EXAMINER So Much Care, So Close to Home at Yankton Medical Clinic Spring/Summer 2026 Your Orthopedic Team. Your Neighbors. A Stronger Community.
2 yanktonmedicalclinic.com Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. EXAMINER is published as a community service for the residents of the service area of Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C., an Avera Partner, 1104 West 8th St., Yankton, SD 57078 yanktonmedicalclinic.com | 605-665-7841 OUR MISSION To provide timely, compassionate, quality care to all who seek that care, with respect for and trust in those we serve. OUR VISION To be an independent regional center of medical excellence committed to quality care and medical education. Help for those in need Matthew Krell, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Vermillion Medical Clinic; Ashley Johnson, MPAS, PA‑C; Michelle Chaussee, MPAS, PA-C; and Emily Nelson, CNP, present a $1,000 check to the Community Connection Center for its food pantry, accepted by Kelsey Collier-Wise, Executive Director of United Way of Vermillion. World-class orthopedic surgeons with hometown dedication Orthopedic team offers walk-in care Our orthopedic care is led by three highly skilled surgeons, Ben Lancaster, MD, ABOS; Jeremy Kudera, MD, ABOS; and Brent Adams, MD, ABOS, who live and work in Yankton and are committed to the communities in our region. Offering advanced orthopedic care when you need it most, our clinic welcomes walk-in orthopedic patients Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3 Connection Our doctors live here and are invested in our community’s future. After all, our doctors don’t just treat patients here—they raise their families here, making a stronger community for us all. 3 reasons to choose our orthopedic surgeons 1 Expertise Our three surgeons are highly trained and board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. 2 Convenience Faster access to care, including walk-in visits.
Spring/Summer 2026 3 Eighty years ago, health care in Yankton took an important step forward. In 1946, two medical practices—the Medical Clinic, founded by Dr. Roland Hubner and Dr. Merritt Auld, and the Yankton Clinic, established by Dr. C.B. McVay and Dr. F.J. Abts—opened their doors with a shared commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care to their community. Those four physicians laid the foundation for what would become Yankton Medical Clinic. In the early years, a deeply personal approach to medicine took root. Physicians knew their patients by name, listened closely and cared for entire families across generations. That dedication to patient-centered care shaped a culture of trust and excellence that continues to define the clinic today. As decades passed, the clinic evolved alongside advances in medicine and the growing needs of the community. New physicians joined the team, specialties expanded and services were added to provide more comprehensive care close to home. What began as two small practices has grown into a multispecialty regional center of medical excellence. Today, Yankton Medical Clinic is home to 48 physicians representing 22 specialties, supported by a full-service 80 Years Strong. A Legacy of Care. A Future of Possibility. Yankton Clinic, established by Dr. C.B. McVay and Dr. F.J. Abts Medical Clinic, founded by Dr. Roland Hubner and Dr. Merritt Auld laboratory, a complete imaging center, a full-service pharmacy, an ambulatory surgical center and more—all under one roof. This collaborative approach allows patients to benefit from coordinated expertise while maintaining the personal care that has defined the clinic since its earliest days. Expanding expertise for the future Many new physicians joining Yankton Medical Clinic As we celebrate 80 years and recognize our past, we also look forward to our future. The following outstanding physicians will be joining Yankton Medical Clinic. August 2026 ● Katelyn Haiar, MD Internal medicine ● Jordyn Kreutzfeldt, MD Oncology ● Nicholas Pekas, MD Neurology August 2027 ● Kirsten Sawtelle, MD Pediatrics August 2030 ● Brock Goeden, MD Urology As we celebrate 80 years of service, we honor the physicians, staff and patients who have shaped our journey. Guided by our past and united in care, we look ahead with pride and purpose—committed to advancing medicine, medical education and exceptional care for generations to come.
