Path to Excellence: Megan Grodahl, PA-C Builds Connections Through Rural Health Care

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize Megan Grodahl, PA-C, as its August Path to Excellence honoree. Approaching 11 years with Stewart Memorial, Grodahl has built her career around rural family medicine, meaningful relationships with patients and families, and a commitment to working alongside her colleagues to provide care close to home.

Grodahl’s path to Stewart Memorial began with a strong interest in rural medicine.

“I just fell in love with rural Iowa and have a passion for primary care in a small community,” said Grodahl. “I very much enjoy caring for families, pediatric all the way through end of life.”

That connection to rural health is one of the reasons Grodahl has continued to call Stewart Memorial home. As a provider at the Stewart Memorial Lake City Clinic, she has had the opportunity to care for multiple generations of families, often developing relationships that extend far beyond the exam room.

“Most of my patients are like family now,” she said. “It’s great to see the full circle effect of health care. It reminds you that you do truly make an impact on the day-to-day.”

In addition to family medicine, Grodahl has spent several years providing occupational health services. That work has strengthened her appreciation for teamwork and the importance of connecting patients with the right resources throughout their care.

Grodahl works closely with the rehabilitation therapy team, particularly when patients experience work-related injuries and need rehabilitation to return to their jobs and daily activities. She also collaborates with the laboratory and other departments to help streamline services for local employers and their employees.

“One of the things I really value is the relationship we have with our Rehab Therapy services team. We’re able to communicate and work together to make sure patients get the care they need and can move forward with their recovery,” Grodahl said.

For Grodahl, the strength of those relationships is one of the advantages of practicing medicine in a rural health system. Working closely with colleagues across departments allows her to see patients through different stages of their care and recovery.

Seeing patients progress through recovery and return to the activities that are important to them is one of the most rewarding parts of Grodahl’s work. Whether helping someone recover from a workplace injury or seeing an older patient regain mobility after surgery, she values being able to see the long-term impact of the care provided.

“You can see them then reintegrate back into their workplace or society and be successful,” she said. “You just don’t see that in big communities. You treat that person, and they leave, and then you may not see them again. Here, there’s that personal relationship.”

That connection to patients and the community continues to inspire Grodahl as she looks toward the future. She remains interested in opportunities to expand her professional knowledge and bring additional services to the community.

After nearly 11 years with Stewart Memorial, Grodahl’s commitment to rural medicine continues to be shaped by the relationships she has built with patients, families and colleagues.

“I very much enjoy caring for families,” she said. “It’s the community aspect that is important for me.”

Grodahl’s dedication to rural health, teamwork and the patients and families she serves reflects the values celebrated through Stewart Memorial’s Path to Excellence recognition. Her commitment to building lasting relationships and providing care that helps patients return to the people, work and activities that matter most continues to make a meaningful impact throughout the communities Stewart Memorial serves.

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics congratulates Megan Grodahl, PA-C, on being recognized as the August Path to Excellence honoree and thanks her for nearly 11 years of dedicated service to patients, families and the community.

Path to Excellence: Dr. Ronald Cheney

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize Dr. Ronald Cheney as its July Path to Excellence honoree. Since joining Stewart Memorial in 2019, Dr. Cheney has exemplified the values of teamwork, ‘stewart’ship, and service through his dedication to patients, his colleagues, and his ongoing medical mission work across the globe.

Although Dr. Cheney’s path to Stewart Memorial was not a traditional one, it quickly became the right fit. After working at Stewart Memorial for several years as part of a visiting surgical group, he was looking for an opportunity that would allow him to continue practicing surgery in the United States while dedicating part of each year to training surgeons in Africa. Stewart Memorial embraced that vision, creating an opportunity that allowed him to pursue both callings.

For Dr. Cheney, one of the greatest strengths of Stewart Memorial is the team he works alongside every day.

“Surgery is a team effort,” said Dr. Cheney. “You can’t do complex things on your own. Stewart Memorial has done a great job of building a surgical team that communicates well, supports one another, and works together. When you have good people around you, it allows you to provide the best care possible.”

That same spirit of support extends beyond the operating room. Outside of his work at Stewart Memorial, Dr. Cheney remains committed to training surgeons in Africa through medical mission work, helping expand access to surgical care in underserved communities.

“Being able to invest in surgeons who will go on to care for thousands of patients is incredibly meaningful,” he said. “That work keeps me motivated because it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact that reaches far beyond the patients I see every day.”

He credits Stewart Memorial’s leadership, Board of Directors, and his fellow surgeons for making that work possible by supporting the time he spends overseas.

“The administration, the Board, and my colleagues have all supported me by allowing me the time to continue that work,” Dr. Cheney said. “While I’m away, my partners take on additional responsibilities without hesitation. That support has meant a great deal to me.”

Dr. Cheney believes that willingness to support one another is what makes Stewart Memorial unique.

