Changes to Podiatry Services at Stewart Memorial

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital announces an upcoming transition in its podiatry services. Dr. Mark Hartman will see patients for the final time on August 6, 2025, after years of dedicated service to our patients and community.
“We are deeply grateful for Dr. Hartman’s commitment to our hospital and his dedication to high-quality patient care,” said Linn Block, CEO of Stewart Memorial Community Hospital. “He has made a meaningful impact on so many lives, and we sincerely thank him for his years of service.”
Looking ahead, Stewart Memorial will welcome Dr. Reed Smith to the podiatry team in Summer 2026. Dr. Smith and his wife, Brandi, are Carroll, Iowa natives and graduates of Kuemper Catholic High School.
Dr. Smith earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Morningside University in Sioux City and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Des Moines University’s College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. He is currently completing a three-year comprehensive surgical residency at AdventHealth East Orlando.
During the interim period between providers, podiatry services will be temporarily paused. Stewart Memorial remains committed to patient care and will offer care coordination and referral support to ensure continuity of treatment.
“We understand this pause may cause some inconvenience, and we appreciate our patients’ understanding,” Block added. “Our team is here to support each individual during this transition, and we look forward to continuing our commitment to high-quality specialty care.”
For more information or assistance with referrals, please contact Stewart Memorial Community Hospital.

Derrick Henkenius, DPT, Named Q3 Culture Champion at Stewart Memorial

Derrick Henkenius, DPT, Named Q3 Culture Champion at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital

Stewart Memorial is proud to announce Derrick Henkenius, Doctor of Physical Therapy, as the recipient of the Culture Champion Award for the third quarter. This honor recognizes team members who go above and beyond to exemplify the hospital’s core values of compassion, integrity, excellence, and community service.

Derrick was nominated by Branden Roberts, who praised his unwavering dedication to both his patients and his colleagues. As a physical therapist, Derrick consistently delivers compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals of all ages. He is known for making patients feel welcomed, supported, and empowered, regardless of how busy his schedule may be. On even the most demanding days, he maintains a calm and steady presence and never hesitates to help others.

“Derrick never complains, never turns down an opportunity to help, and always makes time for others, patients and coworkers alike,” said Roberts. “He consistently goes above and beyond without ever seeking recognition.”

Roberts noted that Derrick has picked up coworkers’ weekend shifts on short notice simply because it was the right thing to do. He gives generously of his time and regularly performs small, thoughtful acts of kindness that often go unnoticed. A recent example includes picking up lunch for several coworkers even though he had not ordered anything for himself.

Outside of his work at the hospital, Derrick is deeply involved in the Lake City community. He volunteers as an assistant coach for local football and track teams, supports little league sports, and often serves as a referee. Whether it is helping a neighbor move something heavy, offering a ride, or stepping in as a last-minute volunteer, Derrick is someone people can always count on.

His work ethic, humility, and commitment to serving others are qualities that reflect the very best of Stewart Memorial. Derrick not only upholds the hospital’s mission – he lives it out daily in every interaction.

We are honored to recognize Derrick Henkenius as our Q3 Culture Champion and thank him for the outstanding impact he has on our patients, our team, and our community.

Fight Back: An Empowering Exercise Program for Individuals Living with Parkinson’s

Fight Back is more than just a fitness class. It is a supportive and empowering experience designed to help individuals living with Parkinson’s disease improve strength, mobility, and overall well-being. Offered at the Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Fitness Center, this program combines physical activity with community connection to promote real progress in both body and spirit.

About the Program

Fight Back is a circuit-based exercise class that focuses on functional movement, strength training, coordination, and balance. Each session includes exercises like boxing and guided mobility work to help participants stay active and strong. The class is led by a licensed physical or occupational therapist who understands the unique needs of those living with Parkinson’s.

More than just a workout, the program creates a space where participants can connect with others facing similar challenges. The group setting offers motivation, encouragement, and a sense of community that enhances the experience.

“Fight Back is an empowering exercise program including strength, mobility, and community for patients living with Parkinson’s.”

Class Details

  1. Days: Mondays and Wednesdays
  2. Times: 9:30 AM
  3. Duration: 1 hour per session
  4. Location: Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Fitness Center
  5. Cost: $140 per month (not covered by insurance)
  6. Class Size: Limited to 10 participants per session
  7. Registration: Call 712-464-4244 to sign up

What to Expect

Participants will engage in a structured workout that includes:

  1. Boxing
  2. Strength training
  3. Coordination and balance exercises

All exercises are designed to improve strength, mobility, and confidence in daily movement. The class is guided by trained professionals and offers the benefit of group support from others who understand the Parkinson’s journey.

Before You Join

  1. A physician consultation is recommended before starting
  2. All participants must sign a Consent and Release of Responsibility form
  3. If you have mobility limitations, please bring an assistant to help move between stations
  4. Be ready to move, sweat, and feel stronger

Reserve Your Spot

Class size is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Call 712-464-4244 to reserve your place in this uplifting and transformative program.

Take the next step toward building strength and community with Fight Back.

Amanda Buse, DNP, ARNP, to Join Lake View Stewart Memorial Clinic This Fall

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to announce that Amanda Buse, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C, AGNP-C, will be joining the Lake View Clinic team this fall. A dedicated and experienced provider with a deep passion for rural health care, Buse brings a wide range of expertise to the clinic including family medicine, women’s health, holistic care, and chronic disease management.