4 yanktonmedicalclinic.com With the opening of Yankton Medical Clinic Eye Care, we now offer comprehensive ophthalmology and optometry services with Trevor Kindle, MD, a boardcertified ophthalmologist, and Luke Rockne, OD, an optometrist. As Yankton natives, both Dr. Kindle and Dr. Rockne are committed to serving the community they call home. “My goal has always been to help the Yankton community as a comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon,” Dr. Kindle says. “Patients do not need to travel out of town for cataract surgery or high-quality, medical-based eye care. I grew up here, my family is here, my wife’s family is here, and there is nowhere else I would rather practice. I am excited to continue serving the Yankton area alongside the respected team of health care providers at Yankton Medical Clinic. Together, Dr. Rockne and I are making it easier for patients to access advanced eye care close to home by providing a true one-stop shop for routine, medical and surgical eye care.” “I wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Kindle,” Dr. Rockne adds. “Being raised in Yankton, with my family still here, only enhances my desire to provide medical eye care to this community. I look forward to working with Dr. Kindle in providing routine eye exams, including prescriptions for glasses and Trevor Kindle, MD, board-certified ophthalmologist, and Luke Rockne, OD, optometrist, are the specialists at the new Yankton Medical Clinic Eye Care. New eye care clinic offers advanced services
Spring/Summer 2026 5 Anyone can get glaucoma. But your age, family health history, and race or ethnicity can raise your risk. There’s no cure. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. But early treatment can help preserve more of your sight. You can have it without symptoms. Dilated eye exams are the best way to find and treat glaucoma early, before most vision loss starts. eye-opening facts about glaucoma 3 1 2 3 Sources: Glaucoma Research Foundation; National Eye Institute contacts, and medical eye exams, including care for diabetes, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Vision care is about more than just seeing clearly— it is about overall health and quality of life. Joining Yankton Medical Clinic allows me to collaborate with other specialists and provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages, all in one place.” “Our mission has always been to meet the health care needs of our community by being a regional center of medical excellence,” says Becky McManus, CEO of Yankton Medical Clinic. “By adding specialists focusing on eye health, we’re continuing to meet the needs of our community by ensuring patients have access to top-quality vision care in ophthalmology and optometry.” Trained at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Kindle is the only local cataract surgeon and comprehensive ophthalmologist. He can provide cataract surgery in Yankton, eliminating the need to drive elsewhere. Dr. Rockne is a Cornell University graduate. He completed his residency at Illinois Eye Institute. Just like other YMC specialties, the eye care clinic offers So Much Care, So Close to Home. Yankton Medical Clinic Eye Care The clinic is in Avera Sacred Heart Pavilion, Suite 3400. To make an appointment, call 605-655-1830. Services include routine eye exams for glasses and contact lenses along with medical eye care, including care for diabetes, glaucoma and macular degeneration. “Patients do not need to travel out of town for cataract surgery or high-quality, medicalbased eye care.” —Trevor Kindle, MD
6 yanktonmedicalclinic.com Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C. 1104 W. 8th St., Yankton, SD 57078 Primary Care Specialty Care FAMILY MEDICINE AUDIOLOGY CARDIOLOGY EAR, NOSE AND THROAT NEPHROLOGY ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY McKenzie Hanson, MD* 605-665-8910 Elizabeth Nicholas, MD* 605-665-8910 Carrissa Pietz, MD* 605-665-8910 Abigail Reynolds, MD* 605-665-8910 Jordan Schild, MD* 605-665-8910 Scott Weber, DO, FAAFP+ 605-665-8910 Jennifer McGinnis, CNP 605-665-8910 Beth Beeman, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA 605-665-0062 Jason R. Howe, MS, FAAA, CCC-A 605-665-0062 Tim Irwin, MD, FACC* 605-664-2741 DERMATOLOGY Scott Kindle, MD* 605-664-2741 David Abbott, MD* 