Posts Archive - Page 9 of 100 - Sanford Health News

Sanford Westbrook designated a Level 4 Trauma hospital

Contact:
Jon Berg
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / Jon.Berg@SanfordHealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sanford Westbrook Medical Center has been designated a Level 4 Trauma Hospital by the Minnesota Department of Health. Employees voluntarily participated in the intense designation process to become part of Minnesota’s statewide trauma system.

“Trauma care, especially in rural areas of the country, is extremely important for patients and their families who are experiencing a trauma they likely weren’t expecting,” said Stacy Barstad, administrator and chief executive officer of Sanford Westbrook. “We are proud of the work our team did to earn this designation in to provide our community, and surrounding communities, with trauma care right here in Westbrook.”

For a severely injured person, the time between sustaining an injury and receiving definitive care is vitally important. The chance of survival diminishes with time; however, a trauma system enhances the chance of survival regardless of proximity to an urban trauma hospital.

On average, trauma claims the lives of 4,300 Minnesotans annually. States with trauma systems have seen survival rates increase by 15 to 20%. Wide-scale participation in the voluntary trauma system ensures that a statewide, cooperative effort is in place to care for seriously injured patients.

For more information about Sanford Health in Westbrook, visit SanfordHealth.org keyword: Westbrook.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

Sanford Fargo unveils updated inpatient oncology unit

Nov. 12, 2025

Contact:
Nathan Aamodt
Sanford Health Media Relations
(701) 200-6080/nathan.aamodt@sanfordhealth.org

FARGO, N.D. – Sanford Health Fargo is officially opening its new inpatient oncology unit.

The 6S inpatient oncology unit, located within the Sanford Broadway Medical Center, features 16 private inpatient rooms designated to enhance patient care, comfort and efficiency. The new unit gives Sanford Fargo the capacity needed to care for more solid tumor patients and continue meeting the growing demand for services.

“We are excited to officially open our 6S inpatient oncology unit. Since 2020, patient referrals to radiation and medical oncology have increased by 54%. This unit will allow us to better accommodate the needs of our growing services,” said Susan Jarvis, Sanford Fargo chief operating officer. “This new unit signifies another incredible milestone in our journey toward transforming the Sanford Broadway campus into a modern facility designed to meet the unique needs of our patient population.”

With 6S opening, Sanford Fargo turns toward its next project on 7S, renovating the remaining 12 beds on the unit to create new, modern patient rooms that can accommodate blood and bone marrow transplant patients. When that renovation is finished in the spring, there will be 40 inpatient oncology beds in total.

The Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center was recently named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s “Top 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs” for a third consecutive year.

MEDIA ALERT: There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new inpatient oncology unit on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 9 a.m., at Sanford Broadway Medical Center, 801 Broadway N., Fargo. Please RSVP to Sanford media relations if you wish to attend.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

Sanford to host Doc Talk on digestive health

November 11, 2025

Contact:
Chelsey Kralicek
Sanford Health Media Relations
701-516-4903 / Chelsey.Kralicek@SanfordHealth.org

Aberdeen physician recognized with physician of the year

Contact:
Jon Berg
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / Jon.Berg@SanfordHealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — James Johnston, DPM, podiatrist at Sanford Aberdeen Clinic, has been named the 2025 Sanford Clinic Physician of the Year.

“As a department chair and dedicated physician, Dr. Johnston fosters a culture of teamwork, trust and excellence, creating reliability that elevates every patient’s experience,” said Kila Legrand, administrator and chief executive officer at Sanford Aberdeen.

The Sanford Clinic Physician of the Year award, established in 2006, recognizes physicians who consistently demonstrate exceptional work in a manner that promotes a positive environment. These physicians regularly and consistently exceed expectations and reflect a high level of service, trustworthiness and respect.

Dr. Johnston graduated from California School of Podiatric Medicine, Samuel Merritt University in Oakland Cal. and completed his residency in podiatry at UCSF San Francisco VA Medical Center. He is board certified in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot & ankle surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

He has been with Sanford Health for more than 11 years.

