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.

Welcome to Stewart Memorial Dr. Reed Smith

Reed Smith, DPM, joins Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics this July, bringing a combination of advanced surgical training, a passion for rural healthcare, and a story that comes full circle.

Raised in Carroll, Iowa, Dr. Smith grew up understanding the importance of community and connection. His interest in medicine was shaped early on by watching his father, Dr. Josh Smith, serve patients as a general surgeon, an experience that helped guide his path into healthcare. That path eventually led him to podiatry, where he found a unique balance between clinical care and surgical treatment. During his training, he became especially drawn to the meaningful impact that foot and ankle health has on a patient’s quality of life and the ability to restore mobility and reduce pain.

Dr. Smith completed his surgical residency at AdventHealth East Orlando, where he trained in a high volume, diverse environment. His experience includes reconstructive surgery, trauma, wound care, and limb salvage. He looks forward to bringing that comprehensive training to a rural setting where access to specialty care can be limited.

At Stewart Memorial, Dr. Smith will provide podiatry care independently while also working alongside his father in the wound care clinic. Together they will treat patients with wounds below the knee, creating a collaborative approach that strengthens care for the region.

“It is an honor to be working alongside my father within the wound care clinic team,” Dr. Smith said. “There is a strong foundation of professional respect, and I believe our collaboration will help provide high-quality, comprehensive care.”

For his father, the opportunity is both meaningful and impactful for the community.

“Working with my son, Reed, will be a great and unique experience for me,” said Dr. Josh Smith. “His experience and knowledge will be a great asset to our community.”

Together, their partnership brings both experience and new perspectives to patient care, helping ensure more consistent and coordinated services for those needing podiatry and wound care.

Dr. Smith is especially passionate about patient education and early intervention. He encourages patients not to delay care, even for concerns that may seem minor, and emphasizes the importance of specialized treatment for conditions like diabetic foot wounds.

“My philosophy on patient care begins with an emphasis on education, communication, shared decision-making, and collaboration,” Dr. Smith said. “I believe patients achieve the best outcomes when they understand their condition and are actively involved in their treatment plan.”

Outside of medicine, Dr. Smith enjoys working out, golfing, and spending time with family. As he begins this next chapter, he looks forward to building relationships and expanding access to high-quality care close to home.

With Dr. Smith’s arrival, Stewart Memorial continues to strengthen its commitment to providing compassionate, specialized care while meeting the growing needs of the communities it serves.

Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics Names Jim Lewis as June Path to Excellence Awardee

Image of Jim Lewis in an operating room.

Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics is proud to recognize Jim Lewis, CRNA, as the June Path to Excellence Award recipient, honoring his dedication to patient care, teamwork, and commitment to providing safe, high-quality anesthesia services.
Lewis joined Stewart Memorial in 2021, bringing more than a decade of anesthesia experience from North Dakota. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began seeking an opportunity closer to family and was drawn to Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics for its strong sense of community and the opportunity for close, collaborative, one-on-one patient care.
“I was really drawn to the community atmosphere here and the opportunity to work closely with everyone involved in patient care,” Lewis shared. “It’s a place where teamwork really matters, and that stood out to me right away.”
Since joining the organization, Lewis has seen the anesthesia department continue to grow and evolve, with expanded services and ongoing development of clinical operations. Through these changes, he has remained focused on adaptability while maintaining a strong commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care.
Lewis emphasizes a team-oriented approach in his daily work, highlighting the importance of collaboration across departments, including anesthesia and Pain Solutions. He also stresses the value of clear, open communication among care teams to ensure patients receive coordinated, safe, and effective care.
“Good communication across all areas of care is essential,” Lewis said. “When everyone is working together and staying aligned, it directly improves the patient experience and helps ensure safe outcomes.”
One of the key experiences during his time at Stewart Memorial has been working closely with leadership and colleagues to support consistent, high-quality anesthesia coverage while integrating new team members into the department. He notes that this collaborative environment has helped maintain continuity of care and foster a strong, positive workplace culture.
He credits his colleagues and leadership team for their support and collaboration, including Jordan Blackwill, CRNA; Ragina Rowen, RN; Linn Block, CEO; Ann Lengeling; Jim Henkenius, CFO; and Melissa Wallace, CCO, for their shared commitment to maintaining strong teamwork and organizational goals.
When asked what keeps him motivated, Lewis pointed to the impact of his work on patients.
“At the end of the day, it’s about helping people through surgery safely and making a stressful experience a little easier,” Lewis said. “Being part of that process and knowing you can make a difference is what keeps me motivated.”
Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics congratulates Jim Lewis, CRNA, on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his continued commitment to excellence, teamwork, and compassionate patient care.

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.