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.

Living Without Limits: Dwight Dial’s Knee Replacement Journey

Dwight in Physical Therapy with Ann Riat

For nearly ten years, Dwight Dial lived with worsening pain in his left knee. After decades of farming and raising livestock, everyday movement slowly became something he had to work around.

“I found myself having to sit down all the time just to get the weight off my leg,” Dwight said. “As long as I kept moving, I was okay. But if I stopped to visit with someone, I couldn’t just stand and talk. It was limiting a lot of my social life.”

After years of living with the pain, Dwight knew it was time to find a solution. Choosing Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics came naturally. His late wife worked there for 26 years, and after her passing, Dwight now serves on the Patient & Family Advisory Board. Through those experiences, he had seen the dedication of the people who care for patients every day.

“I wanted to help get the word out about what a wonderful facility we have here for people who need surgeries like this,” he said.

From the start, Dwight was surprised by how quickly things moved. “I don’t think it was a full month from my first appointment until surgery,” he said. “A lot of people think they’re going to wait and wait. At Stewart Memorial, you can get the care you need without a long delay.”

Dwight underwent a total knee arthroplasty on his left knee. He credits Lacey Crimmins, ARNP, with helping him feel informed and confident before surgery. That first appointment set the tone for his experience, as the orthopedic team made sure he understood each step and felt prepared moving forward.

“Lacey answered every question I had,” he said. “After meeting with her, I didn’t have any questions left. She explained everything and made me feel ready. Everyone made me feel like, ‘You’ve got this.’”

Dwight also spoke highly of the care he received from multiple members of the surgery prep and recovery teams, including Andrea Kramer, RN, and Wendell Spencer, CRNA, who helped him feel at ease before and after surgery. He said their calm presence and support made a meaningful difference in how relaxed he felt going into the procedure.
When surgery day arrived, Dwight said the preparation and surgical teams helped him feel calm and supported throughout the entire process.

“Everyone was so professional, but they also made you feel comfortable,” he said. “Before I knew it, surgery was over.”

“I was walking with physical therapy just a couple of hours after surgery when I met Dr. Miller in the hallway,” Dwight said with a smile. “He said he’d see me in two weeks. I remember thinking he must have done a pretty good job because I was already up walking.”

The next day, Dwight returned home and began physical therapy at Stewart Memorial. He is currently working closely with the rehabilitation team, including Ann Riat, Derrick Henkenius, Hannah Halbur, and Kay Crabb, who are helping guide him through his recovery.

“Our physical therapy facility has everything you need after surgery,” Dwight said. “But what really makes the difference are the people. They’re professionals who know what they’re doing, and they genuinely want to help you succeed.”

Each visit is helping him regain strength and confidence, and he continues to notice improvements in his mobility and comfort.

Looking back, Dwight says the experience has stood out because of how seamlessly everyone works together. “You feel like you’re in your own private hospital,” he said. “It feels calm, people are attentive, and everyone works together. You never feel like just another patient.”

“I highly recommend Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics,” he said. “From Lacey Crimmins, ARNP, and Dr. Elijah Miller, to the surgery prep team, nurses, physical therapists, and everyone involved, they all work together to help you get back to living your life.”

If joint pain is keeping you from doing the things you love, learn more about orthopedic services or request an appointment at Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics.

Bringing Smiles to the OR: Thanks to Our CRNA Team!

We are thrilled to welcome a new remote control ride-on car to our Surgical Services area thanks to the generous donation from our CRNA team. This exciting addition helps our pediatric patients feel more relaxed before surgery by providing a fun and comforting distraction.
The car can be driven by the children themselves using the remote control or our staff can take the wheel for a smooth ride. Creative tools like this make a big difference in reducing anxiety and improving the patient experience for our youngest visitors.
A big thank you to our CRNA team for their support in bringing smiles and comfort to our pediatric patients.