Beginning at birth and continuing for a lifetime, Memorial Community Hospital & Health System is your connection to quality healthcare services. MCH&HS takes pride in the talented team of physicians and physicians assistants that have been assembled within our health system.
Our dedicated medical staff serves the residents of Washington and Burt counties by providing primary care services at the Blair Clinic and walk-in clinic, on our main campus, and through our outreach clinics in Tekamah and Fort Calhoun.
The MCH&HS Specialty Clinic hosts more than 30 physicians practicing in a wide range of specialties from Allergies and Asthma to Urology and Pulmonology.
Surgical Services are offered in Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Urology, Podiatry, OB/GYN, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), and General Surgery.
Blair Clinic Providers
Sandra Baumberger, M.D.
Dr. Baumberger attended medical school and completed her residency at Creighton University. She has special interests in Family Medicine and Obstetrics. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a member of both the Nebraska and American Family Academy of Family Physicians.
Jill Reel, M.D.
Dr. Reel attended Medical School at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Her Pediatric residency was completed with the combined Nebraska/Creighton Pediatric Program. She is board certified with the American Board of Pediatrics and has certifications in Basic Life Support, Neonatal Resuscitation Program, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Dr. Reel specializes in Pediatric Care for patients from Birth to 22 years of age. She recommends yearly checkups for all ages and immunizations. These yearly checkups will also count toward a sports physical. Dr. Reel is a General Pediatrician and has special interest in Asthma, Allergies, Feeding Concerns, Behavioral Problems, Genetics and Developmental Delays.
Alisha Scott, M.D.
Dr. Scott received her Graduate Degree in Family Medicine & OB from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in June of 2016. Certifications include: Physician’s License, BLS, ACLS, PALS, ALSO, ATLS, and obtained NRP in July 2016.
John Simonson, M.D.
Dr. Simonson attended medical school and completed his residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Medicine, the Nebraska Association of Family Medicine and is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He has special interests in Family Medicine, Obstetrics and Geriatrics.
Charles "Tuck" Smith, M.D.
Dr. Smith attended medical school and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Smith enjoys patients of all ages, but has a special interest in family practice as well as obstetrics, pediatrics, and sports medicine. He has specialty training in cesarean births, endoscopy procedures and allergy.
Paula Thielen, M.D.
Dr. Thielen received her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine and completed her residency at UNMC in Family Medicine. She is Board certified in Family Medicine with a strong interest in and focus on women’s health and maternity care. Dr. Thielen is experienced in C-Sections and minor office procedures. Dr. Thielen is board certified through the American Board of Family Medicine and has certifications in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Obstetric Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Neonatal Resuscitation Program, and Basic Life Support.
Lori Brunner-Buck, M.D.
Dr. Brunner-Buck attended medical school and completed her residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She is certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics.
Lynda Arnold, PA-C
Lynda attended Bowman Gray School of Medicine. She is affiliated with American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Nebraska Academy of Physician Assistants. She is certified in BLS and ACLS and is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Ashley Beckman, PA-C
Specialty: Physician Assistant, Orthopedics and Family/Internal Medicine
College of Medicine: Master of Physician assistant Studies at UNMC
Certifications:
– The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
– BLS, ACLS, PALS
Mindy Bosanek, APRN
Mindy attended medical school at Clarkson College. She is certificated in BLS, ACLS and PALS.
Nicole Kratochvil, PA-C
Nicole attended Des Moines University School of Osteopathic Medicine and received her certificate in Physician Assistant Studies. She is affiliated with the American Academy of Physician Assistants. And certified in BLS, ACLS, and PALS. She is also DOT certified.
Kimberly Kurtz, PA-C
Kimberly attended medical school at University of Nebraska Medical Center. She is certified in BLS and ACLS and is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Emily Mahon, PA-C
Emily attended medical school at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ. She currently works for the United States Air Force as a PA-C in addition to working at MCH&HS in the Blair Clinic.
She is certified in BLS and ACLS and is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
RaeAnn T. Meyer, PA-C
RaeAnn attended medical school at Marietta College. She is certified in BLS and ACLS and is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Christy Ott, PA-C
Christy attended medical school at University of Nebraska Medical Center. She is certified in BLS and ACLS and is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Elizabeth Otte, PA-C
Liz attended College of St. Mary to obtain her Master of Physician Assistant Studies. She is certified in BLS, ACLS, Pediatric Advanced Care Support, and is a licensed Medical Radiographer. She is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Bruce Town, PA-C
Bruce attended medical school at University of Iowa College of Medicine. He is affiliated with the Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. He has a special interest in Occupational Medicine, is certified in BLS and ACLS and is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Cottonwood Clinic Providers
Charles "Tuck" Smith, M.D.