605-665-0062 Byron S. Nielsen, MD* 605-665-1082 Jeremy Kudera, MD, ABOS* 605-665-1722 RADIOLOGY Will R. Eidsness, MD* 605-665-7841 Ben LaCrosse, MD* 402-379-2349 Brent Adams, MD, ABOS* General Orthopedics and Spine Specialist 605-665-1722 Ben Lancaster, MD, ABOS* 605-665-1722 PHYSICAL MEDICINE Judith R. Peterson, MD* 605-665-1152 PALLIATIVE MEDICINE Amanda Sedlacek, DO, MSA, FACP, FACOI, FAAHPM* 605-665-1722 Becky Sawatzke, PA-C 605-665-1152 Leann Bassing, MD* 605-665-1722 RHEUMATOLOGY OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Emma Bye, MD, FACOG* 605-665-5538 Amy M. Eichfeld, MD, FACOG* 605-665-5538 Annie Siewert, MD, FACOG* 605-665-5538 Jill F. Sternquist, MD, FACOG* 605-665-5538 PEDIATRICS Martha Holstein, MD, FACP, FAAP* 605-665-1152 Visit yanktonmedicalclinic.com/scheduling and follow the prompts. INTERNAL MEDICINE Venkata Pajjuru, MD, FACC* 605-664-2741 PULMONOLOGY Linda Reese, MPAS, PA-C 605-665-1152 Michael P. Pietila, MD, FCCP, FACP* Critical Care 605-665-1152 Liz Wortmann, CNP 605-664-2741 Self-schedule your appointment online! Katie Rasmussen, APRN 605-665-1082 Sarah Arens, MPAS, PA-C 605-665-1152 OPHTHALMOLOGY Trevor Kindle, MD* 605-655-1830 Luke Rockne, OD 605-655-1830 OPTOMETRY
Spring/Summer 2026 7 Vermillion Medical Clinic INTERNAL MEDICINE Susan E. Fanta, MD* 605-665-1082 Tyler Hanson, MD* 605-665-1082 Martha Holstein, MD, FACP, FAAP* 605-665-1152 Amanda Sedlacek, DO, MSA, FACP, FACOI, FAAHPM* 605-665-1722 Robert Nicholas, MD* 605-665-0062 Dawn Lauer, MPAS, PA-C 605-665-1722 UROLOGY Christopher Hathaway, MD, PhD* 605-664-2742 Amy Fluit, MPAS, PA-C 605-624-8643 *Board-certified +Board-eligible GENERAL SURGERY Jesse L. Kampshoff, MD* 605-664-2742 Luke C. Serck, MD* General and Vascular Surgery Specialist 605-664-2742 Ryan J. Garry, MD, FACS* General and Breast Surgery Specialist 605-664-2742 Tom Viereck, CNP 605-665-1722 Dawn M. Larson, MD+ 605-665-5538 Sara Pepper, MD, FAAP* 605-665-5538 April K. Willman, MD, FAAP* 605-665-5538 101 S. Plum St., Vermillion, SD 57069 David W. Withrow, MD, FAAP+ 605-665-5538 Matthew D. Krell, MD, FAAP,* Pediatrics 605-624-8643 Michelle Chaussee, MPAS, PA-C 605-624-8643 Ashley Johnson, MPAS, PA-C 605-624-8643 Emily Nelson, CNP 605-624-8643 Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C., Norfolk Alan Spanel, MD* Internal medicine 402-316-4606 Kelly Jueden, CNP Family medicine 402-316-4606 Erin Wolf, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA, Audiology 402-844-8110 Charles Harper, MD* Internal medicine 402-316-4606 Enas Al Zaghal, MD* Endocrinology 402-844-8110 Brian Kim, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA, Audiology 402-844-8110 3901 W. Norfolk Ave., Norfolk, NE 68701 Ben LaCrosse, MD* Radiology 402-379-2349 Taylor Lofink, PA-C 605-664-2742 Shay Thoene, FNP 605-665-8910 ENDOCRINOLOGY Enas Al Zaghal, MD* Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Obesity Specialist 605-665-1722 Shay Thoene, FNP 605-665-8910 With our regular clinic hours plus ConvenientCare open for walk-in appointments, you’ll get the care you need, when you need it: ● Monday–Friday, 5 to 8 p.m. ● Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ● Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Here for you 7 days a week in Yankton
8 yanktonmedicalclinic.com Dr. Weber honored for outstanding commitment to medical education Mentoring future physicians: Dr. Willman selected for Harvard Medical School teaching program We proudly congratulate April Willman, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician at Yankton Medical Clinic and an associate dean at Sanford School of Medicine at University of South Dakota, on her acceptance into Harvard Medical School’s esteemed Training to Teach in Medicine program. Dr. Willman’s selection for this competitive program is a testament to her exceptional commitment to clinical care, medical education and mentorship of future physicians. Her dedication reflects the values upheld by many at Yankton Medical Clinic—a strong belief in shaping the future of health care through education and leadership. “Her passion for shaping future physicians and her tireless pursuit of knowledge embody the very qualities that make an extraordinary teacher of medicine,” says Sue Bak, Education Coordinator at Sanford School of Medicine. “Dr. Willman’s selection