Events & News

July 7, 2009
Mankato Clinic Earns ACR Accreditation
Reston, Va. – The Mankato Clinic has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in Ultrasound as the result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The Mankato Clinic’s Ultrasound Department is the ACR’s only accredited facility in South Central Minnesota. The ACR, headquartered in Reston, Va., awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of its practice. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. They assess image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance program. The surveyors report their finding to the ACR’s Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report. The ACR is a national organization serving more than 32,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs for focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services. The Mankato Clinic was founded in November 1916, by five area physicians who believed that a comprehensive, multi-specialty group practice offered the best means of providing quality health care to the residents of southern Minnesota. The Mankato Clinic has grown to over 110 physicians and practitioners located in Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter, Mapleton, and Lake Crystal. The Mankato Clinic and its satellites employ over 700 people, and ranks among the top 15 employers in the region.

June 5, 2009
LeSueur-Henderson High School Senior Winner of Second Annual Dr. Sanders Memorial Scholarship
Mankato, Minn. (May 28, 2009) – The Mankato Clinic Foundation has selected Mitchell Thune, a senior at LeSueur Henderson High School as the second recipient of the J. Scott Sanders, M.D. Memorial Scholarship. Dr. Sanders’ sound character was recognizable in all aspects of his life and positively impacted others. Applicants of the award provided a short essay describing how character has been important in achieving their accomplishments and how it will be a key cornerstone in their future. The winner is selected solely on this personal statement of character, academic standing has no bearing. \"The effort of the applicants for this scholarship was very revealing. We can be proud of the graduates who are so aware of others and willing to give of themselves. Their character was evident in their applications and most definitely in the lives they lead. I am honored to present this scholarship to Mitchell Thune and see the love of learning my husband so valued continue with this generation, \"commented Barb Sanders, wife of Dr. Sanders. Stacy Carpenter, counselor at LSH High School says “Mitch is well-respected by teachers at Le Sueur-Henderson High School, and this respect has earned him the title of Captain of the golf team during both his junior and senior years. Mitch was also selected to be an officer for our Target group, an organization which promotes volunteerism and drug- and alcohol-free choices. Through his leadership with these groups, Mitch has become an outstanding role model for our younger students. Mitch has also served on our student council, a position which he was elected to by his classmates. I consider Mitch to be a respectful, kind, and trustworthy student, and I expect that he will exemplify the same qualities in Mitch when he attends college.” Mitch, son of Kathy and Kevin Thune is active in Sports, Target, and Volunteering for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and the Royal Family Kids Camp. Thune plans on using the $2,000 scholarship from the Mankato Clinic Foundation to attend St. John’s University this fall. About the Mankato Clinic Foundation and the J. Scott Sanders Memorial Scholarship- The mission of the Mankato Clinic Foundation is to encourage and support the health and well-being of our community through initiatives that promote and improve community wellness. Annual initiatives made possible by the Mankato Clinic Foundation include community grants, scholarships for students pursuing careers in health, and Project Kindness in Greater Mankato schools. The Mankato Clinic Foundation has expanded its scholarship program to area high school seniors through the J. Scott Sanders, M.D. Memorial Scholarship. Recipients will emulate Dr. Sanders’ unforgettable character, his kindness and his passion for helping others. To be eligible high school seniors must reside within the Mankato Clinic service area, which includes Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter, Lake Crystal, Mapleton, Blue Earth, and nearby communities; and must plan to obtain secondary education after graduation. Student selection is based solely on the content of the students’ 1,000 word personal statement. Academic standings will have no bearing on selection. Applications for this $2,000 scholarship for 2010 will be available this fall. Please visit www.mankato-clinic.com for more information.

