South Dakota State Medical Association (SDSMA)

11/10/2025

The SDSMA Board of Directors and Policy Council met last week in Ft. Pierre, both with full agendas, and a special recognition for Dr. Mary Carpenter as she retires from serving on the SDSMA board for over 30 years. We are very thankful for our South Dakota physicians who volunteer their time to serve on our board and council.

11/06/2025

Most physicians are aware of confidential peer review in the hospital setting but may not be aware that state law also protects peer review communications in the clinic and physician practice setting. COPIC Companies's Legal Department has developed state-specific peer review toolkits, including South Dakota:

Utilize Copic's peer review toolkits, offering structured resources and templates to support effective peer review processes and enhance healthcare quality and safety.

10/31/2025

The SDSMA would like to thank South Dakota Biotech Association for bringing together a multi-disciplinary group of collaborators for the Innovation Pathways Summit this week and highlighting healthcare in rural communities with a panel session. SDSMA CEO Tammy Hatting participated in the roundtable sessions on workforce development and regional collaboration during the summit to lift up the role of physicians as clinical champions to contribute to the success of the biotech industry. Partnerships are required for growth and innovation and the SDSMA is happy to have a seat at the table.

10/27/2025

Thank you to the Mitchell District Medical Society for recently hosting the SDSMA. Association President Keith Hansen, MD and USD SSOM Dean Tim Ridgway, MD connected with district members about the future of medicine in South Dakota, providing invaluable insights as we work together to support physicians and medical students, improve patient care, and strengthen our medical community across the state. We appreciate everyone who came out to engage in these important conversations!

10/21/2025

Exciting to attend Sanford Health's 4th Annual Summit on the Future of Rural Health Care last week. Discussions focused on the future of care for our rural communities in South Dakota and beyond. It was a pleasure to connect with American Medical Association President Bobby Mukkamala, MD to discuss federal issues facing our state's physicians - immunizations, challenges in rural health, H-1B visas, prior authorization, and the importance of state medical association membership.

10/14/2025

A fantastic lunch spent with our valued tenants at the SDSMA's recent Tenant Appreciation Event. It was great to see so many smiling faces and enjoy good company and good food! Thanks to everyone who came out and to all the businesses who call the SDSMA's building home.

10/10/2025

After taking multiple votes, the Senate failed for a second week to pass a continuing resolution to reopen the federal government. The SDSMA and AMA continue to monitor the situation for opportunities to advocate for physicians and their patients. Read more: https://www.ama-assn.org/health-care-advocacy/advocacy-update/oct-10-2025-advocacy-update-spotlight-government-shutdown

10/07/2025

The SDSMA is hiring a Membership & Executive Services Manager. Click the link in the comments for more details!

09/30/2025

New resources to help physicians provide information to their patients. One infographic explains why vaccines are an important part of staying healthy and encourages patients to talk with their physician if they have questions. The other infographic offers physicians conversation starters to help build trust with patients who have questions: https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/ama-press-releases/ama-launches-vaccine-infographics-patients-and-physicians

Many people are confused about vaccines or unsure where to turn for evidence-based answers. To cut through confusion, the AMA has released new tools to help patients and physicians have open, honest conversations with each other. ➡️ http://spr.ly/6184AgVWj

09/26/2025

District 1 Medical Society and SDSMA hosted a mixer in Aberdeen Thursday evening. It was fantastic to catch up. Great conversations and even better company! Thanks to everyone who came out!

09/21/2025

Join Immunize South Dakota and the South Dakota Public Health Association - as we prepare for the 2025–2026 respiratory season, it’s important for healthcare professionals to stay up to date on the latest vaccine recommendations. This webinar will discuss current seasonal vaccine guidance including recent changes to schedules and restrictions, updates for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, and discuss strategies to help protect everyone throughout the year. Participants will gain practical tools and resources to strengthen vaccine confidence and improve community health.

Presenter: Allison Waugh, MHS, South Dakota Public Health Association

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/s_FBgAOKSo6izjAXHaVkRQ #/registration