“People here recognize the value each individual brings,” he said. “It’s not just about filling a position. They support you as a person and encourage you to pursue work that makes a difference.”

Dr. Cheney’s commitment to his patients, his colleagues, and his global mission work reflects the values celebrated through Stewart Memorial’s Path to Excellence recognition. His dedication to teamwork, lifelong learning, and serving others continues to make a meaningful impact both within Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics and in communities around the world.

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics congratulates Dr. Ronald Cheney on being recognized as the July Path to Excellence honoree and thanks him for his continued commitment to improving the health and well-being of every community he serves.

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Names Ricole Potts as March Path to Excellence Award Recipient

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to recognize Ricole Potts as the March Path to Excellence Award recipient for her nearly 25 years of dedicated service and compassionate patient care.

Throughout her career, Ricole has worked in multiple departments, giving her a unique understanding of how each area of the hospital works together to provide quality care. For the past five years, she has served as a surgery clinic nurse alongside Dr. Cheney, a role she finds particularly meaningful.

“I love being part of a team that helps guide patients through their surgical journey from start to finish,” Potts shared. “Surgery can be stressful for patients and families, and I try to treat every patient the way I would want my own family treated, with kindness, patience, and reassurance.”

Ricole’s experience across departments has strengthened her appreciation for teamwork, organization, and communication, which are all essential to delivering seamless care. Compassion is at the heart of everything she does, ensuring patients and families feel supported at every stage of their experience.

She also values working for a strong community hospital that offers comprehensive services close to home. “We are so lucky to have such a strong hospital in our community, not only for patient care, but also for the employment opportunities it provides for so many families. It is something I am truly proud to be part of.”

After nearly 25 years, Ricole is motivated by the people around her, including patients and coworkers, and the culture of mentorship and teamwork at Stewart Memorial. One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is seeing patients return after successful surgeries and knowing the care provided made a difference in their quality of life.

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to honor team members like Ricole Potts who exemplify its mission and core values through dedication, compassion, and excellence in rural healthcare.

Stewart Memorial Recognizes DAISY Award Nominee for Exceptional Care and Kindness

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to recognize Megan Schuttler as a DAISY Award nominee. Megan was honored for delivering extraordinary compassion, comfort, and support to a patient who arrived at the Emergency Room alone during a difficult day.

Megan immediately began providing attentive and thoughtful care, ensuring the patient received all necessary tests and treatments. When the patient was too weak to walk to the pharmacy, Megan personally picked up the prescriptions to make sure they got the medications they needed. On a cold, windy day, she even started the patient’s car from the lobby and safely wheeled them out to it before discharge. The patient described Megan as making a stressful and isolating experience much easier, and called her kindness and attentiveness truly remarkable.

The DAISY Award celebrates nurses who go above and beyond in their commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care. Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is honored to have Megan as part of our nursing team and congratulates her on this well-deserved recognition.

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics Announces Quarter 3 Team Award Winners

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to announce that Lexie Snyder and Keagan King have been named the Quarter 3 Team Award winners. This recognition highlights their exceptional teamwork, professionalism, and compassionate care provided to patients.

The nomination detailed a patient’s experience after developing a reaction to contrast dye following a CT scan. The patient recalled how quickly and compassionately Lexie and Keagan responded:

“Throughout it all, Keagan was incredibly patient and helpful. She found me a fan, offered me water, kept me calm, and stayed with me until I was feeling better. Both Alexa and Keagan were so caring and compassionate, making what was a very scary experience much more manageable.”

Lexie’s swift medical response combined with Keagan’s dedication and kindness created a safe and reassuring environment during a difficult situation. Their actions embody Stewart Memorial’s mission of providing quality, patient-centered care.

The Team Award is presented quarterly to staff members who demonstrate exceptional collaboration, compassion, and dedication in serving patients and supporting colleagues.

Stewart Memorial Celebrates Mary Reiter for 50 years of Dedicated Service to the Organization.

Stewart Memorial is proud to celebrate Mary Reiter for 50 years of dedicated service to the organization. Mary began her career at Stewart Memorial in 1975 as the Radiology Director, a year when gas was just 57¢ a gallon, Jaws topped the box office, and Gerald Ford served as President.From developing x-rays in a darkroom to today’s advanced digital imaging, Mary has witnessed incredible changes in healthcare. One thing that has never changed is her commitment to patients, staff, and the Stewart Memorial family.Mary retired from her full-time role as Radiology Director in 2018, yet continues to lend her expertise when needed. When asked what kept her at Stewart Memorial all these years, she said, “It’s family. I work with a very stable department, and I’ve developed wonderful relationships with all the staff at the hospital and clinic.”To honor this milestone, Stewart Memorial staff celebrated Mary’s 50 years of service with ice cream across the organization.“We are incredibly grateful for Mary’s devotion to our patients, colleagues, and the Stewart Memorial family,” said CEO Linn Block “Her 50 years of service is a testament to her dedication, professionalism, and care for others.”