For more information about Sanford Aberdeen, visit Sanfordhealth.org keyword: Aberdeen.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

Sanford Fargo to host Doc Talk on anterior hip replacement

Nov. 7, 2025

Contact:
Nathan Aamodt
Sanford Health Media Relations
(701) 200-6080/nathan.aamodt@sanfordhealth.org

FARGO, N.D. – Sanford Health Fargo is hosting a Doc Talk discussion to educate the public about anterior hip replacement surgery.

The event is on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. inside the Fargo Parks Sports Center at the Sanford Sports Complex, 6100 38th St. S., Fargo. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

Joseph Bruenjes, M.D., Sanford Health orthopedic surgeon, will help the community learn more about the benefits of anterior hip replacement surgery. This advanced technique offers quicker recovery time and reduced discomfort to get you back on your feet sooner.

Anterior hip replacement is sometimes referred to as a minimally invasive hip replacement. This procedure uses a small incision to access the hip joint from the front of the body to replace damaged areas with artificial components.

Sanford Health is dedicated to providing the communities it serves with relevant and up-to-date health information. Doc Talk is a free educational series where Sanford physicians present and answer your questions on a wide variety of topics.

To register for the event, visit https://www.sanfordhealth.org/classes-and-events/doc-talk-fargo.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

Sanford Fargo to host forum on cancer care

Nov. 4, 2025

Contact:
Nathan Aamodt
Sanford Health Media Relations
(701) 200-6080/nathan.aamodt@sanfordhealth.org

FARGO, N.D. – Sanford Health Fargo is hosting a community breakfast on bringing advanced cancer care close to home.

The forum takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Town Hall Room at the Bell Bank Tower, 520 Main Ave, Fargo. The event is available to attendees by invitation only. The community breakfast will include a brief presentation, followed by a panel discussion and a question-and-answer session with the audience. A tour of the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center is available following the presentation, from 9-10 a.m.

Featured panel discussion members include:
• Dr. Amit Panwalkar, a specialist in hematology and oncology
• Dr. Seth Maliske, a specialist in hematology, oncology and bone marrow transplants
• Dr. Sam Milanovich, a specialist in pediatric hematology and oncology
• Dr. Sommer Rae Wild Nurkic, a specialist in radiation oncology

The Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center serves about 600 patients daily and provides world-class chemotherapy services in locations across North Dakota and Minnesota. The Roger Maris Cancer Center is active in over 144 clinical trials, with 8,255 patients enrolled, including 42 trials specific to pediatric oncology. Some of its latest advancements in cancer care includes partnering with Perham Health and Sanford Thief River Falls to open chemotherapy infusion centers.

In 2021, Sanford Fargo launched the upper Midwest’s first blood and bone marrow transplant program. In October, the Roger Maris Cancer launched TIL therapy. This is a cutting-edge treatment where doctors take immune cells from a patient’s tumor, grow them in a lab and then return the cells to the body to help fight cancer.

The Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center was recently named one of the top cancer centers in the United States by Becker’s Hospital Review for a third consecutive year.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

Roger Maris Cancer Center named top oncology program

Nov. 3, 2025

Contact:
Nathan Aamodt
Sanford Health Media Relations
(701) 200-6080/nathan.aamodt@sanfordhealth.org

FARGO, N.D. – For the third year in a row, Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center has been named one of the top cancer centers in the United States by Becker’s Hospital Review.

Roger Maris Cancer Center was named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s “Top 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs.” Roger Maris Cancer Center is the only facility in North Dakota and South Dakota to earn this honor. All nominated cancer centers have garnered national acclaim for advancing cancer care through groundbreaking research, innovative treatments and transformative clinical trials.

“We are proud and honored to be recognized for the third consecutive year as one of the top cancer centers in the country,” said Tiffany Lawrence, Sanford Health Fargo president and CEO. “The Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center is a difference maker in our region, and we are grateful for the entire cancer center team that cares for each patient and their families like one of their own. Along with compassionate care, we take pride in providing access to the latest advancements in treatment, including more than 140 active clinical trials and the only blood and bone marrow transplant program in the upper Midwest. From our state-of-the-art offerings in Fargo to our outreach in 10 rural communities, we remain committed to bringing world-class cancer care closer to home for the patients we serve.”