May 18, 2009
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION
In celebration of its newly-renovated and relocated Oncology, Hematology and Infusion Center, Mankato Clinic will host an open house on Wednesday, May 20, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Main Street location, on the lower level, between the laboratory and Diagnostic Imaging Department. Staff will meet and greet visitors, offer refreshments and facilitate tours of the new center. In order to provide its patients with the highest quality of care, the clinic made substantial upgrades and enhancements to the facility. The nearly 5,000 square–foot, state-of-the-art center features 12 individual chemotherapy treatment chairs, each with its own TV and headphones, and additional chair for a support person. Highlights include wi-fi access, a refreshment center for snacks, a private waiting area and soothing décor. There is also a private room adjacent to the infusion room for patients who prefer a more private experience. “The environment in the new space has a more calming effect on patients with the warm, wood floors and the natural light that filters into the infusion area,” said Dr. Birendra Kumar, Mankato Clinic oncologist since 2005. “This enables us to provide patients with quality, personal care in a relaxing, healing and nurturing environment.” The clinic had the patient in mind when designing the center, and turned to those like Laurie Oftedahl, an oncology patient of Dr. Kumar’s since 2006, for valuable input. “I was honored to help with decorative touches like color schemes and curtains in the center,” said Oftedahl. “I think it is important to find out what patients themselves find soothing and relaxing. Throughout my treatment in the former center, I would share photos of my garden with staff. They knew that my garden is an outlet and has a calming effect on me so they asked for my input on how to make the center as welcoming as possible.” Mankato Clinic believes that top-rate medical treatment and personalized care go hand-in-hand. Upgrades and increased efficiency are only one piece of the total care package. “Patients spend a lot of time with us and we become like a family,” said Jennifer Jindra, RN and department manager. “We do what we can to make them feel at home. Our number one priority is creating a holistic, healing environment for patients that treat the whole person.” The department staff keeps patients coming back. “Our staff is absolutely phenomenal,” said Dr. Kumar. “The department staff offers personalized, professional care above and beyond all others. The patients are why we show up everyday and give 110%. Patients return because of the staff and the high quality of care we offer to them.” The staff includes a receptionist, dedicated department financial counselor, ad-mixture technician, nurses and physicians. “My medical team has always been there for me, from the nurses to my primary care doctor to my surgeon and oncologist,” said Oftedahl. “I was impressed from the start by their support and encouragement. It is nice for me to help alleviate other patients’ fears and anxiety by sharing my positive experiences at the clinic with them. I can’t say enough positive things about them.” The lower level is also home to lab, the Diagnostic Imaging Department and a wheelchair scale which centralizes care and increases efficiency. “By doubling the number of chairs available as well as doubling our working space enables us to improve efficiency within our practice,” explained Dr. Kumar. “Ultimately patients will not have as long of a wait as before and will still receive high quality care in a nurturing atmosphere. And, they can receive all facets of their treatment in a central area.” To meet the increasing needs of patients, the clinic added a second oncologist, Dr. Ettore Piroso, in 2008. The clinic has also dedicated an office in the center to conducting clinical trials so patients can participate in research opportunities locally. For more information, please call 507-625-1811 or visit mankato-clinic.com.

April 29, 2009
Mankato Clinic team returns from Guatemala Mission Trip
Mankato, MN. (April 24, 2008) A team of three Mankato Clinic employees have returned from a week long medical mission trip to rural Guatemala. Dr. Richard Peller, Dr. Cathie Davis, and Certified Medical Assistant Melissa Mickelson were part of an 11 member team which spent seven days providing much needed medical care to San Lucas and surrounding villages. Each day the team would travel in the back of a pick-up to a different mountain village to setup a make shift clinic to provide medical care to the people. For those villagers unable to travel to the temporary clinic, they physicians would make house calls. The team would treat anywhere from 30 – 80 people each day. This was Dr. Peller and Dr. Davis’s third trip to San Lucas. Melissa Mickelson, Dr. Peller’s nurse at the Mankato Clinic at Wickersham Health Campus, was so inspired by hearing his experiences during his last mission trips; she knew it was something she wanted to do too. “This experience has changed me as a person; I know I will return to Guatemala to help serve the people there,’ said Mickelson. The trip was organized and funded by Minnesota Doctors for the Poor, a local now profit organization established in 2006 by Susan Peller and Bridget Hermer. Minnesota Doctors for the Poor provides free medical care to the impoverished of the world and offer medical and lay people the opportunity to share their gifts by serving the underprivileged, experiencing other cultures, promoting good will and exploring social justice through short term mission trips. “Our goal is not only to serve those in need; we are also serving those that get involved by providing the opportunity to give back. It brings tears to my eyes to see how this mission experience has changed Melissa’s life,” commented Susan Peller. The Mankato Clinic and the Mankato Clinic Foundation support Minnesota Doctors for the Poor with funding and medical supplies.

