Stewart Memorial Hosts Interactive Career Day for Local High School Students

On May 2, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital welcomed 25 students from three area high schools-Glidden-Ralston, Manson Northwest Webster, and Southeast Valley-for an engaging and hands-on Interactive Career Day aimed at sparking interest in healthcare careers among students in grades 9-12.

The event offered students an in-depth look at a wide range of career opportunities within the medical field. Throughout the day, participants rotated through various hospital departments including the operating room, obstetrics, outpatient infusions, wound care, laboratory, radiology, emergency services, rehabilitation, dietary services, and information technology.

Interactive, hands-on learning was a key highlight of the event. Students practiced suturing techniques, administered IVs and injections, explored the labor and delivery process, and even X-rayed pig legs in the radiology department. These immersive experiences provided a realistic glimpse into clinical procedures and the vital roles healthcare professionals play every day.

“It was a privilege to engage with such motivated and curious students,” said Ashley Mork, nurse education director. “We hope this experience helped them envision future opportunities in the medical field and inspired them to consider a career in healthcare.”

Stewart Memorial remains committed to supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals by offering immersive learning experiences and cultivating early interest in medical careers. Plans are already underway to host another Interactive Career Day this fall.

Stewart Memorial Delivers New Year’s Baby on January 1st

Lake City, IA – Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City is delighted to celebrate the arrival of the first baby of 2025. Madelyn Jane was born to Chandy and Sam Priebe of Rockwell City on Wednesday, January 1st at 2:21 am.

Madelyn Jane weighed 7lbs. 9oz. and measured 20 inches long. She was delivered by Susan Hornback, DO, and was welcomed by three older siblings.

Three experienced providers continue to offer obstetrics care and delivery at Stewart Memorial, including Derek Duncan, DO; Julia Richardson, MD; and Susan Hornback, DO. In 2024, these three providers delivered 83 babies, with October being the busiest with 11 deliveries.

“At Stewart Memorial, we continue our commitment to providing accessible and high-quality maternity care within our region,” shared CEO Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “At a time when many rural hospitals are facing challenges in maintaining obstetric services, and more than one-third of the United States has ‘maternity care deserts,’ we are proud to ensure that families in our region have access to the care they need to welcome their newborns.”

To celebrate the birth of the New Year’s baby, the family was given a gift basket generously donated by Stewart Memorial and its employees. The gift basket included diapers, baby wipes, blankets, toys, bottle brushes, lotions, washes, ointments, swaddles, hats, towels, bibs, monthly milestone cards, and more.