Dr. Smith attended medical school and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Smith enjoys patients of all ages, but has a special interest in family practice as well as obstetrics, pediatrics, and sports medicine. He has specialty training in cesarean births, endoscopy procedures and allergy.
Paula Thielen, M.D.
Dr. Thielen received her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine and completed her residency at UNMC in Family Medicine. She is Board certified in Family Medicine with a strong interest in and focus on women’s health and maternity care. Dr. Thielen is experienced in C-Sections and minor office procedures. Dr. Thielen is board certified through the American Board of Family Medicine and has certifications in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Obstetric Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Neonatal Resuscitation Program, and Basic Life Support.
Jill Connealy, PA-C
Jill attended medical school at University of Nebraska Medical Center. She is certified in BLS and ACLS and is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Rebecca Guzinski, PA-C
Rebecca attended medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She is Board Certified by the National Commission of Physician Assistants and is affiliated with American Academy of Physician Assistants and Nebraska Academy of Physician Assistants. She is certified in BLS and ACLS and is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Fort Calhoun Clinic Providers
Alisha Scott, M.D.
Dr. Scott received her Graduate Degree in Family Medicine & OB from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in June of 2016. Certifications include: Physician’s License, BLS, ACLS, PALS, ALSO, ATLS, and obtained NRP in July 2016.
Jill Connealy, PA-C
Jill attended medical school at University of Nebraska Medical Center. She is certified in BLS and ACLS and is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Dana McCabe, PA-C
Dana attended medical school at University of Nebraska Medical School. She is Board Certified by the National Commission of Physician Assistants and is affiliated with American Academy of Physician Assistants and Nebraska Academy of Physician Assistants. She is certified in BLS and ACLS and is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Emergency Medicine Providers
Amber Beckenhauer, O.D.
Dr. Beckenhauer attended medical school at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. She completed her family practice residency at the Lincoln Medical Family Partnership in Lincoln, NE. Dr. Beckenhauer is a contracted physician at MCH&HS who only sees ED patients and Inpatients (including OB).
Maurice Birdwell, M.D.
Dr. Birdwell attended Medical School at Creighton University. He completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at Albany Medical Center Hospital. He is Board Certified by the American Board or Emergency Medicine, a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Brandon Essink, M.D.
Dr. Essink attended medical school, completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is Family Practice Board Certified and is a member of the American Medical Association, Nebraska Medical Association, and the American Academy of Family Practice.
Jeremy Lee, D.O.
Dr. Lee attended the Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medicine and spent his residency at the Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine; training at more than 10 different facilities in the area. He is Emergency Medicine Board Certified. He is also certified in ACLS, PALS, BLS, and ATLS.
Francisco Machuca, M.D.
Dr. Machuca attended medical school the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara. After arrival in the United States, he obtained a Fifth Pathway Certification from New York Medical College and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Machuca is American Board certified in Family Medicine, has a Federal DEA license, and is BLS, ACLS, PALS, and ATLS certified.
Alisha Scott, M.D.
Dr. Scott received her Graduate Degree in Family Medicine & OB from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in June of 2016. Certifications include: Physician’s License, BLS, ACLS, PALS, ALSO, ATLS, and obtained NRP in July 2016.
Mark Shirley, D.O.
Dr. Shirley attended medical school at the University of Health Services in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency at University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Shirley is American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians, BLS, ACLS, PALS, and ATLS certified.
Walter Wood, M.D.
Dr. Wood received his Graduate Degree, Master of Science, and graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. Certifications include the American Board of Family Medicine.
Derek Nelson, PA-C
Derek attended medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is certified in BLS and ACLS and is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Specialty Clinic Providers
Anesthesia/Pain Management
Shawn J. Pettis, M.D.
Medical School: Creighton University Medical School
Residency: Yale-New Haven Hospital – New Haven, Connecticut
Certifications: Pain Management
Affiliations: American Board of Anesthesiology
Audiology
Eva Hecht, Au.D.
Cardiology
Mark Chouinard, M.D.
Medical School: Georgia Institute of Technology Medical College
Residency: USAP Medical Center
Cardiology
John Henry, M.D.