for this program is a testament to her professional distinction, her vision for innovative teaching and her unwavering devotion to her students and colleagues alike.” Training to Teach in Medicine, a seven-month program hosted virtually by Harvard Medical School, is designed for clinician-educators and faculty who wish to enhance their classroom and clinical teaching skills. The application process requires multiple written statements and a recommendation from a supervisor. In Dr. Willman’s acceptance letter, Hannah Meiser, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services at Harvard Medical School, wrote, “Your notable accomplishments and enthusiasm for the course stood out to us among a competitive pool of applicants.” Jacob Prunuske, MD, MSPH, with Scott Weber, DO, FAAFP, and his family. Scott Weber, DO, FAAFP, a family medicine physician at Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C., was recently honored with the Edward J. Batt, MD Memorial Award by the Sanford School of Medicine (SSOM) at the University of South Dakota. Jacob Prunuske, MD, MSPH, professor and Chair of the family medicine department at SSOM, surprised Dr. Weber with the award at Yankton Medical Clinic. On hand were Dr. Weber’s colleagues and clinic staff and his wife, Jo, his son, Alec, and granddaughters Marie, Zelie and Clare. The Batt Award is presented annually to a physician who has held an appointment in the SSOM family medicine department for at least three years and demonstrates outstanding commitment to medical education. Among the criteria, awardees must consistently receive high evaluations from both students and faculty. Dr. Weber currently serves as a clinical professor at SSOM and will be retiring at the end of April after 27 years of practice at Yankton Medical Clinic. The award is in memory of Edward J. Batt, MD, who was a dedicated family physician in Sisseton, South Dakota, and later joined the medical school. To schedule an appointment with a family medicine provider at Yankton Medical Clinic, call 605-665-8910. April Willman, MD, FAAP
Spring/Summer 2026 9 Top Physician for third straight year It’s a three-peat! Michael Pietila, MD, FCCP, FACP, a board-certified pulmonologist and critical care physician with Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C., was recently honored with the Top Physician of the Year award from Avera Home Medical Equipment (AHME) for the third consecutive year. AHME’s Jeff Hart presented the award to Dr. Pietila and Linda Reese, MPAS, PA-C, of the Yankton Medical Clinic pulmonology department. Among 1,800 independent and Avera physicians, Dr. Pietila achieved the highest performance across AHME’s key quality indicators, Hart says. The pulmonology team at Yankton Medical Clinic includes Reese and two registered respiratory therapists, working under Dr. Pietila’s supervision. Together, they deliver evidence-based treatment options to help patients reach their goals and breathe easier. The clinic offers comprehensive pulmonary function testing, imaging and sleep medicine services, eliminating the need for patients to travel elsewhere for comparable care. Make an appointment No referral is necessary to schedule an appointment with our pulmonology department. To make an appointment, call 605-665-1152. Michael Pietila, MD, FCCP, FACP (center), receives the Top Physician of the Year award, presented by Avera representatives to him and Linda Reese, MPAS, PA-C (center right). “Dr. Pietila, along with our entire pulmonology team, provides exceptional care to patients in Yankton and our outreach locations,” says Becky McManus, CEO of Yankton Medical Clinic. “We are fortunate to have a team led by such an expert in our region.” Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. One reason: It doesn’t often have symptoms in its early stages, when it’s easier to treat. That’s why an annual low-dose CT (LDCT) screening is a lifesaving test for people at high risk for lung cancer. Screening can help find lung cancer early, before symptoms start. That can mean more treatment options—and better outcomes. Who should get screened? LDCT screening is recommended for people who are at high risk for developing lung cancer. Ask your doctor about a screening if you: • Are between 50 and 80 years old. Questions about screenings? Schedule an appointment with one of our providers at yanktonmedicalclinic.com/scheduling. Lung cancer screening saves lives • Have a 20 pack-year smoking history. (For example, this means smoking a pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.) • Currently smoke or you quit smoking in the last 15 years. If all three of the criteria apply to you, it may be time to schedule your screening. The benefits of screening are much greater for people at higher risk. So it’s not recommended for people who have never smoked.
