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Doc Talk with Monument Health

Doc Talk with Monument Health
Author: Monument Health
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© Monument Health
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Weekly conversations with doctors from Monument Health.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
175 Episodes
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In this episode of Doc Talk Live! at The Matthews Art Center, Wesley Badger, M.D., general surgeon at Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue, discusses two very different cancers and why early detection matters. Dr. Badger explains why colon cancer screening now starts at 45 years old and why colonoscopy remains the standard for prevention. He also addresses the rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger people and the lifestyle factors driving this trend. Dr. Badger also covers thyroid cancer, explaining why it behaves differently than most cancers and why screening recommendations differ dramatically between these two conditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and diagnoses are happening at younger ages than ever before. In this episode, Ashlea Semmens, M.D., General Surgeon, Breast Surgical Oncologist and Medical Director of the Breast Surgery program at Rapid City Hospital, sits down to discuss what every woman needs to know about breast cancer awareness, detection and treatment. She explains why self-awareness matters, breaks what happens after an abnormal mammogram and clears up common myths about screenings. Dr. Semmens also addresses the emotional toll of diagnosis, the resources available locally for patients undergoing treatment and why no two breast cancers are treated the same. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There's no magic pill for heart health, but there is something almost as simple: walking. In this special episode recorded on location at American Heart Association Black Hills Heart Walk on Sept. 6, Stephen Wasemiller, M.D., Non-invasive Cardiologist at Heart and Vascular Institute in Rapid City, joins host Mark Houston for a conversation on the move. Dr. Wasemiller explains how walking protects your cardiovascular system, improves mental health and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Whether you're just starting out or looking to stay motivated, heart health doesn't have to be complicated; any movement is better than none. Sometimes the best medicine is putting one foot in front of the other. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) means encountering life-changing challenges, but it doesn't have to define your future. Jannine Purcell, CNP, Gastroenterology, discusses how IBD affects young adults in their 20s and 30s, often disrupting major life milestones. Jannine explains the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and why team-based care is essential. She shares inspiring success stories of patients who've achieved deep remission and provides insight into why close follow-up and patient education are crucial for helping young people reclaim their quality of life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Eating should be simple. However, for people with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE), swallowing can feel difficult or even scary. In this episode, Issam Turk, M.D., Gastroenterologist at Monument Health Gastroenterology, returns to discuss this increasingly common condition that many people don't even realize they have. Dr. Turk explains why difficulty swallowing should never be considered normal and shares that he usually diagnoses two to five new cases every week. He discusses the emergency situations that often lead to diagnosis, why early detection is crucial and explores treatment options, which range from dietary changes to a breakthrough medication that has shown remarkable success rates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Your liver works around the clock, but chances are you rarely think about this vital organ until something goes wrong. In this episode of Doc Talk, Chantel Holz, CNP from Monument Health Gastroenterology, breaks down what you need to know about liver health and why it should be on your radar. She discusses the rise in metabolic associated liver disease and how symptoms of this condition can be missed. Chantel shares insights on new non-invasive screening methods and promising treatments while addressing the misinformation circulating on social media about liver detox supplements. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hans Nelson, Director of the Monument Health Foundation, and Patrick Tibbles, M.D., Vice Chair of Emergency Medicine and Medical Director of the Foundation, discuss how philanthropic support helps elevate health care in the Black Hills. From events like the Golden Guitars Gala to critical projects in cancer care, hospice and pediatric services, they explore how donor contributions directly impact patient care, equipment upgrades and support for both patients and caregivers alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Misinformation can spread quickly, especially when it comes to health care. Lately, some cancer patients have been asking about the use of Ivermectin, a drug designed to treat parasites, as a potential cancer treatment. Bayan Al-Share, M.D., Oncologist at Monument Health Cancer Care Institute, joins host Mark Houston to address where this idea came from, what the science actually says and how to evaluate sources of medical information. Dr. Al-Share also shares how she handles these conversations in the exam room and what patients should know before considering alternative therapies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week we share the second in an ongoing series of Doc Talk Live! episodes recorded in front of an audience at the Matthews Opera House and Art Center in Spearfish. Loren Jones, M.D., Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon at Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue, discusses sleep apnea and answers questions from the crowd. Dr. Jones shares his expertise on treatments for sleep apnea, focusing on Inspire Therapy, an exciting alternative to C-PAP machines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What