The Roger Maris Cancer Center serves about 600 patients daily and provides world-class chemotherapy services in locations across North Dakota and Minnesota. The Roger Maris Cancer Center is active in over 144 clinical trials, with 8,255 patients enrolled, including 42 clinical trials specific to pediatric oncology. Some of its latest advancements in cancer care includes partnering with Perham Health and Sanford Thief River Falls to open chemotherapy infusion centers. In addition, the Roger Maris Cancer Center has partnered with Jamestown Regional Medical Center to provide infusion and chemotherapy services to the community since 2019. In 2021, Sanford Fargo launched the upper Midwest’s first blood and bone marrow transplant program. In October, the Roger Maris Cancer Center launched TIL therapy. This is a cutting-edge treatment where doctors take immune cells from a patient’s tumor, grow them in a lab and then return the cells to the body to help fight cancer.

A full list of the cancer care centers honored by Becker’s Hospital Review can be found here.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

Sanford to share how AI is strengthening rural health care

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sanford Health is joining senior health care leaders this week in Chicago for a one-day summit focused on how AI is poised to reshape the health care sector and transform the patient experience.

The Becker’s Healthcare AI Summit  brings together top leaders to explore how forward-thinking health systems are making AI investments pay off. Discussions will focus on what’s hype and what’s real, how early adopters are measuring ROI and how generative AI is taking root in the C-suite. Leaders will examine workforce implications, data infrastructure and the financial frameworks that turn experimentation into enterprise value.

Dave Newman, M.D., chief medical officer of virtual care at Sanford Health is participating in a fireside chat moderated by Giles Bruce, assistant editor at Becker’s Healthcare. The conversation will focus on Sanford’s AI journey, how it fits into the system’s broader virtual care strategy and how AI is bridging gaps with provider shortages and access while improving the patient experience.

“In rural health care, innovation isn’t optional — it’s essential,” said Newman. “We’re at an inflection point where AI is becoming part of the fabric of care. It will soon serve as a trusted co-pilot — supporting our teams, extending careers and helping us deliver more personalized, high-quality care to patients no matter their zip code. Every decision we make starts with one question: How will this benefit our patients and caregivers?”

As part of Sanford Health’s $350 million Virtual Care Initiative, the Sanford Virtual Care Center opened in November 2024 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The center includes an education institute focused on training the next generation of clinicians for digital practice and an accelerator hub that will trial new and emerging tech for rural patients.

A practicing endocrinologist based in Fargo, North Dakota, Newman has presented at high-profile industry events across the country including the Reuters Digital Health Summit, HIMSS AI in Healthcare Forum and the American Hospital Association Leadership Summit among others.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

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Sanford, Prairie Lakes Healthcare announce combination

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sanford Health, the nation’s leading rural health care system headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, a trusted independent provider serving Watertown and a 10-county region in northeast South Dakota, and western Minnesota, today announced the two systems have combined their organizations, strengthening care delivery in the region.

The partnership includes financial investments in the Watertown community, making lasting impacts on health, wellness and quality of life in the region for many years to come.

“As mission-driven nonprofit health care systems, Sanford Health and Prairie Lakes Healthcare System are dedicated to caring for the communities we serve,” said Andy Munce, president and CEO of Sanford Health, Sioux Falls region. “Our partnership will ensure patients and community members continue to have access to world-class services and providers for generations.”

Sanford Health has a long history of providing world-class health care for the Watertown community and has a strong relationship with Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, which is what led to the mutual decision to partner.

Over time, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will transition to the Sanford Health name and brand while preserving and expanding health services across the many communities it currently serves. Patients will continue to see their current provider, and Sanford Health is committed to ensuring there are no disruptions in care for any patients as the two systems come together.

John Allen, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System president and CEO will continue to lead the organization.

