Kyle Larson, D.O., board-certified Obesity Medicine Physician, and Danielle Heins, PA-C, both from the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at Rapid City Hospital, join Mark Houston to explore the growing role of medications like Ozempic in treating obesity and managing diabetes. They discuss how these medications work in the body, address common misconceptions and stress the importance of an individualized approach to weight loss that includes medication, diet, exercise and mental health.
Podcast Episode Years: 2025
Episode 137: Advancements in Heart Failure Devices & Treatment with Luis Hernandez, M.D., FACC
Luis Hernandez, M.D., FACC, fellowship-trained Cardiologist and Medical Director of the Advanced Heart Failure Program at Monument Health Heart and Vascular Institute, gives insight on how devices like defibrillators, pacemakers and pulmonary pressure sensors manage heart failure and help prevent hospital readmissions. He also outlines the importance of medication and patient monitoring in improving heart failure outcomes.
Episode 136: A Foundation for the Future with Patrick Tibbles, M.D.
Patrick M. Tibbles, M.D., Emergency Medicine, Wound & Ostomy Care, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Rapid City Hospital and Medical Director of Monument Health Foundation, discusses his role with the Foundation and the critical impact it has on health care in the Black Hills. The Foundation supports vital projects like expanding Women’s and Children’s services, improving access to primary care and funding cutting-edge medical equipment—all through local donations. Dr. Tibbles and the Foundation’s mission is to ensure that our communities continue to have access to top-tier services close to home.
Learn more about Monument Health Foundation here: monument.health/foundation.
Episode 135: Doc Talk Live! Robotic Surgery with Pial Hope, D.O.
Recorded with a live audience at Black Hills Stock Show. Pial Hope, D.O., Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at Rapid City Hospital, discusses the evolving role of robotic-assisted surgery, specifically the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, and its impact on patient care. Dr. Hope highlights advancements in surgical technology and shares insights into how the next generation of medical professionals can be inspired by these innovations.
Episode 134: Doc Talk Live! Rural Family Medicine with Joy Falkenburg, M.D.
Joy Falkenberg, M.D., Family Medicine Physician at Monument Health Custer Clinic, joins host, Mark Houston, to dive into the challenges and rewards of rural health care in this first ever episode of Doc Talk Live!. Dr. Falkenberg reflects on her years of experience caring for patients in a rural setting, from mentoring young physicians to providing compassionate, personalized care to individuals in small communities. They discuss the unique obstacles rural doctors face, including recruitment, access to care and the importance of technology in improving patient outcomes. Dr. Falkenberg highlights the fulfillment and human connection that come from working in rural medicine and the critical role it plays in the future of health care.
Episode 132: Cancer Genetics and Testing with Jennifer Knowles, CNP
Jennifer Knowles, CNP, board-certified Nurse Practitioner at the Cancer Care Institute in Rapid City, discusses the growing field of cancer genetics with host, Mark Houston. Jennifer gives her insights on genetic cancer testing and how it helps with early detection and prevention of hereditary cancers. She also explains genetic counseling and why it is important to take a proactive role in understanding your cancer risks and the available prevention and treatment options.
To learn more about Cancer Genetics and Testing, please visit: monument.health/cancergenetics
Episode 131: The Art of Critical Care with Hospitalist David Kovaleski, M.D., FASN
Mark Houston welcomes David Kovaleski, M.D., FASN, Critical Care Doctor at Rapid City Hospital, and a true Renaissance man. Dr. Kovaleski recounts his journey to becoming an ICU Physician, relates the challenges of Critical Care and touches on the delicate nature of end-of-life discussions. Beyond the ICU, Dr. Kovaleski, a passionate painter and photographer, credits creativity with helping him navigate the intense nature of Critical Care. He shares his Western-themed artwork and his upcoming portrait series, which features medical professionals.
To learn more about Dr. Kovaleski’s artwork, visit www.kovaleskiphoto.com
Episode 130: Healthy Sleep Habits with Catherine Fernandez-Aristy, M.D.
Catherine Fernandez-Aristy, M.D., Sleep Medicine at Neurology and Rehabilitation in Rapid City, breaks down healthy sleep habits with host, Mark Houston. Dr. Fernandez-Aristy discusses how late-night screen time and irregular sleep schedules can disrupt our natural sleep rhythms. She also shares her insights on common sleep issues like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and the impact of daylight savings time.
Episode 129: A Peek Behind the Curtain of PICU with Kyle Lemley, M.D., Amy Morrill, RN, and Amanda Horsley, RN
Kyle Lemley, M.D., Amy Morrill, RN, and Amanda Horsley, RN, return to discuss the challenges and rewards of working in the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital. They discuss the differences between NICU and PICU and the complexities of treating chronically ill children. The trio share the path’s that led them to the joining the PICU team. They emphasize the importance of clear communication with families, setting small goals to maintain hope and providing emotional support.
Episode 128: What Does “Healthy” Mean to You? with Stephen Wasemiller, M.D.
Non-Invasive Cardiologist Stephen Wasemiller, M.D., at the Heart and Vascular Institute in Rapid City defines the six pillars of lifestyle medicine and the roles they play in keeping your heart healthy. He also explores the connection between mental health, social isolation and the role of spiritual well-being and advocates for compassionate care and open communication to improve heart health and quality of life.