I took on the community program as a way to expand my knowledge in the medical field and learn how to work with patients hands-on,” Annaliese said. “I want to do something to help now and try to bring a smile to the faces of those people who need help.”

The Monument Health self-paced Community CNA Program allows students to continue working or going to school while working toward their CNA certification. For Annaliese, the flexibility and opportunity to model the program around her school work was a significant benefit. Taking part has made a considerable impact on her career aspirations.

“Originally I was looking at studying medical research, but after getting some really good hands-on experience with patient care, I’ve shifted my focus towards pursuing medical school following my bachelor’s degree.”

Even if nursing or medical school isn’t in your future, Annaliese encourages anyone looking for a new career to consider the Community CNA Program.

“This program is great because you are able to make so many connections and use those resources to figure out what you’re interested in. Also because of the self pacing, I felt like it gave me an opportunity to really learn the material in a way that I felt comfortable with. Regardless of what background you are coming from, at the end of the day, I feel you become very qualified for your job and have a solid knowledge of what you were expected to know.”

West River AHEC’s Rural Health Workers Program has committed to paying 100 percent of the tuition for students enrolled in the Community CNA Program. Through the program, the students are also eligible to receive a $1,000 stipend to pay for books, scrubs, day care, travel or other needs students may have.