Community Connection: Fall 2024 McKenzie Health Update

Update on McKenzie Health

by Pete Edis, CEO

It is a privilege to provide an update on the important advancements and initiatives at McKenzie Health. Our organization is powered by a team of dedicated, skilled professionals—our medical providers, nurses, and support staff—who work tirelessly to deliver exceptional care. Additionally, we are grateful for the unwavering support from our Board of Trustees, community leaders, and the public.

This collective commitment enables us not only to maintain our services but also to pursue meaningful growth and improvement.

Expansion of Clinical Services and Specialties

In recent years, McKenzie Health has experienced significant growth, expanding our team and service offerings to better serve the needs of our community. We’ve welcomed a diverse array of medical professionals, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and specialists in numerous fields, such as:

• Anesthesia, Cardiology, and Family Medicine
• General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Occupational Therapy
• Otolaryngology (ENT), Pain Medicine, Pediatrics, and Physical Therapy
• Psychiatry (telemedicine), Radiology, Respiratory Therapy, Speech Therapy
• Sports Medicine and Urology

These additions complement our existing services, which include family medicine, hospital medicine, internists, and orthopedic specialists (focused on general, sports, and total joint replacement), as well as wellness programs at the Connie Wold Wellness Center. The addition of hemodialysis, nephrology, oncology, and pulmonology is also underway, further broadening our capacity to deliver comprehensive care across our main campus and extended facilities.

Facility Expansion and Enhancements

To support this growth, McKenzie Health has made strategic investments to expand our physical infrastructure. About two years ago, we acquired the former ANOVA clinic building, now serving as a dedicated space for outpatient gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatrics. More recently, we acquired the former Cornerstone Bank Building at 500 2nd Ave SW in Watford City. This property offers approximately 12,000 square feet of space, a large garage, and ample parking on a 1.5-acre lot.
Following the purchase, we addressed essential maintenance needs, including replacing the roof, repainting the exterior, and improving the surrounding property. Renovation planning is underway to transform the first floor into a modern space for infusion and oncology services, with a targeted completion date in Spring 2025. Until then, we will provide hematology and oncology outpatient services at our former urgent care location (525 North Main Street) and infusion therapy at a temporary clinic within the main hospital, previously used for Human Resources, on/or about December 9th.

Onboarding of Cancer Specialist

In line with our commitment to meeting the medical needs of our community, we have recruited a full-time oncologist who is board-certified in internal medicine, hematology, and medical oncology. Our new specialist brings significant experience in rural healthcare, paired with a reputation for compassionate, patient-centered care and proficiency in the latest cancer treatment advances. This addition will provide our patients with access to high-quality cancer care close to home.
Once the oncologist completes the credentialing process at McKenzie Health, we look forward to formally introducing this physician to the community. In preparation, we are establishing the infrastructure to launch oncology and infusion services soon. For those interested in scheduling future appointments, please contact a patient access specialist at 701-842-6000, option 1, to be added to our “to appoint” list for infusion and/or cancer services. Further details will be shared as they become available.

Looking Forward

The dedication of our staff, engaged medical providers, and the commitment of our Board of Trustees, along with the ongoing support from the community, make these advancements possible. With each new service, our focus remains on improving accessibility and delivering top-quality care right here, close to home. We are excited to continue this journey, and we thank you for your trust and partnership as we work to enhance healthcare access and outcomes for our rural community.