Avera Bulletin - October 2008
Avera Rural Health Conference Transitions
Following an evaluation of various Avera events, it was decided to transition Avera Rural Health Conference to an every-other-year event. Therefore the Oct. 16, 2008, event was cancelled to begin the alternating annual cycle. The alternating cycle has been under consideration for several years. The 2009 Avera Rural Health Conference will take place on Oct.13, 2009, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Please contact Rachael Sherard at (605) 322-4725 with questions.
Avera Colleagues Recognized at 2008 Annual SDAHO Convention
Several Avera colleagues received recognition during the Banquet at the recent South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations convention in Rapid City. Mark Hunhoff, former Avera Sacred Heart and Avera Health board member, received the SDAHO Distinguished Service Award – Trustee. Byron Peterson, vice president of Network Operations at Avera St. Luke’s, was honored with the SDAHO Distinguished Service Award for his years of service in health care at Avera St. Luke’s. Pam Rezac, president/CEO of Avera Sacred Heart, assumed the duties of chairperson of SDAHO.
Others received recognition at the joint awards program.
Jay Plucker, administrator/CEO at Landmann-Jungmann Memorial Hospital Avera, received the 25-Year American Hospital Association Membership Award.
Robert Dockter, administrator/CEO at Eureka Community Health Services Avera, received the 50-Year American Hospital Association Membership Award.
Carol DeSchepper, Avera vice president of Community-Based Care, was presented with the Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Award from the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
Dawn Regula, manager of Social Services at Avera Eureka Health Care Center, received the Social Service Leadership Award.
Phyllis Haselhorst, Avera St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary, was named Outstanding Auxilian of the Year by the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Auxiliaries.
Betsy Midthun, director of Marketing and Public Relations at Avera Sacred Heart, was given the Bright Idea Award by the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations.
Carrie McDannel, Credentialing specialist at Avera Credentialing Verifications Services, was named Medical Staff Services Professional of the Year by the South Dakota Association of Medical Staff Services.
Mary Beth Russell, RD, LN, CDE, Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota, was named Outstanding Dietitian of the Year by the South Dakota Dietetic Association.
Nicole Ver Steeg, RD, LN, Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota, was named Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year by the South Dakota Dietetic Association.
Kathy Dorale, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, was presented with the South Dakota Health Information Management Association Distinguished Member Award.
Avera McKennan was recognized with the Life Source Medal of Honor Award – South Dakota Hospital Partner Award for accomplishing the 75 percent donation rate for three years in a row.
Thomas P. Rasmusson, president and CEO of Avera Queen of Peace, received the American College of Healthcare Executives’ Service Award at the annual ACHE meeting, which was held in conjunction with the convention.
Avera Marshall Purchases Southwest Ophthalmology
On Oct. 1, Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center purchased Southwest Ophthalmology and Southwest Opticians from Dr. Ted and Chris Fritsche. The new venture ensures the continuation of vital eye care services for people in the region. The clinic’s new name is Avera Marshall Southwest Ophthalmology. The name transition will occur over the next few months as signs and printed materials are updated. Avera Marshall welcomes Southwest Ophthalmology to their team.
People News
Vickie Abel is the new director of Organizational Learning at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. Vickie brings to the role more than 20 years of experience as a social worker and more than 12 years of experience in leadership.
Mitch Krebs, who has served as Governor Rounds’ Press Secretary since February 2007, has accepted a position at Avera McKennan as assistant vice president of Media and Community Relations. Mitch will begin his new role Dec. 1. Mitch also brings experience from his role with KSFY News.
Dalita Meyer, OTR/L, of Avera St. Luke’s received the Dorothy Anne Elsberry Award of Merit from the South Dakota Occupational Therapy Association for her support of professional development within the Occupational Therapy Department, involvement in the state association and grassroots efforts with South Dakota legislators. This is the highest award presented by the association.
Julie Norton, vice president for Finance and corporate controller at Avera McKennan, is acting CFO until further notice, as Ron Farr, senior vice president for Finance and CFO, takes the executive financial leadership position at Jewish Hospital and St. Mary’s HealthCare in Louisville, Ky. Julie has been with Avera McKennan for nine years.