10 yanktonmedicalclinic.com Strong women. Strong care. Yankton Medical Clinic’s obstetrics-gynecology team includes, from left: (standing) Amy Eichfeld, MD, FACOG, and Jill Sternquist, MD, FACOG; (seated) Emma Bye, MD, FACOG, and Annie Siewert, MD, FACOG.
Spring/Summer 2026 11 For generations, women in Yankton have trusted their care to the physicians of Yankton Medical Clinic. That trust— built over decades of experience, compassion and personal connection—continues today through an exceptional, all-women obstetrics-gynecology team dedicated to caring for women at every stage of life. The department is proudly led by four board-certified OB‑GYNs whose shared commitment to excellence, collaboration and compassionate care defines women’s health care in our community. Among them is Amy Eichfeld, MD, FACOG, the first female OB-GYN in Yankton County. Her leadership and dedication helped shape a new chapter in women’s health care—one rooted in trust, advocacy and understanding. “It is a huge comfort to know that our patients will always be well cared for even when we are personally not available,” says Dr. Eichfeld. “I know I can trust all of them completely to provide the best care always.” In turn, patients can feel confident knowing they are supported by a unified, highly skilled team. Four experts. One heart for health care. Annie Siewert, MD, FACOG, is the newest member of the team. Dr. Siewert brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for women’s health, further strengthening the depth of care available in Yankton. Her arrival represents not just growth but also continuity—ensuring that high-quality women’s health care remains strong for generations to come. Together, the team’s four physicians—Dr. Eichfeld, Dr. Siewert, Jill Sternquist, MD, FACOG, and Emma Bye, MD, FACOG—embody experience, leadership and compassion. From routine checkups to obstetrics care to complex women’s health needs, the team collaborates to make sure patients feel heard, supported and confident in their care. It’s a model built on trust—between physicians and patients and among the team itself. As Yankton Medical Clinic celebrates 80 years of care, the OB-GYN department is a powerful example of honoring legacy while embracing the future. Women who were once patients now bring their daughters and even granddaughters, continuing a tradition of multigenerational care rooted in relationships and respect. A legacy of women’s health in Yankton What is an OB-GYN? Obstetrician-gynecologists (OBGYNs) care for women throughout their lives. That care starts in early adolescence and continues through menopause and beyond. And they provide this care in two very important ways: They help women have healthy babies and safe deliveries, and they diagnose and treat health issues that are particular to women. This means OB-GYNs provide crucial: ● Preconception care. OB-GYNs help women get as healthy as possible before pregnancy. This is especially important for women who have health problems, such as diabetes. ● Prenatal care. These pregnancy checkups help OB‑GYNs spot problems with mom or baby early, when they may be easier to treat. In addition, OB-GYNs treat painful periods and abnormal vaginal bleeding. They check for early signs of breast, cervical and other cancers that are particular to women. And they help women who are having hot flashes or pelvic pain. Extensive training All OB-GYNs complete medical school and a four-year residency program. This includes training in surgery. Sources: American Board of Medical Specialties; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; American Medical Association Make an appointment Call Yankton Medical Clinic: 605-665‑5538 or Vermillion Medical Clinic: 605-624-8643. Or schedule online at yanktonmedicalclinic.com/scheduling.
