Redefining Rural Healthcare

In this episode of Redefining Rural Healthcare, we’re joined by Tom Boyer, Chief of Baldwin EMS, to discuss the important role Baldwin EMS plays in our community and the impact of the Community Paramedic Program. Learn how this partnership with Western Wisconsin Health is bringing care directly to patients’ homes, helping them stay healthy, independent and connected to the resources they need.

Substance use disorder affects individuals, families and communities, but recovery is possible. In this episode of Redefining Rural Healthcare, we explore Western Wisconsin Health’s new Many Paths to Recovery program with James Roe and Katie Johnson. Learn how the program provides compassionate, individualized support while helping break down stigma and make recovery resources more accessible in our rural community.

In this episode of Redefining Rural Healthcare, host Ryma Lindquist sits down with Marla Butler and Neil Kline from the Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley to discuss the vital role the organization plays in supporting families across Polk, Pierce, and St. Croix counties. They explore the importance of investing in early childhood, the challenges many families face, and how programs like Welcome Baby and home visiting services provide education, resources, and meaningful connections. Tune in to learn how strong community partnerships are helping families thrive and creating healthier futures for children across our region.

In this episode of Redefining Rural Healthcare, host Ryma Lindquist talks with Russell Girard, Licensed Professional Counselor at Western Wisconsin Health, about the importance of behavioral health at every stage of life. Russell shares his expertise on ADHD, autism, early intervention, couples counseling, and overcoming the stigma surrounding mental health, while offering practical advice for parents, individuals, and couples. Tune in for an insightful conversation on recognizing when to seek support, improving communication, and how compassionate behavioral health care can help individuals and families thrive.

Join guest host Stephanie Waterman, FNP, as she talks with 2025 Provider of the Year recipient Dr. Dennis Hartung, OB/GYN about rural women's healthcare, the growth of Western Wisconsin Health's Birth Center, and the collaborative care model that continues to improve patient experiences and outcomes across the region.

In this episode of Redefining Rural Health Care, host Ryma Lindquist interviews Kristie Smith of St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity.  They discuss the region’s rising housing costs, Habitat’s 30-year impact, and how stable housing supports health. Kristie also shares application details, eligibility requirements, and upcoming volunteer and repair program opportunities.

In this special episode, CEO Eilidh Pederson speaks with nephrologist Dr. Nilin Raj about bringing inpatient dialysis to WWH—keeping critical kidney care close to home. They discuss nephrology basics, the need to reduce patient transfers, and how portable dialysis technology is expanding access. The episode also covers future plans for outpatient dialysis, referral pathways, and the importance of prevention through primary care.

Western Wisconsin Health introduces season three of the Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast, focused on community partnerships. Host Ryma Lindquist speaks with Lisa Johnson-Bleskey, director of the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin, a six-hospital collaboration bringing radiation and oncology services closer to home. The partnership offers chemotherapy, infusions, genetic counseling, clinical trials, and coordinated care, helping reduce travel time for patients. They also highlight integrative health services, patient support through Relay for Life, and Johnson-Bleskey's personal connection to cancer care.

Western Wisconsin Health launches season 3 of its Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast, hosted by Community Relations Director Ryma Lindquist. In this episode, Ryma talks with family nurse practitioner Brittany Pace from the Roberts Clinic about her role in primary care and dermatology-focused services, including treating common skin concerns, when referrals are needed, and tips for skin health and cancer prevention.

In this episode of Western Wisconsin Health's Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast, hosted by Dr. Katie Findlay, covers the importance of vaccinations from a rural healthcare perspective. Healthcare professionals, including Dr. Russell Roloff, Dr. Nate Schwartz, Dr. Debra Diepenbrock, and pediatric nurse practitioner Sara Atteberry, discuss various aspects of vaccinations such as starting vaccination at two months, the effect of herd immunity, safety concerns including aluminum and autism myths, and the broader impact of keeping community members safe through vaccines. The episode underscores the importance of vaccines in preventing serious illnesses and long-term health complications.

In this episode of Western Wisconsin Health’s 'Redefining Rural Healthcare' podcast, culinary services manager Garrett Pokela speaks with registered dietician Cheri Rott about her role at the organization and shares tips for healthy eating during the holidays. Cherri discusses the importance of hydration, balanced meals, reducing stress, and how to manage holiday indulgences. She also elaborates on the Lifestyle Simple Health Medicine program, which educates patients on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and other key health pillars. Additionally, they cover the benefits of various protein sources, the significance of fiber, and strategies for making healthier choices while eating ou...

