Doc Talk with Monument Health

Mark Houston welcomes David Kovaleski, M.D., FASN, Critical Care Doctor at Rapid City Hospital, and a true Renaissance man. Dr. Kovaleski recounts his journey to becoming an ICU Physician, relates the challenges of Critical Care and touches on the delicate nature of end-of-life discussions. Beyond the ICU, Dr. Kovaleski, a passionate painter and photographer, credits creativity with helping him na...

Catherine Fernandez-Aristy, M.D., Sleep Medicine at Neurology and Rehabilitation in Rapid City, breaks down healthy sleep habits with host, Mark Houston. Dr. Fernandez-Aristy discusses how late-night screen time and irregular sleep schedules can disrupt our natural sleep rhythms. She also shares her insights on common sleep issues like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and the impact of daylight...

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 importanc...

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...

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...

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 pa...

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...

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...

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 disc...

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 cal...

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 misconception...

In this Best Of episode, we sit down with Dr. Brooke Eide, an experienced emergency room physician from Monument Health in Rapid City, SD, to explore the fast-paced, unpredictable world of the ER. Dr. Eide shares the pivotal moment when he knew emergency medicine was his calling and what keeps him coming back every day. From managing the adrenaline of high-stakes situations to the emotional weight...

Ever felt constantly tired, sluggish, or like your body just isn't running on all cylinders? It could be your thyroid! In this Best Of episode of Doc Talk, we chat with Dr. Sonali Khachikian, a board-certified endocrinologist on this little butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that has a BIG impact on your health. Doc Talk gets real about the thyroid - what it does, how it can go awry, and what you...

Skin cancer is a common concern, but the good news is, many forms are highly treatable. In this Best Of episode of Doc Talk, we delve into Mohs surgery, a specialized technique for removing skin cancer with exceptional cure rates. Our guest, Dr. Christopher Gasbarre, a board-certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery, will explain the Mohs procedure step-by-step. Yo...

In this Best of 2024 episode, we sit down with board-certified Internist and Gastroenterologist/Hepatologist at Monument Health Gastroenterology Dr. Issam Turk. Diverticular Disease, a condition affecting the large intestine, can often be misunderstood and mismanaged. Dr. Turk sheds light on the intricacies of this condition, discussing its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. From dietary mod...

This episode welcomes Dr. Stephen Wasemiller, a non-invasive cardiologist at Monument Health's Heart and Vascular Institute, who specializes in guiding individuals toward optimal cardiovascular health. Worried about keeping your heart happy? Whether you're aiming for prevention or actively managing a condition, this episode is packed with practical advice. Dr. Wasemiller will debunk common myths,...

In this episode of Doc Talk , we sit down with Dr. Joy Mueller, a family and primary care expert, to discuss how to get the most out of your healthcare visits. From understanding the importance of honesty with your doctor (spoiler: they’re not here to judge) to knowing the difference between a wellness visit and a problem-focused appointment, Dr. Mueller provides practical tips for patients. Learn...

In this episode of Doc Talk , Dr. David Woodard and Dr. Kenneth Milligan from Monument Health in Rapid City share practical tips to protect your hips and knees. Learn how to keep your joints strong, avoid unnecessary wear and tear, and reduce the chances of needing replacements in the future. With simple advice and expert insights, this episode will help you stay active and keep your joints happy...

On this week's episode of Doc Talk , we’re diving into the ins and outs of hip replacement surgery with Dr. Kenneth Milligan, an orthopedic surgeon from Monument Health in Rapid City, SD. Discover what leads people to seek hip replacements, the advancements that make this surgery more effective than ever, and what recovery truly looks like. Dr. Milligan breaks down complex medical details into pra...

Rorak Hooten, M.D., Pulmonology at Monument Health in Rapid City, discusses how Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy empowers physicians to reach previously inaccessible areas of the lung, which offers new hope for patients battling lung cancer. Dr. Hooten shares his firsthand experiences with the robotic-assisted surgery system, highlighting its ability to navigate the intricate network of airways and explai...

In this episode of Doc Talk , Mark Houston sits down with Dr. Olga Schuth, a plastic surgeon at Monument Health, to delve into two complex topics—phantom pain and chronic migraines. Dr. Schuth explains the underlying mechanisms behind phantom pain, why it occurs, and who is most likely to experience it. She then shares groundbreaking approaches and procedures that can relieve both phantom pain and...

In this episode of Doc Talk , we sit down with Dr. Michael Huot, a seasoned anesthesiologist, to dive deep into the world of anesthesia and its crucial role in pain management. From the intricacies of different anesthetic techniques to the latest advancements in pain control, Dr. Huot offers expert insight into how anesthesia is tailored to individual patient needs. He explores the delicate balanc...

In this episode of Doc Talk, we delve into the groundbreaking partnership between Nebraska Medicine and Monument Health, bringing advanced liver disease and transplant services right to your doorstep in Rapid City. Join us as we sit down with physicians Dr. Ali Zakaria and Dr. Luciano Vargas to discuss the transformative impact this collaboration is having on the lives of patients in the region. D...

In this episode of Doc Talk , we sit down with Dr. Patrick Tibbles from Monument Health to explore the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. From treating chronic wounds to aiding in recovery from certain medical conditions, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is making waves in modern medicine. Dr. Tibbles delves into how this therapy works, who it benefits the most, and what the future holds for this cut...

This week's episode of Doc Talk is about the “bones, moans, stones and groans” world of parathyroid disease. First, Dr. Badger explains the intricacies of parathyroid surgery. Later, Dr. Palmer joins to illuminate the art and science of treating parathyroid disorder. Whether you're curious about how these tiny glands impact your health or are interested in the recent advances in endocrine treatmen...