Sara Jorgenson, Wound Care Nurse with Prairie Lakes Wound Care successfully passed a Wound Care Specialist examination. As a Wound Care Specialist, Jorgenson has a master level of knowledge in wound care and management.

Jorgenson is a key resource for other providers helping patients manage and heal wounds. As a Wound Care Specialist, Jorgenson is responsible to stay up-to-date on the latest practices. She is a source of information for various disciplines and organizations to promote the best possible outcomes for patients needing wound care.

“I have developed a passion for wound care since starting in Prairie Lakes Wound Care two years ago,” said Jorgenson. “I really love what I do and the people we work with. My favorite thing about this role is the relationship I develop with our patients over the time we see them. We treat most of our patients for several months, multiple times a week, so we get to know each other very well. It is bittersweet the day a patient is healed and “graduates” from wound care. I also enjoy working with all the other departments and physicians in our community.”

Wounds can both be acute and chronic and include diabetic wounds, burns, traumatic wounds, excessive swelling in the legs, ulcers, and ostomies. Trained wound care nurses evaluate patients in the inpatient and outpatient settings and make individualized plans of care to ensure patients have the best outcomes possible. The wound care team collaborates with specialists like podiatrists, hospitalists, vascular, general and orthopedic surgeons to recommend diagnosis and treatments that treat wound pathology and underlying conditions.

Jorgenson says having a complex wound is very traumatic and scary for many people. “Our goal is to help patients be at ease and to help alleviate the fear they are having. This certification will help me to provide the best care possible to our patients and to enhance our clinic.”

If you or someone you know may benefit from services by Jorgenson and the Prairie Lakes Wound Care team, primary care physicians and other providers can send a referral.

Jackie Lake, Physical Therapist with Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services completed a certification to enhance her practice treating patients with vestibular dysfunctions. These dysfunctions often include the symptoms of vertigo, dizziness, and feeling off-balance.

The most common disorders which may benefit from vestibular rehab include BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), vestibular migraine, head injury or concussion, age-related dizziness and imbalance, labyrinthitis, and vestibular neuritis. Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis is caused by an inflammation in the inner ear or the nerves of the inner ear (usually from a common cold or virus).  Labyrinthitis also involves hearing loss while neuritis does not.   Once medically stable, these patients can benefit from vestibular rehab to treat lingering symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, visual disturbances, unsteadiness, and/or difficulty with completing daily tasks.  

The Certificate of Competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation (CCVR) Course required Lake to demonstrate her elevated skills over a period of six months. Jackie has practiced PT for 21 years with the past 10 years specializing in therapy for vestibular dysfunctions. The CCVR course was created for practicing professionals, allowing therapists like Lake to deepen their understanding and enhance their practice.

“Vestibular disorders can cause a variety of symptoms including vertigo and dizziness, visual disturbances, motion sensitivity, and unsteady balance,” said Lake.  “It can also affect the way we think and process information and can lead to or complicate anxiety and depression symptoms and decreased quality of life.  I am excited to offer a more comprehensive evaluation and treatment option for patients whose lives have been affected by these symptoms.”

Those who experience dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance can ask their provider or physician for a referral to Jackie Lake at Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services. For more information call 605-882-7700.

The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) Board of Directors selected Paul Macek as the Interim CEO to serve the organization and assist with the recruitment of the next President and CEO. Macek resigned from his position on the PLHS Board of Directors to serve PLHS in this role.

Macek has over 35 years of experience as a hospital and health system CEO and for the past 5 years has served as an independent consultant to hospitals and health systems through his firm,  PEM Advisors LLC.  He and his wife Kathryn have a long-standing relationship with South Dakota and the Watertown community. Kathryn was raised in Britton South Dakota to John and Beverly Owen who operated Owen Livestock and were partners in the former South Dakota Livestock in Watertown. They previously lived in Watertown and now live in Plymouth, Minnesota. He and Kathryn have two grown sons, one grandson and they enjoy bicycle riding, traveling, and spending time with their grandson.

Beyond his healthcare administration experience, Macek has served in leadership roles on various professional, nonprofit, and community boards throughout his professional career.  

“PLHS has a proud past and very bright future,” said Macek. “I am looking forward to working with the board, physicians, and employees during this transition period.”  

The PLHS Board of Directors is comprised of 14 volunteer community members who are dedicated to fulfilling the mission, vision, and values of PLHS, an independent, not-for-profit, regional healthcare system.

The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors elected new board members at its annual meeting in May. New board members Tammy Davis and Jonathan Oviatt were elected to serve three year terms. They bring a diverse skill set and experience to the Board of Directors.

Tammy Davis has 25 years of experience in human resources and is currently the Senior Human Resource Manager at Wurth Electronics Midcom Inc. Davis is a dedicated community member and currently serves on the Lutheran Church of our Redeemer Council and Watertown Workforce Advisory Council, and is active with Junior Achievement and the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM). She and her husband Gus married after graduating from college and have two adult children.

Jon Oviatt served Mayo Clinic for over 25 years in key legal, administrative, and regulatory roles. Even in retirement Oviatt continues to keep busy. As a Watertown resident, Oviatt is currently on the Coordinating Committee for the Glacial Lakes Chapter of Delta Waterfowl and is an officer and director of the Webster Area High School Trap Club. He and his wife Berit have been married 39 years and enjoy time with their adult children and four grandchildren.

 “Prairie Lakes and its Board of Directors are committed to make a positive difference in the health of the patients and communities we serve by providing exceptional healthcare services to Watertown and the region. These new Board Members are a great addition and will help lead Prairie Lakes into the future,” said K.C. DeBoer, President and CEO.

The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors is comprised of 15 volunteer community members who are dedicated to fulfilling the mission, vision and values of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, an independent, not-for-profit, regional healthcare system. Board Officers are Chair Robb Peterson, Vice President Shan Kruse, Treasurer Mike Luken, Secretary Vince Foley, and Past Chair Jim Redlinger.