“By joining Sanford Health, the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System builds on its foundation of quality medical providers and staff who care daily for their neighbors close to home. We gain resources and capabilities to do even more to support the communities we serve going forward,” said Chris Carter, chairperson of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors. “Our system is now part of the nation’s leading nonprofit health system that is driving innovation and excellence in rural health care. This partnership ensures that we will continue delivering exceptional, close-to-home care for years to come.”

Sanford Health has an extensive track record of investing in community programs and partnerships to reduce barriers to care, address health disparities and support patients through financial and prescription assistance. Sanford Health also invests in innovative programs and technology to make care accessible to patients close to home, including through the cutting-edge Virtual Care Center and behavioral health support.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

About Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System cares for 90,000 people in a 10-county region of northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is licensed to operate 81 acute care hospital beds, including Labor and Delivery, Telemetry, Critical Care and general hospital. Hospital services also include a 24-hour Emergency Department, surgery capabilities, Interventional Cardiology, and services providing diagnostics and imaging services. The organization has approximately 800 employees, including 60 providers.

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Sanford leaders to speak at Becker’s CEO+CFO Roundtable

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sanford Health leaders will join CEOs, CFOs and physician leaders from top hospitals and health systems across the country next week in Chicago for an exclusive event focused on the best strategies to transform the future of health care in an evolving health care landscape.

Todd Schaffer, M.D., PharmD MSS FAAFP, president and CEO of Sanford Bismarck and Martha Leclerc, vice president of corporate contracting for Sanford Health are featured panelists at the annual Becker’s CEO + CFO Roundtable Nov. 3-6.

Dr. Schaffer will participate in a keynote panel entitled, The Next 5 Years of Healthcare: Bold Ideas and Big Risks Ahead. He’ll be joined by Pete November, chief executive officer at Ochsner Health, Richard Carrico, CPA MBA, chief financial officer at Baptist Health and Tracy Saula, senior vice president and chief product and experience officer for Highmark Health. Molly Gamble, vice president, editorial, at Becker’s Healthcare, will moderate the panel.

“Sanford Health is committed to reimagining how we deliver care – that’s why I am excited to join this keynote panel to share our vision for what’s possible – even amid ongoing workforce and economic pressures,” said Schaffer. “Our goal is to strengthen access, quality and sustainability while fostering a culture of trust, embracing innovation and maintaining operational discipline.”

Leclerc will take part in a panel moderated by Scott Becker, JD, founder and chief content officer at Becker’s Healthcare entitled, The Intersection of Economics and Politics: Key Issues for Today’s Healthcare Leaders. She will be joined by Albert L. Wright Jr., president and chief executive officer of West Virginia University Health System, David Lubarsky, M.D., MBA, FASA, president and chief executive officer at Westchester Medical Center Health Network and Patrick O’Shaughnessy, D.O., MBA, president and chief executive officer at Catholic Health, Long Island.

“I am looking forward to joining this keynote panel for a timely and important discussion,” said Leclerc. “In a time of uncertainty for our field, we have an opportunity to lean in, help shape the path forward and bring a solutions-focused perspective to the challenges ahead. By engaging thoughtfully, we can influence positive change that strengthens care for the patients and communities we serve.”

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

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Sanford Sports Academy expanding youth softball offerings

October 29, 2025

Contact:
David Brown
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / david.brown@sanfordhealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sanford Sports Academy in Sioux Falls is enhancing its opportunities for youth softball players with several academies, spring instructional leagues, and a college recruiting showcase.

Separate six-week hitting and pitching academies for grades 2-12 will take place each Thursday at the Sanford Fieldhouse from Nov. 6 through Dec. 18. You can register for the hitting academy and the pitching academy on the Sanford Sports website.

On Nov. 23, the Fieldhouse will host a recruiting showcase camp and college player panel. Athletes in grades 3-12 will learn skill work from Sanford trainers and coaches. After the camp, a five-player panel comprised of collegiate athletes originally from South Dakota, will discuss their experiences and answer questions from campers. Registration for the showcase is available here.

In 2026, two different spring instructional leagues will be offered. On Thursdays from March 19 through April 23, the Fieldhouse will host 9U and 10U athletes for 30-minute instruction & 5-inning games. On Mondays from April 27 through June 1, the Sanford Diamonds will host 30-minute instruction & 5-minute games for 9U, 10U, and 11U athletes.