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics Honors Darci Peterson, RN, as September Path to Excellence Employee

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize Darci Peterson, RN, as the Path to Excellence Employee for September 2025. This monthly recognition highlights team members who embody the hospital’s mission and values through outstanding service, compassionate care, and leadership.

Peterson began her career at Stewart Memorial more than 12 years ago when she joined as a hospice supervisor. Having worked in hospice previously, she was eager to continue this meaningful work in a smaller, community-focused facility.

“I came to Stewart Memorial because I wanted to serve small communities like the one, I grew up in,” Peterson said. “Right away I noticed how welcoming everyone was. It felt homey, not like a large hospital, and that sense of family has stayed with me ever since.”

After several years in hospice, Peterson transitioned into care coordination, working as both a health coach and care manager for patients. In those roles, she guided individuals through their health journeys, ensuring they had the resources, education, and encouragement they needed. For the past six to seven years, she has been a trusted partner in patient care and advocacy.

Most recently, Peterson embraced a new challenge as Director of Mental Health Services, a position she accepted about six months ago. She is excited to help expand the department and bring new opportunities to patients who rely on Stewart Memorial for their behavioral health needs.

“I’m super excited to see how the department grows,” Peterson said. “Mental health is such an important part of overall wellness, and I look forward to building services that make a difference for our patients and community.”

When reflecting on Stewart Memorial’s core values, Peterson shared that compassion resonates most deeply with her.

“Being a nurse for more than 20 years has taught me how essential compassion is,” she explained. “As a hospice nurse, I’ve seen firsthand that not everyone’s circumstances are the same. Showing kindness and offering a listening ear can mean everything to a patient or family in a difficult moment.”

Peterson also expressed gratitude for her colleagues and leadership team, who have played an important role in her career development.

“The leadership team here gently pushes us to learn more and grow,” she said. “They give us support when we’re ready to take on something new, and they stand by us if we choose to stay where we are. That balance is rare, and it’s part of what makes this organization special.”

For Peterson, both her patients and her coworkers are a source of motivation and joy in her work.

“Stewart Memorial is really like one big family,” she said. “If you’re having a hard day, someone is there to lift you up. We lean on each other, and that support allows us to give the best possible care to our patients.”

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics congratulates Darci Peterson, RN, on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her years of dedicated service to patients, colleagues, and the community.

Stewart Memorial Announces Eating Disorder Therapy Group

 Stewart Memorial will offer a new Eating Disorder Therapy Group beginning September 9, 2025. Sessions will be held every Tuesday from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at the Willis Conference Center at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City.
The group will be led by Stacie Daily, LMHC, CADC, Mental Health Specialist at the Lake City Clinic. Daily has extensive experience treating a range of mental health concerns including eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex trauma.
The therapy group is open to individuals age 16 and older diagnosed with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), or OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder). Sessions are structured around three components: connection, education, and nutrition. Participants may attend weekly or as their schedules allow. Telehealth is also an option.
New patients and first-time participants are asked to call the Lake City Clinic at 712-464-7907 before attending their first session. Patients attending for the first time should check in at the hospital’s main entrance and will be directed to the Willis Conference Center. After the initial visit, patients may join the group without scheduling in advance. Participants are welcome to bring their lunch.
For more information or to register, call the Lake City Clinic at 712-464-7907.

Stewart Memorial Welcomes Stacie Daily, LMHC, CADC, to Lake City Clinic

Stewart Memorial is pleased to welcome Stacie Daily, LMHC, CADC, to the Lake City Clinic team beginning August 25, 2025. Daily brings extensive experience in mental health and substance use counseling and is passionate about supporting individuals and families throughout their healing journey.

Originally from Glidden, Iowa, Daily is excited to begin serving the Lake City area and surrounding communities. “I’m excited to join the team and bring my experience to the mental health clinic,” she said. She will provide mental health counseling services to children, teens, and adults.

Daily holds certifications in complex trauma and eating disorders and has special interest and experience working with individuals navigating depression, bipolar disorder, family dynamics, and children with unique needs, such as those on the autism spectrum. In addition to her mental health licensure, she is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), enabling her to support individuals struggling with addiction and recovery.

Her approach to care is patient-centered and collaborative. “I take time to listen to each patient’s concerns and consider their emotional well-being and lifestyle when developing a treatment plan,” Daily shared. “It’s important to me that care feels personal and empowering.”

Outside of work, Daily enjoys spending time outdoors. She and her husband live on an acreage where they care for a variety of animals and enjoy hiking and spending time in nature.

For more information about mental health services at Stewart Memorial, or to schedule an appointment with Stacie Daily, visit www.stewartmemorial.org or call (712) 464-7907.

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.