Nursing Assistant Trainee

Heart association recognizes Sanford for heart, stroke care. Hospitals help save lives by using research-backed treatment guidelines. October 7, 2026 Surgeons place a stent in a heart patient. "Get With The Guidelines" awards recognize hospitals using research-based guidelines for heart disease and stroke care, helping save lives and support recovery. (Photo by Getty Images) Sanford Health medical centers in five states have received American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines achievement awards for demonstrating a commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke, helping save lives, support recovery and reduce hospital readmissions. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 4 causes of death in the United States, respectively, according to the American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. Studies show patients can experience better outcomes when care teams consistently follow evidence-based treatment guidelines. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest science-backed guidelines. "Every second counts when it comes to heart attacks and strokes, and our patients deserve access to high-quality, evidence-based care," said Vivek Gonugunta, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Marshfield Clinic. "By following the American Heart Association's quality improvement protocols, Marshfield Clinic can help advance our shared vision of better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates." As participants in the Get With The Guidelines programs, Sanford Health medical centers in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin qualified for the awards by demonstrating a sustained commitment to improving the quality of cardiovascular care. "Sanford USD Medical Center is committed to delivering high-quality care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely, appropriate care for heart attacks and strokes," said Dean Kusler, vice president of orthopedics and neurology at Sanford Health. "Get With The Guidelines programs help our teams put proven science into practice every day, supporting better outcomes so more people in Sioux Falls can live longer, healthier lives." Stroke and heart care honor roll. This year, Sanford Health medical centers received these achievement awards: Stroke participating. * Prairie Lakes Health System * Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center * Sanford Worthington Medical Center Rural stroke bronze. * Marshfield Medical Center - Minocqua * Marshfield Medical Center - Park Falls * Sanford Hillsboro Medical Center * Sanford Webster Medical Center * Sanford Jackson Medical Center * Sanford Vermillion Medical Center Rural stroke silver. * Sanford Bemidji Medical Center * Sanford Canby Medical Center * Sanford Canton-Inwood Medical Center * Sanford Chamberlain Medical Center * Sanford Clear Lake Medical Center * Sanford Luverne Medical Center * Sanford Sheldon Medical Center * Sanford Tracy Medical Center * Sanford Westbrook Medical Center * Sanford Medical Center Thief River Falls * Sanford Wheaton Medical Center * Marshfield Medical Center Rural stroke gold. * Sanford Health Mayville Stroke gold plus with target type 2 diabetes honor roll, advanced therapy honor roll and Stroke elite plus honor roll. * Sanford Medical Center Fargo Stroke gold plus with target type 2 diabetes honor roll, advanced therapy honor roll and Stroke elite honor roll. * Sanford Bismarck Medical Center Stroke gold plus with target type 2 diabetes honor roll, advanced therapy honor roll. * Sanford USD Medical Center Stroke gold plus with type 2 diabetes honor roll, stroke honor roll elite plus. * Marshfield Medical Center "This recognition reflects the dedication of Marshfield Clinic physicians, nurses and care teams who work every day to deliver exceptional care for patients experiencing heart attacks and strokes," said Brian Hoerneman, M.D., president and CEO of Marshfield Clinic. "Their focus on quality, teamwork and continuous improvement helps save lives and improve recovery." The health system earned praise from the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee. "These awards reflect Sanford Health's commitment to caring for people in their community who need cardiovascular care," said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, chair of the committee. "By following the American Heart Association's quality improvement protocols, Sanford Health can help advance our shared vision of better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates - a win for patients, families and health care systems." Kate Stock, director of internal communications, regional communications, contributed to this report.

Aakhus, MD, and Rudolf, APRN, CNP, join Sanford Bemidji. BEMIDJI, Minn. - Sanford Health is pleased to welcome Angie Aakhus, MD, and Sheryl Rudolf, APRN, CNP, to the dermatology team at the Sanford Bemidji 1611 Anne Street Clinic. Aakhus is a board-certified dermatologist with fellowship training in micrographic surgery and cutaneous oncology. She specializes in treating skin cancer using Mohs surgery, which is a precise technique used to treat certain types of skin cancers by removing thin layers of tissue and examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain. Mohs surgery helps achieve high cure rates of skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. She also evaluates and removes certain benign skin growths and cysts. Aakhus, who was born and raised in Bemidji, said she is grateful for the opportunity to provide dermatology care in her hometown. "I view it as a privilege to care for my patients and never take for granted the trust they place in me," Aakhus said. "My approach is centered on listening, clear communication and treating each patient with the same care and attention that I would want for a family member." Aakhus is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Mohs Surgery, the American College of Mohs Surgery and the Minnesota Dermatological Society. Rudolf is a nurse practitioner who provides medical and surgical care for patients with conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. She diagnoses and treats a variety of conditions, including acne, autoimmune diseases, dermatitis, eczema, hair and nail abnormalities, psoriasis, rashes, rosacea and skin cancer. Her services include comprehensive skin examinations, dermatologic procedures, laboratory and diagnostic testing and interpretation, medication prescribing, and skin care education and counseling. Rudolf said she takes a personalized approach to dermatology care, focusing on how skin conditions can affect a person's overall health and quality of life. "My approach to care begins with listening to patients and understanding how their skin condition affects their health, confidence and quality of life," Rudolf said. "I provide thorough evaluations, clear communication and individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and goals." Outside of work, Aakhus enjoys spending time with her husband, Jack, and their three children. The family enjoys living on the lake, spending time outdoors and traveling. Rudolf also enjoys spending time with her husband and three children and exploring northern Minnesota through boating, fishing and other outdoor activities. Aakhus is accepting referrals for Mohs surgery and excisions, and Rudolf is accepting new patients at the Sanford Bemidji 1611 Anne Street Clinic. To learn more or schedule an appointment with the dermatology team, call (218) 333-5310. About Sanford Health Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the healthcare experience and providing access to world-class healthcare in America's heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 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 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization's transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes 92 retail pharmacies, including Sanford and Lewis Drug pharmacies with locations in 6 states, and more than 300 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health's commitment to shaping the future of rural healthcare across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.