April 21, 2009
Mankato Clinic Earns Governor’s Safety Award
(Mankato, MN)— — The Minnesota Safety Council has awarded a Governor’s Safety Award to the Mankato Clinic for excellence in workplace safety and health. Mankato Clinic will be recognized at the Governor’s Safety Award luncheon at the Minneapolis Convention Center on May 15th. “An effective safety program reduces injuries and costs, maximizes productivity and build morale,” said Carol Bufton, president of the Minnesota Safety Council. “Employers like the Mankato Clinic understand that safety is good business, now more than ever.” “We are very proud of the efforts of our staff around workplace safety and are honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Randy Farrow, Chief Executive Officer of the Mankato Clinic. Since 1934, the annual Governor’s Safety Awards have spotlighted Minnesota employers with above average safety records. Participants submit injury information which is compared with state and national data, as well as the entrant’s past performance. Ongoing safety programs and activities are also considered. Winners are recognized at three levels: - Meritorious Achievement (110 winners): Better than average performance in incident rates, dependent on type of industry. - Outstanding Achievement (68 winners): Continuing improvement and/or a continuing outstanding record. - Award of Honor (71 winners): Exceptional accomplishment in reduction of injuries and illnesses in the workplace. The Mankato Clinic received a Meritorious Achievement Award. The Governor’s Safety Awards luncheon is part of the 75th Minnesota Safety & Health Conference, coordinated by the Minnesota Safety Council. The conference is the oldest and largest gathering of workplace safety and health professionals in the region. The Minnesota Safety Council, founded in 1928, is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Minnesota by preventing unintentional injuries (“accidents”). ### About the Mankato Clinic The Mankato Clinic was founded in November 1916, by five area physicians who believed that a comprehensive, multi-specialty group practice offered the best means of providing quality health care to the residents of southern Minnesota. The Mankato Clinic has grown to over 110 physicians and practitioners located in Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter, Mapleton, and Lake Crystal. The Mankato Clinic and its satellites employ over 700 people, and ranks among the top 15 employers in the region.

March 17, 2009
Mankato Clinic Foundation Scholarship Deadline April 1
The Mankato Clinic Foundation has expanded its scholarship program to area high school seniors through the J. Scott Sanders, M.D. Memorial Scholarship. Recipients will emulate Dr. Sanders' unforgettable character, his kindness and his passion for helping others. To be eligible high school seniors must reside within the Mankato Clinic service area, which includes Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter, Lake Crystal, Mapleton, and the surrounding area. Students must plan to obtain secondary education after graduation. Student selection is based solely on the content of the students' 1,000 word personal statement. Academic standings will have no bearing on selection. Applications for this $2,000 scholarship are available from area high school guidance counselors. The application deadline is April 1st.

February 23, 2009
Mankato Clinic Hires First CFO
The Mankato Clinic has announced the hiring of its’ first Chief Financial Officer, Steve Hatkin. Hatkin lead the Buffalo Hospital- Allina Hospitals and Clinics as their president for the past four years. Prior to his leadership role in Buffalo he was employed as the assistant administrator and director of finance for the New Ulm Medical Center. “The Mankato Clinic has grown significantly in terms of size and complexity. Like other healthcare organizations, we are facing challenges with the economic downturn, changing reimbursement systems, implementation of new technologies, and the need to find new ways to do more with less. Having a CFO in the organization will give us a level of financial expertise that we really need in order to navigate through these volatile times, explained Randy Farrow, CEO of the Mankato Clinic. “We are very excited about the background and skills Steve will bring to the Mankato Clinic as we face these challenges and position the organization for continued success.” Steve is originally from Connecticut, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He earned his Masters in Health Care Administration from the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. “I am excited to join an organization with such an excellent reputation for high quality care and service. The next few years will be very challenging for health care organizations, but I am confident the Mankato Clinic is well positioned to be very successful,” commented Hatkin. Hatkin will begin his duties at the Mankato Clinic on February 23rd.