goes into staffing all of the many roles at a hospital? Sarah Blenner, Director of Talent Resourcing and Joanna Wiseman, Talent Acquisition and Marketing Specialist are responsible for filling all of the non-Physician jobs at Monument Health. Find out how they approach the tall task of keeping over 1,200 spots filled while still remaining selective in an extremely competitive industry. Looking for a new career at a great place to work? Go to monument.health/careers and find the health care role that’s right for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As a Trauma Surgeon and Critical Care Specialist at Rapid City Hospital, Leslie Van Dyne, M.D. shares her unique perspective on caring for patients in a rural area known for outdoor adventure and seasonal risks. Dr. Van Dyne explains the differences between trauma surgery and emergency medicine, discusses caring for critical patients in the ICU and relates how activities like ATV riding, horseback riding and summer tourism impact the trauma cases she sees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Vital Conversations: A Doc Talk Community Series, the host becomes the subject. Stephen Tamang, M.D., reflects on his conversations with local leaders and what he took away from their discussions about homelessness, mental health and housing in the Black Hills. He shares behind-the-scenes insights from the series, what surprised him most and how the experience shaped his run for city council. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As a born and raised local and, now a Physician, Joy Mueller, M.D., Family Medicine and Primary Care Monument Health Sturgis Clinic, has seen more than a few Sturgis Motorcycle Rallies. In this episode of Doc Talk, Dr. Mueller describes the different ways the staff in Sturgis prepares in advance for the influx of cases at their Emergency Department, Same Day Clinic and Hospital. She reveals some common injuries she treats and how she still manages to enjoy the Rally, despite her busy caseload as a doctor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Vital Conversations, a Doc Talk Community Series, Stephen Tamang, M.D. sits down with Mark Harlow, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon and Lead Physician at Oyate Health Center. They unpack health disparities in Native American communities, the challenges of homelessness and how Oyate's growth is transforming care through innovation, education and compassion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this enlivened conversation, Eric Krohn, D.O., Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon at Monument Health Orthopedic & Specialty Hospital in Rapid City, explains what drew him to medicine in general and Orthopedics specifically, and how he fits into the spectrum of health care for kids. He also details some of the common conditions he sees, such as club foot and toe-walking, and how they are treated. If you’re a parent or guardian that often wonders if your child’s injury may need a surgeon’s attention, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Vital Conversations, a Doc Talk Community Series, Stephen Tamang, M.D. talks with Charity Doyle, CEO of OneHeart: A Place for Healing and Hope. The duo discuss the origin and evolution of One Heart, an innovative campus built to lift people out of crisis by addressing stability, brain health and community connection. From housing to healing, it's a story of bold ideas and lasting impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week we share the first in an ongoing series of Doc Talk Live! episodes recorded in front of an audience at the Matthews Opera House and Art Center in Spearfish. Andrew VanOsdol, M.D., fellowship-trained Bariatric Surgeon at Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue, discusses obesity and surgical weight loss and answers questions from the crowd. Dr. VanOsdol shares his expertise on GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic and gives general advice on weight management, particularly as you age. Want to attend a recording? Join us for our next Doc Talk Live! at the Matthews Opera House and Art Center July 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Our guest, Loren Jones, M.D., Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor at Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue, will discuss treatments and solutions for people suffering from sleep apnea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Vital Conversations: A Doc Talk Community Series, Stephen Tamang, M.D. talks with Monument Health President and CEO, Paulette Davidson about the future of Health Care in Western South Dakota. From insurance barriers and Medicaid concerns, AI in medicine and Native American health disparities. This is a candid and thoughtful look at how leadership, innovation and compassion shape community care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Huot, M.D., Director of Pain Management, Pain Specialist, Anesthesiologist and Chief of Staff of Rapid City Hospital reveals the responsibilities of a hospital Chief of Staff. Referencing Rapid City Hospital’s vast improvement in safety ratings, Dr. Huot provides insight on his approach to leadership and reflects on how he has made an impact during his tenure. He also gives historical details and legal reasons for why the position of Chief of Staff came to be important, how the position is chosen at Monument Health and the learning curve that comes along with accepting the role. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is a conversation between Dr. Stephen Tamang, Monument Health physician and Director of Addiction Medicine and Community Health Services—and Brian Mueller, the Pennington County Sheriff. They go deep into the role the Sheriff’s Office plays in shaping public policy, tackling controversial topics ranging from magnet services to ICE enforcement. They take a hard look at homelessness, exploring the services available in our community, the gaps that still exist, and what real solutions might look like. Expect an unfiltered, thought-provoking discussion about the intersection of law enforcement, public health, and the systems that shape our community’s most pressing challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.