You can register for the March-April spring instructional league and the April-June spring instructional league on the Sanford Sports website.

“The growth of softball across the country makes this the perfect time to provide greater opportunities for our local youth,” said Toby Bryant, Sanford Sports Academy lead softball specialist. “The Sanford Sports Academy is committed to leading the way and providing young athletes with the skills and tools necessary to become well-rounded players and people.”

With more than 20 years of youth softball coaching experience, Bryant was hired to lead the Sanford Sports softball academy in June.

About Sanford Sports
Sanford Sports is the modern athletics arm of Sanford Health, the premier rural health system in the United States. Rooted in science and health care, Sanford Sports offers a combination of programs, services, events, facilities and partnerships intended to make active lifestyles accessible and rewarding for people of all ages and abilities. Based on the 500-acre Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sanford Sports has been changing the way athletes play for 25 years. With operations in three states, more than one million athletes use Sanford Sports facilities each year. Visit sanfordsports.com for more information.

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Sanford shares insights to strengthen health care workforce

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sanford Health is joining senior health care leaders from across North America this week in Chicago for a two-day event focused on forging an enduring future for health care in the United States.

Reuters Events: Total Health 2025 takes place Tuesday through Wednesday and brings together 400 of the most inspiring and influential leaders in health care.

Jeremy Cauwels, M.D., chief medical officer at Sanford Health, is participating in an executive panel discussion focused on strengthening the health care workforce. Cauwels will be joined on the panel by Shawn Martin, executive vice president and CEO at AAFP and Pete November, CEO at Ochsner Health. Heather Falck Major, executive director at Independence Blue Cross Foundation, will moderate the panel.

The discussion will center on the critical staffing gaps in health care and explore innovative recruitment and retention strategies to build a robust pipeline of future talent. The leaders will also explore strategies to combat burnout and improve employee well-being, including the implementation of support programs, flexible work arrangements, and mental health resources.

Sanford Health has launched the only GI fellowship in the Dakotas to expand access and recruit and retain the next generation of specialists where the need is most urgent. The new Sanford Digestive Health Center—a 45,000-square-foot facility funded through a philanthropic gift from Denny Sanford—was built specifically to support this fellowship.

“We’re not waiting for specialists to move to rural America — we’re training them here, building the workforce where the need is greatest. At Sanford, 40% of residents and fellows who train with us stay here, and 70% remain in the upper Midwest,” said Cauwels. “I am looking forward to sharing and highlighting our vision for how we are going to care for our patients into the future.”

Born in South Dakota and raised in northwest Iowa, Cauwels has bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and biology from the University of Northern Iowa and a medical degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. He completed his residency and a chief resident year at the University of Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the Society of Hospital Medicine.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

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New health systems added to Genomic Medicine Consortium

Contact:
Jon Berg
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / Jon.Berg@SanfordHealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Stellenbosch University and the Tygerberg Academic Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, as well as the University of Otago, Dunedin School of Medicine in Dunedin, New Zealand, have joined the Sanford Children’s Genomic Medicine Consortium.

The consortium is made up of 12 leading domestic and international children’s hospitals, university medical centers and research universities. The group is working to transform health care for children by applying the tools of genetics and genomics to innovative collaborative research projects, advocating for pediatric precision medicine in public policy and sponsoring joint educational initiatives.

“The Sanford Children’s Genomic Medicine Consortium continues to advance the diagnosis and treatment options for a variety of common, rare and undiagnosed childhood conditions,” said Gene Hoyme, M.D., medical director of the consortium. “Our goal is to improve genetic and genomic discovery and bring the benefits of precision medicine to children in marginalized groups and populations. Our strong partnerships help advance our efforts as we work hard to improve pediatric care.”

Over the past decade, Sanford has provided funding for a range of innovative collaborative research projects that have furthered the goals of the consortium, including the implementation of a consortium-wide pediatric pharmacogenomics program at Sanford Children’s.