February 20, 2009
Mankato Clinic’s Mens Health Forum
The Mankato Clinic will be hosting its fifth annual Men’s Health Forum at the Alltel Center in Mankato on Tuesday, March 10. This year the event will feature an extraordinary keynote speaker. Warren Macdonald’s life’s boundaries were redefined after a hiking accident in Australia. He became trapped beneath a one-ton slab boulder in a freak rock fall. Two days later he was rescued, only to undergo the amputation of both legs at mid thigh. Just ten months later he displayed the courage he now shares with audiences worldwide, successfully summiting Cradle Mountain, and then Federation Peak -Australia’s toughest mountain summit! Warren has been a guest on Oprah Winfrey and Larry King Live. When Oprah Winfrey interviewed Warren, she told him \\\"You are an inspiration to anybody who hears your story\\\". The Men’s Health Forum begins at 5:00 p.m., with health screenings and display booths until 6:30 p.m. Free screenings include blood pressure checks, glucose checks, and body mass index calculation. Attendees may visit with clinical staff and physicians on a wide variety of health and wellness topics including diabetes management, foot and ankle care, better hearing, lasik and cataract eye surgery, blood pressure and cholesterol, prostate health, and depression and chemical abuse screening. Mankato Clinic physicians will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. for a panel discussion on health topics such as; prostate cancer, benign prostate disease, common foot ailments, preventive health screenings, and mental health. Event moderator, Michel James, M.D., will facilitate the panel discussion. Keynote speaker, Warren McDonald will follow. The event is free to the public. For more information on the Men’s Health Forum contact Ceceli Polzin at 389-8786. About the Mankato Clinic: The Mankato Clinic was founded in November 1916, by five area physicians who believed that a comprehensive, multi-specialty group practice offered the best means of providing quality health care to the residents of southern Minnesota. The Mankato Clinic has grown to over 115 physicians and practitioners located in Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter, Mapleton, and Lake Crystal. The Mankato Clinic and its satellites employ over 700 people, and ranks among the top 15 employers in the region.

February 20, 2009
Dr. Becker Physician of the Year Finalist
Mankato, MN. (February 20, 2009) Dr. Carolyn Becker MD of the Mankato Clinic @ Mapleton Family Practice is one of four finalists for the 2009 Minnesota Family Physician of the Year. The award is presented annually to a family physician that represents the highest ideals of the specialty of family medicine, including caring, comprehensive medical service, community involvement and service as a role model. Dr. Becker is a native of Mankato and has been practicing in Mapleton for over 33 years. Other finalists include; Dr. John Fedje-Johnston of Grand Rapids, Dr. Donald Kammerer of Albert Lea, and Dr. Jennie Orr of Hastings. The name of the 2009 Family Physician of the Year will be made public during an awards ceremony on April 16.

October 14, 2008
New Technology Utilized in Diagnostic Digital Mammography- New Technology More Accurate in Detecting Breast Cancer
Mankato, MN)— October 14, 2008 — October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Mankato Clinic is now one of the few breast imaging facilities in the U.S. to offer digital mammography capability. “Screening mammography is still recognized as the most effective tool available for the early detection of breast cancer,” said Dr. Kevin Gildner M.D., Gynecology Department of the Mankato Clinic. We’re proud to be able to provide the­ women in our communities with the most advanced screening technology available to identify cancers early when they are most treatable.” Digital mammography, a mammogram that uses new detection technologies and computers instead of film, was found in a landmark clinical study of more than 42,000 women to be better than film-screen mammography in detecting breast cancer in three groups: women under 50, pre- and peri-menopausal women, and women with dense breasts. Digital mammograms are 15 percent more accurate among women under age 50 or not yet in menopause, and 11 percent more accurate among women with dense breasts. From the patient’s perspective, the procedure for a digital mammogram is the same as for a conventional film mammogram; therefore women having their mammogram with the new technology will not notice significant changes from past mammograms. “The benefits we are experiencing with digital mammography are not only allowing us to do our jobs more effectively and efficiently but, more importantly, they are enabling us to provide the top level of care for our breast imaging patients,” said Dr. Mark Myers M.D., Radiologist, Mankato Clinic. “Fuji’s Computed Radiography for Mammography is the most widely used digital mammography system in the world, and we’re pleased to be the first facility in the Greater Mankato Area to offer its benefits.” The Mankato Clinic also uses PACS, or Picture Archiving and Communication System, which enables the digital mammograms to be electronically viewed, transmitted and stored. PACS enables the interpreting physician to use digital tools to electronically enhance and magnify the images, and to adjust the contrast to better examine any suspicious areas. This reduces the need for the patient to be called back for additional exposures. The PACS also facilitates long-distance consultations with other specialists since the digital images can be readily transmitted to other facilities. They can also readily be transferred to a CD if a patient needs to take them to another facility. Furthermore, the Mankato Clinic also utilizes CAD (Computer Assisted Detection), a technology shown in many recent studies to help radiologists find a greater numbers of concerns on mammograms. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Fortunately, 96 percent of women who find and treat breast cancer early will be cancer-free after five years. A mammogram and a breast exam by a doctor should also be part of a periodic health exam every year for women 40 and above. About the Mankato Clinic The Mankato Clinic was founded in November 1916, by five area physicians who believed that a comprehensive, multi-specialty group practice offered the best means of providing quality health care to the residents of southern Minnesota. The Mankato Clinic has grown to over 110 physicians and practitioners located in Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter, Mapleton, and Lake Crystal. The Mankato Clinic and its satellites employ over 700 people, and ranks among the top 15 employers in the region.