Need a prescription refill? Our pharmacy is open: ● Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. ● Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ● Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Call 605-665-2929 for your prescription refills. Pharmacy drive-thru service is available! 1104 West 8th Street Yankton, SD 57078 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Nebraska Creighton, NE Avera Creighton Hospital 402-358-5700 ● Jesse Kampshoff, MD* General surgery Norfolk, NE Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C.–Norfolk 402-844-8110 ● David Abbott, MD* Ear, nose and throat ● Ryan J. Garry, MD, FACS* General and breast surgery ● Christopher Hathaway, MD, PhD* Urology ● Robert Nicholas, MD* Ear, nose and throat ● Byron Nielsen, MD* Nephrology ● Michael Pietila, MD, FCCP, FACP* Pulmonology Care near youWe provide specialty care in 14 locations outside of Yankton. O’Neill, NE Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital Specialty Clinic 402-336-5122 ● Ben Lancaster, MD* Orthopedic surgery ● Byron Nielsen, MD* Nephrology ● Michael Pietila, MD, FCCP, FACP* Pulmonology ● Amanda Sedlacek, DO, MSA, FACP, FACOI, FAAHPM* Palliative medicine (telehealth visits) Osmond, NE Osmond General Hospital 402-748-3393 ● Jesse Kampshoff, MD* General surgery Plainview, NE Plainview Area Health System 402-582-4245 ● Jesse Kampshoff, MD* General surgery Santee, NE Santee Outreach Clinic 402-857-2300 ● Sara Pepper, MD* Pediatrics South Dakota Freeman, SD Freeman Regional Health Services 605-925-4219 ● Jill F. Sternquist, MD, FACOG* Obstetrics-gynecology Gregory, SD Avera Gregory Hospital 605-835-8394 ● Amanda Sedlacek, DO, MSA, FACP, FACOI, FAAHPM* Palliative medicine (telehealth visits) Parkston, SD Avera St. Benedict Health Center 605-928-3311 ● Michael Pietila, MD, FCCP, FACP* Pulmonology Sioux Falls, SD Royal C. Johnson Veterans' Memorial Hospital 605-336-3230 ● Leann Bassing, MD* Rheumatology Tyndall, SD Bon Homme Family Practice Clinic 605-589-3322 ● Ryan J. Garry, MD, FACS* General and Breast Surgery Vermillion, SD Vermillion Medical Clinic 605-624-8643 ● Amy M. Eichfeld, MD, FACOG* Obstetrics-gynecology ● Jason Howe, MS, FAAA, CCC-A Audiology ● Jesse Kampshoff, MD* General surgery ● Jeremy Kudera, MD, ABOS* Orthopedic Surgery ● Robert Nicholas, MD* Ear, nose and throat ● Venkata Pajjuru, MD, FACC* Cardiology ● Linda Reese, MPAS, PA-C Pulmonology ● Jill F. Sternquist, MD, FACOG* Obstetrics-gynecology Wagner, SD Wagner Community Avera ● Brent Adams, MD, ABOS* Orthopedic Surgery 605-665-1722 ● Byron Nielsen, MD* Nephrology 605-665-1082 ● Venkata Pajjuru, MD, FACC* Cardiology Wagner Indian Health Service Clinic ● Emma Bye, MD, FACOG* Obstetrics-gynecology 605-384-3621 *Board-certified +Board-eligible
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