For more information about the Sanford Children’s Genomic Medicine Consortium, visit SanfordHealth.org keywords: Children’s Genomic Medicine.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

Sanford Sports Academy hosting softball recruiting camp

October 23, 2025

Contact:
David Brown
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / david.brown@sanfordhealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sanford Sports Academy in Sioux Falls will host a softball recruiting camp for grades 3-12 on Sunday, November 23 at the Sanford Fieldhouse. The showcase will include instruction and skill work from Sanford trainers, coaches, and college athletes.

After the camp, five college softball players originally from South Dakota will host a panel discussing their collegiate experience and answering questions from campers. The player panel includes:

• Lexie Brady – Ole Miss graduate assistant
• Autumn Bryant – Northern State University
• Tevan Bryant – Northern State University
• Isabel Carda – University of South Dakota
• Emillee Stofferahn – Butler Community College (KS)

“This is a unique opportunity for kids from around the region to learn about different areas of the game of softball,” said Toby Bryant, Sanford Sports Academy lead softball specialist. “Not only will they receive top quality instruction on the field, they’ll also be able to hear directly from college athletes and ask them about what it takes to maximize their own potential.”

The camp will feature two different groups of instruction, with grades 3-6 taking place from 9:00-10:30 a.m. and grades 7-12 taking place from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The player panel for all ages will take place from 1-2 p.m. Athletes who attend will be able to get autographs and pictures with the players after the panel.

Registration is available online at the Sanford Sports website.

About Sanford Sports
Sanford Sports is the modern athletics arm of Sanford Health, the premier rural health system in the United States. Rooted in science and health care, Sanford Sports offers a combination of programs, services, events, facilities and partnerships intended to make active lifestyles accessible and rewarding for people of all ages and abilities. Based on the 500-acre Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sanford Sports has been changing the way athletes play for 25 years. With operations in three states, more than one million athletes use Sanford Sports facilities each year. Visit sanfordsports.com for more information.

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Sanford Sports Academy adding girls 7-on-7 football

October 21, 2025

Contact:
David Brown
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / david.brown@sanfordhealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sanford Sports Academy in Sioux Falls is adding girls 7-on-7 football this upcoming spring. Tryouts will take place in late December 2025 at the Sanford Fieldhouse with the girls season scheduled for February through May 2026.

7-on-7 football is a non-contact version of the game that emphasizes skill positions such as quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and defensive backs. There will be three girls classes: 10U, 12U, and 14U. Athletes participating must be the age of the division or younger on January 1, 2026. If they age up after January 1, they are still eligible to compete.

“We had an incredible response to our initial launch of 7-on-7 football last year, with more than 100 kids participating across all classes,” said Kurtiss Riggs, Sanford Sports Academy football specialist. “The natural growth of the game and the interest we’ve received from across the region has provided the perfect time for us to start a new 7-on-7 girls division here at Sanford Sports Academy.”

Girls tryouts at the Sanford Fieldhouse will take place on Monday, December 29 from 1-4 p.m.

“Sanford Sports Academy continues to be the leader in youth sports development,” said Todd Kolb, Sanford Sports Academy director. “We’re excited to expand our offerings and provide girls with a unique opportunity to pursue their football passions.”

All girls teams will be based at the Sanford Sports Complex with most workouts taking place indoors at the Fieldhouse. Teams will compete at both regional and national tournaments and all players selected will receive uniforms, practice gear, and travel gear.

For more information on girls 7-on-7, please visit the Sanford Sports website.

Boys 7-on-7 football will also hold a spring season, with tryouts scheduled at the Sanford Fieldhouse on Sunday, November 23 from 6-9 p.m. More information can be found here.

About Sanford Sports
Sanford Sports is the modern athletics arm of Sanford Health, the premier rural health system in the United States. Rooted in science and health care, Sanford Sports offers a combination of programs, services, events, facilities and partnerships intended to make active lifestyles accessible and rewarding for people of all ages and abilities. Based on the 500-acre Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sanford Sports has been changing the way athletes play for 25 years. With operations in three states, more than one million athletes use Sanford Sports facilities each year. Visit sanfordsports.com for more information.

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