CentraCare

03/06/2026

Springing the clock forward is a lot like traveling to a different time zone — minus the fun part of the trip. This weekend marks the start of Daylight Saving Time, which means we’ll lose an hour of sleep Sunday, March 8.

Our sleep experts share a few simple tips to help your body adjust and make the transition a little easier. Check them out before the clocks change!

03/06/2026

Returning to running after an ankle injury isn’t a flip-the-switch moment. It’s a process.

CentraCare M Physicians Orthopedics non-surgical sports medicine Karl Koivisto, M.D., shares why intentional training, strength work and gradual progression are so important.

Train smart. Train safe. We hope to see you at the CentraCare Earth Day Run on April 17 & 18. https://activecentralmn.org/events/earth-day-run/

03/06/2026

CentraCare President and CEO Ken Holmen, MD, is featured in the March/April 2026 issue of Business Central Magazine for his people‑focused leadership, commitment to rural communities and belief that every interaction in healthcare matters.

Read the interview here: https://issuu.com/businesscentral/docs/march_april_2026

03/05/2026

Last week we had the opportunity to host prospective medical school students for the next class at the University of Minnesota Medical School CentraCare Regional Campus St. Cloud.

During Admitted Students Day, future medical students met their inaugural‑class buddies, explored their new community, and got a genuine feel for the supportive learning environment waiting for them.

From trying on white coats to hearing honest student perspectives and connecting with campus leaders, the day was all about imagining the journey ahead.

We’re grateful to everyone who helped welcome the next generation of physicians to Central Minnesota.

03/05/2026

It was 50 years ago this month (March 1976) that a new lifesaving technique called the Heimlich Maneuver was being taught widely through the Continuing Education Department at St. Cloud Hospital.

Sandy Rausch, LPN (left), demonstrates the technique on Konie Slipy, RN, education department coordinator. Just one week after learning the new technique at a hospital workshop, Rausch used the method on a young girl choking on a piece of ice at a local shopping center.

"If I had not learned how to assist a choking person, I don't know what I would have done," Rausch said. "Thanks to the Heimlich Maneuver, her life was saved."

Henry Heimlich, MD (1920-2016), an American thoracic surgeon and medical researcher, developed the series of abdominal thrusts to stop choking in the mid-1970s.

03/04/2026

Dr. Brewer is a general and acute care surgeon with expertise in trauma, emergency general surgery and surgical critical care. She says, “I was drawn to medicine to help people in their most vulnerable moments.”

Learn more: https://www.centracare.com/doctors/profile/jennifer-brewer/

03/03/2026

A child’s fever can feel scary, especially in the middle of the night. That's why CentraCare is expanding a pediatric fever education initiative to more than 30 locations statewide, giving parents the tools, guidance and confidence to care for kids at home when it's safe to do so.

Families will now receive:

-A digital thermometer
-Easy-to-follow fever education (with age-specific how-to videos)
-Tylenol & Ibuprofen dosing guidance
-Access to 24/7 nurse support

Sometimes what parents need most is reassurance. Learn more!

CentraCare is giving parents peace of mind by equipping them with the tools and resources they need to help keep their children safe, comfortable and out of the emergency room.

Primary care leaders recently launched a pediatric fever education initiative, distributing materials to over 30 locations across CentraCare, thanks to funding from CentraCare Foundation.

The following education materials are now offered to families at every 2-month well-child visit and are also available at each urgent care, walk-in care, same-day care and emergency department across our organization.
• a digital thermometer
• a fever education handout featuring a QR code linking to an age-specific temperature-taking video
• dosing guidance for Tylenol and Ibuprofen

“We anticipate we’ll have 6,000 or more opportunities to educate families with young children about fevers over the next two years,” said Kristen Guthmiller, Senior Director of Family Medicine. “Our goal is to help parents and caregivers feel confident in identifying a fever in their child and ensuring they have the tools they need at home to make the best care decision for their child.”

“Age, temperature and symptoms should all be taken into consideration when deciding when a child can be cared for at home versus when they need to be seen now,” shared Gini Pilles, RN and Director of Family Medicine. “That can feel overwhelming in the moment for parents and these education pieces provide helpful guidance.”

The education materials are available in English, Spanish, and Somali and encourage parents and caregivers to call CentraCare’s 24/7 nurse advice line anytime they need support in making a care decision.

“These fever education materials are useful when families are in the clinic, emergency room or urgent care where they can ask questions and they are good to have on hand when needs arise at home,” shared Stacey Heiling, Rural Initiatives Program Director. “We hope the first time, or next time, there’s a fever at home, parents have what they need to manage it.”

02/27/2026

Are you feeling pain after getting back into running?
Wondering if it’s just normal “starting up” soreness or something more?

CentraCare M Physicians Orthopedics, foot & ankle surgeon, Steve Jacobsen, M.D., explains the difference between expected aches and warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.

Train smart. Train safe. We hope to see you at the CentraCare Earth Day Run on April 17 & 18. Learn more or register today: https://activecentralmn.org/events/earth-day-run/

02/26/2026

It was 140 years ago this week (February 25, 1886) that the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict of St. Joseph, Minnesota, dedicated their first hospital - St. Benedict's Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

At the urging of A.C. Lamothe Ramsay, MD, the sisters ventured into hospital care with very little financial support and this newly built brick home on what is now Ninth Avenue North in St. Cloud. The hospital had 15 patient beds, third-floor accommodations for the sisters who worked there, and a first-floor operating room specially lighted by a bay window.

Within four years, the sisters outgrew this facility and would eventually move the hospital three times. While this structure was razed decades ago, it represents the humble beginnings of what is now CentraCare-St. Cloud Hospital.

02/26/2026

Earlier this month the St. Cloud Baby Cafe spent a morning at the movies! Seven moms, seven babies and three facilitators watched the mothers' movie of choice, The Housemaid.

The babies enjoyed uninterrupted time with their moms and the moms enjoyed hanging out with their babies and friends within a cozy theater. Our facilitators got baby snuggles as well!

A special thank you to Edward Martin-Chaffee, MD, for generously providing the movie tickets along with complimentary beverages and popcorn.

The Baby Cafe is a free program that promotes breastfeeding support and social connection for pregnant and breastfeeding parents.

02/25/2026

If you’re looking for heart-healthy exercises you can do anywhere, CentraCare exercise physiologist Amanda Bohnsack shares simple moves that strengthen your core and legs while boosting your overall cardiovascular health.

02/25/2026

Our newest plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Marcaccini, is bringing his expertise in cancer and trauma reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, body contouring and aesthetic surgery to Central Minnesota.

He says, “My approach to care is to take the time to listen and make sure patients know I'll be there through every step of their care."

Learn more: https://www.centracare.com/doctors/profile/robert-marcaccini/