Doc Talk with Monument Health

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.

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.

Welcome to a special re-run of Doc Talk! Today, we’re revisiting Episode 30—Time for TAVR with Dr. Joseph Tuma—just in time for Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, happening February 21st from 4 to 6 PM at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.TAVR, or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, is a groundbreaking procedure for those with aortic valve disease. If you or someone you love is at risk, this episode is a must-listen.

Cardiologist Luis Hernandez, M.D., FACC, of the Heart and Vascular Institute at Rapid City Hospital talks the latest in heart failure treatment, including heart pumps, transplants and the crucial role of heart medication. Dr. Hernandez explains the difference between temporary and permanent heart pumps, such as the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), which can provide life-saving support for patients with severe heart failure and offer hope for those facing advanced heart disease.

Diane Schabauer, CNP and Megan French, CNP of Monument Health Heart and Vascular Institute join host Mark Houston to discuss the critical importance of heart health in women, with a focus on the Go Red for Women movement, which is celebrating 21 years of women's heart health advocacy. They explore how cardiovascular disease often presents differently in women compared to men, with subtle symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue which can be easily overlooked. They discuss the importance of awareness, early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease, emphasizing the need for women to be proactive in managing risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. The duo share inspiring stories of patients who have taken control of their heart health, encouraging listeners to advocate for themselves and seek care early. To learn more about how you can help support Go Red for Women, visit goredforwomen.org When seconds count, trust your heart to the best. Visit monument.health/heart to learn more about the Heart & Vascular Institute in Rapid City, South Dakota and take control of your heart health today!

Rapid City Hospital’s Kyle Lemley, M.D., Pediatric Critical Care, Amy Morrill, RN, Nurse Educator and Amanda Horsley, RN, Manager Nurse, join Mark Houston to tuck into pediatric sedation (or sleepy time as they refer to it) and how it's evolved to be less traumatic for children. They share the innovative sedation techniques they use, including an intranasal medication to minimize pain and anxiety for kids undergoing procedures like MRIs and CT scans. Not all procedures are the same and the team discusses how they emphasize the importance of creating a calm, comforting environment for both children and their parents. They also highlight how these advancements help local families avoid the stress of traveling far for treatments, making health care a little easier for everyone.

Daniel Petereit, M.D., FASTRO, Monument Health Radiation Oncologist, and Keely Ulmer, M.D., University of Iowa Gynecologic Oncologist, join host Leslie Cline to discuss the groundbreaking work in cervical cancer screening. In this episode, Drs. Petereit and Ulmer discuss the barriers faced when encouraging healthy people to get early prevention testing as well as accessing care, including the discomfort and fears associated with traditional screening methods. They explore the promising shift toward self-collection HPV testing, which provides a less invasive, more accessible option for people to screen for cervical cancer from the comfort of their own homes. They also dive into their current research, which aims to engage and educate rural and Native American communities about the benefits of this new screening method. The duo share insights on how this initiative could greatly reduce mortality rates of cervical cancer for all communities, while empowering people to take more control over their health care. Dr. Ulmer also discusses her efforts to mentor the next generation of Native American health care professionals, emphasizing the importance of representation in medicine.

Even though they are trained in slightly different disciplines, Rapid City father and son practitioners, Vaughan Bowen, M.D., Otolaryngologist, and Logan Bowen, Au.D, Audiology, often work as a team. In this episode of Doc Talk, they explain the differences between their specific jobs, discuss how the human ear works and drill down on the vexatious hearing condition, tinnitus, which Dr. Bowen calls “brain noise.” Dr. Bowen and Logan address the different manifestations of tinnitus, how to overcome symptoms, and why tinnitus is not always a sign of hearing loss.

Breanna Janovy, CSW-PIP, at Sturgis Clinic joins host Mark Houston to discuss the connection between mental and physical health. As a Clinical Social Worker, Breanna is accustomed to addressing and working through the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment and the reluctance of people to prioritize state of mind like they do physical well-being. Breanna dispels common misconceptions about the therapy process, shares how she adjusts when she encounters patient resistance and clarifies how patients — and staff — at Sturgis Clinic avail themselves of her services.