October 8, 2008
Mankato Clinic Hires New CEO
The Mankato Clinic has finalized an employment agreement for a new CEO. Randy Farrow will lead the Clinic into the future as their sixth Chief Executive Officer in their 92 year history. Farrow has been the President of the River Falls Area Hospital, Allina Health Systems for the past four years. Prior to his employment in River Falls, Randy led the Mille Lacs Health System/Allina Health System in Onamia Minnesota as their CEO. He brings over 16 years of experience in health care administration and leadership. “During his career Randy’s level of responsibility and leadership has steadily risen. He has experience in both clinic and hospital environments, and is a strong advocate for both patients and physicians. I believe he has the experience and skills we need to lead the Mankato Clinic and support continued growth and improvement in healthcare services for our community,” states Dr. Julie Gerndt, Mankato Clinic Chairman of the Board. Randy grew up in a healthcare family in Rochester Minnesota. His father was a physician at Mayo for many years and his mother was a nurse. His parents still live in Rochester. Farrow’s wife, Jean grew up in Lafayette Minnesota. He earned his B.A. in economics from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter and his M.B. A. from the University of Colorado in Boulder. “I am excited and honored to be selected as the next CEO for the Mankato Clinic. This is a fantastic career opportunity to join a progressive organization with a long history of providing exceptional health care to the residents of Mankato and the surrounding area. The Clinic has enjoyed strong leadership for the past 20 years under Roger Greenwald, so I recognize I come into the position with big shoes to fill.” Randy and his wife Jean have two children, Donald (16) and Charlie (14). His start date at the Mankato Clinic is July 21st.

October 8, 2008
Mankato Clinic Foundation Grants Announced
Thanks to the Mankato Clinic Foundation, over 20 area organizations received grants totaling more than $96,000 in 2008. The following local organizations received grants: Mankato East, Mankato Ballet, Creative Play Place in St. Peter, Crisis Nursery, GAC-National Youth Sports Program, House of Hope, St. Peter Community Child Care Center, Camp Patterson, VINE, YMCA, Twin Rivers Center for the Arts, Central Freedom School, Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center, Theresa House, Council for Health Action & Promotion, Minnesota State University Foundation, South Central College Foundation and Warren Park in St. Peter. Mankato Clinic Foundation president, Marcia Bahr said, The Mankato Clinic Foundation is thrilled to be able to support the areas we serve by providing local organizations with funds that enhance the health and wellness of the community. The Mankato Clinic Foundation provides resources to organizations and endeavors that effectively promote and improve community health and wellness. Since the primary focus of the Foundation is to support the health and well-being of the community, projects and programs supported include education and scholarships, initiatives focused on health care, health education and wellness. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis and are considered only through the application process. Applications and more information can be obtained at mankatoclinic.com. About the Mankato Clinic Foundation The mission of the Mankato Clinic Foundation is to encourage and support the health and well-being of our community through initiatives that promote and improve community wellness. Annual initiatives made possible by the Mankato Clinic Foundation include community grants, scholarships for students pursuing careers in health, and Project Kindness and Partnership in Health in Greater Mankato schools.