Buse, a native of the area, grew up on a farm south of Wall Lake and graduated as part of the first East Sac County High School class. She brings more than eight years of experience, including five years running her own private primary care clinic in Wall Lake, where she partnered with a variety of healthcare institutions, including Stewart Memorial.

“I always enjoyed working with Stewart Memorial,” Buse shared. “They are professional, respectful, patient-centered, and innovative. I’ve always appreciated their commitment to rural health care, and I’m excited to now officially be part of their team in Lake View.”

To support the expansion of services and ensure a welcoming space for Buse’s growing practice, Stewart Memorial is also renovating the lower level of the current Lake View Clinic. This updated space will enhance patient access and comfort while allowing for continued growth in primary and specialty care services.

Amanda is married to Nick Buse, who grew up in Lake View and now serves as the Calhoun and Sac County Engineer. Together, they are raising four children, ages 3 to 8. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, cooking, swimming, biking, rollerblading, and learning new things. She also continues to share her knowledge as an adjunct instructor in the Graduate Nursing Program at Morningside University.

Her clinical interests include family medicine, women’s health, hormones, disease prevention, immunology, and rheumatology. Buse offers a wide variety of services, from physicals and immunizations to skin lesion treatments and joint injections, as well as hormone therapy and contraception management.

“My approach to care is individualized,” said Buse. “I take time to really listen to my patients and make sure they feel heard and respected. I believe transparency and education are key, and I always aim to provide care that is not only effective but also cost-conscious.”

Stewart Memorial is thrilled to welcome Amanda Buse to its Lake View Clinic family and looks forward to the compassionate, patient-centered care she will bring to the community.

Ann Riat Named 2025 Q3 Exceptional Experience Award Winner

Stewart Memorial is proud to recognize Ann Riat, PT, MSPT, as the 2025 Q3 Exceptional Experience Award Winner for her outstanding dedication to patient care.

Nominated by Ashley Mork, Ann went above and beyond when a Storm Lake clinic contacted the team with an urgent request for therapeutic ultrasound treatment for a patient suffering from mastitis. Although the rehab team had not treated this condition before, Ann quickly researched the proper settings and arranged to see the patient on her own time that Saturday, just before a holiday weekend.

The patient, who had been in pain for over two weeks, received timely relief and compassionate care thanks to Ann’s initiative. Her actions not only impacted this patient’s experience but also helped pave the way for future treatment of similar cases.

Ann’s dedication and compassion exemplify the mission of Stewart Memorial and the spirit of the Exceptional Experience Award.

Stewart Memorial Recognizes Holly Wuebker with Path to Excellence Award

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize Holly Wuebker, RN, as the latest recipient of the Path to Excellence Employee Recognition Award. This award honors team members who demonstrate outstanding dedication, embody the organization’s values, and go above and beyond to serve patients and the community.

Wuebker’s story with Stewart Memorial began in 2001 when she enrolled in the hospital’s CNA program at age 16. “I really didn’t have any intention of going into healthcare at that time. I thought I was going to be an elementary school teacher,” she said. “And then after I completed the class, the hospital reached out and asked if I wanted a job.”

That opportunity launched a long and meaningful career that has evolved from nursing assistant to her current role as a registered nurse at Stewart Memorial Clinics. Over the years, Wuebker has served in several departments, including home care and hospice, clinical nursing, and more.

Of all the hospital’s core values, one stands out to her the most. “Probably ‘Stewart’ship. This is a very small community, and the people we take care of are our neighbors, our friends, our family members. I think it’s important to take care of our people, take care of our organization, and just be good stewards.”

Wuebker’s current role includes working with family practice providers and in the urology specialty clinic. “This is something I really had no knowledge in prior to starting with Dr. Kneib, and he has been very educational,” she said. “We’re just really lucky that all of the providers we work with are so kind and patient with us and help teach us what we need to know in order to run the best clinics we can.”

When asked what keeps her motivated, Wuebker emphasized the importance of offering care close to home. “We live in an elderly community and a lot of people don’t like to drive very far. If we don’t offer it here, oftentimes you do have to drive. So, what more can we do to keep people here and just take care of our own?”

She is also proud of how the staff supports one another. “It’s really like a family,” she said. “That always makes me really proud when people come together to help one of our own in times of need.”

Please join us in congratulating Holly Wuebker on this well-deserved recognition. Her heart for service, adaptability, and dedication to her community exemplify the spirit of excellence Stewart Memorial strives for every day.

Stewart Memorial Celebrates Marissa Parks, Recipient of Iowa Central’s Outstanding Teaching Tech Award

Stewart Memorial is proud to recognize Marissa Parks as the recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Tech Award, presented by Iowa Central Community College.

This annual award honors clinical educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student learning and mentorship in the lab setting. Marissa was selected for her outstanding ability to guide, support, and educate students with clarity, professionalism, and compassion.

Known for her approachable teaching style, constructive feedback, and consistent encouragement, Marissa has made a lasting impact on the students she mentors. Her ability to create a welcoming and effective learning environment sets a high standard for clinical education.