Season two of Western Wisconsin Health’s Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast opens by spotlighting the high-quality, community-based care available in rural areas. In recognition of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, guests Christa Walz from Adoray Home Health & Hospice and Andrea Burns, Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, discuss their roles and the key differences between hospice and palliative care. They highlight the personalized, holistic support these services provide and how the partnership between Western Wisconsin Health and Adoray ensures seamless, compassionate care close to home. The episode emphasizes the value of early engagement and the flexibility that nonprofit, community-based care brings to ru...

In this episode of Western Wisconsin Health’s Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast, Emily Koehler talks with new oncologist Dr. Yang Liu about her background, passion for cancer care, and patient-centered approach. Dr. Liu shares how early experiences shaped her interest in oncology, highlights the value of personalized treatment, and emphasizes strong patient relationships. She discusses WWH’s proactive healthcare model and dispels misconceptions about rural cancer care, noting that patients can access the same high-quality treatment locally as in larger cities. Dr. Liu also reflects on exciting advancements in personalized oncology and the importance of guiding patients through their care jour

In this episode of Western Wisconsin Health's Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast, host Tam Kammerud introduces nurse practitioner Alicia Sund, who practices at the Spring Valley and Baldwin clinics. Alicia shares her journey from considering pharmacy school to finding her calling in nursing and eventually becoming a nurse practitioner. She discusses the unique challenges and rewards of working in a rural healthcare setting, highlights her passion for personalized patient care, and reflects on her upbringing in a small community. Alicia also shares personal anecdotes, offers advice to aspiring healthcare professionals, and talks about her interests outside of medicine.

In this episode, Director of Community Relations, Ryma Lindquist interviews certified nurse midwife Sarah Tyler-Peterson, who shares her journey to midwifery, the broad scope of midwife care, and her work at the Spring Valley clinic. Sarah highlights the importance of accessible women’s healthcare, the collaborative spirit at WWH, and the rewarding community connections formed through her role.

In this episode of Redefining Rural Healthcare, guest host Natasha Ward talks with psychiatric nurse practitioner Jana Gegen about her path from corporate work to holistic mental health care. Jana shares her experience treating patients with dementia, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, the challenges of rural healthcare, and the importance of self-care to prevent burnout.

In this episode of Western Wisconsin Health's Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast, Ellen Thompson, COO, introduces the second season and the Spring Valley Clinic series. Ellen interviews Karissa Hanson, a family nurse practitioner at the clinic, who shares her journey into nursing and her passion for rural healthcare. They discuss typical health issues seen in the community, such as diabetes and addiction, and the clinic's commitment to providing top-notch, personalized care. Throughout the conversation, Karissa emphasizes the importance of building trust with patients and the role of community support in enhancing rural healthcare. The episode concludes with a hopeful outlook on...

In this episode of the Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast, Shonda Helgeson, Chief Nursing Officer at Western Wisconsin Health, introduces Alicia Myers, the Inpatient Services Manager. Alicia discusses her role and the services provided by the Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at Western Wisconsin Health. The TCU, also known as the swing bed program, offers care for patients who are not acutely ill but need additional support before returning home. Myers highlights the personalized care, state-of-the-art equipment, and comprehensive rehabilitation services available. The episode aims to raise awareness about the TCU as a viable option for patients in need of extended care...

In this episode of Western Wisconsin Health's 'Redefining Rural Healthcare' podcast, host Eilidh Pederson, CEO of Western Wisconsin Health, speaks with Chief Human Resources Officer Erin Benson to discuss the extensive services provided by the hospital. They explore the unique challenges and solutions related to maintaining a sustainable and engaged workforce in a rural setting. Erin highlights the importance of trust-based leadership, the hospital’s values, and numerous initiatives such as professional development, wellness programs, and innovative apprenticeship models. The episode also touches on safety measures for healthcare workers, strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent, and the importance of a...

In this episode of Redefining Rural Healthcare, Urgent Care Provider, Dr. Matt Hansmeier, M.D. introduces Karen Herrera, Western Wisconsin Health’s first Medication Therapy Management (MTM) pharmacist. Karen discusses her role in optimizing medication use, supporting providers, and delivering personalized, culturally informed care. She shares what inspired her to pursue MTM, highlights the services offered, and explains how she helps patients navigate complex medication challenges through a holistic approach.