Medical School: Northwest University
Residency: Wilford Hall Medical Center, USAF
Certifications: Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiology
Stephen O’Connor, M.D.
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine
Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology
Cardiology
Ronald Pritza, M.D.
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine
Residency: Creighton University Affiliated Hospitals
Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Becky L. Corum, CRNA
Graduate Degree: Master of Science, Nurse Anesthesia
Graduated from Clarkson College in Omaha, Nebraska
Certifications: National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, BLS, ACLS, PALS
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Tony Tran, CRNA
Graduate Degree: Master of Science, Nurse Anesthesia
Graduated from Mount Marty College in Sioux Falls, SD
Certifications: National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, BLS, ACLS, PALS
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Michael Kirwan, CRNA
Graduate Degree: Master of Science, Nurse Anesthesia
Graduated from Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota
Certifications: National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, BLS, ACLS, PALS
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Michael W. Suing, CRNA
Graduate Degree: Master of Science, Nurse Anesthesia
Graduated from Bryan School of Nurse Anesthesia, University of Kansas Medical Center School of Nurse Anesthesia
Certifications: RN, BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP Certified
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Bernard (Bernie) Manley, CRNA
Graduate Degree: Master of Science, Nurse Anesthesia
Graduated from St. Mary’s College, Winona, MN
Certifications: CRNA, RN, BLS, ACLS, PALS, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Nebraska Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Dermatology
Brian Herbin, PA-C
Brian Herbin PA-C received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He obtained his Masters of Education in Athletic Administration also from UNL and graduated from the Union College Physician’s Assistant Program in 2002.
Ear, Nose, & Throat
Jessica Moran-Hansen, M.D., ENT
Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Residency: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Ear, Nose, & Throat
Thomas Dobleman, M.D., ENT
Medical School: University of California – Los Angeles
Residencies: University of Chicago (General Surgery and Otolaryngology)
Certifications: American Board of Medical Specialties – Otolaryngology (Lifetime)
General Surgery
Gregg Drabek, M.D.
College: Dakota Wesleyan University, Vermillion, SD (BS)
Medical School: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD (M.D.)
Residency: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Tulsa, OK (Surgery)
Certification: Diplomat, American Board of Surgery
Hematology/Oncology
Irina Popa, M.D.
Dr. Popa attended M.D. Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Romania for Medical School. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency and Internship at Newark’s Beth Israel Medical Center. She also completed a Hematology Fellowship at Georgetown University in Washington, D. C.
Hematology/Oncology
Timothy Dorius, M.D.
Dr. Dorius attended the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medicine. He is board certified in Hematology and Oncology, as well as in Internal Medicine.
Neurosurgery
John Treves, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Residency: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Certifications: Board of Neurological Surgery
Neurosurgery
David Siebels, PA-C
Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Certifications: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), BLS, ACLS, and Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physicians Assistants
OB/GYN
Raymond Schulte, M.D.
Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Residency: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Certifications: American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecology
OB/GYN
Andrea Leishman-Barb, D.O.
Medical School: Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences
Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin
Certifications: American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
OB/GYN
Michael Reed, M.D.
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine
Internship: Maimonedes Medical Center/SUNY
Residency: Hurley Medical Center
Certification: Board Certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Ophthalmology
Gregory E. Haskins, M.D.
Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Residency: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Orthopedics
David C. Buck, M.D.
Medical School: University of Washington
Residency: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Certifications: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, American Medical Association and Nebraska Medical Association
Orthopedics
Steven W. Kitchen, M.D.
College: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (BA Degree)
Medical School: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (M.D.)
Residency: Mount Carmel Medical Center, Columbus, OH (Orthopedic Surgery)
Fellowship: Ohio State University and Riverside Hospital, Columbus, OH (Sports Medicine)
Certification: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedics
Steven Kumagai, M.D.
College: University of Arizona, BA and MA
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine
Residency: Creighton University, University of Nebraska Allied Health Foundation
Certification: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedics
Ashley Beckman, PA-C
Specialty: Physician Assistant, Orthopedics and Family/Internal Medicine
College of Medicine: Master of Physician assistant Studies at UNMC
Certifications:
– The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
– BLS, ACLS, PALS
Orthopedics
Bruce Town, PA
Bruce attended medical school at University of Iowa College of Medicine. He is affiliated with the Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. He has a special interest in Occupational Medicine, is certified in BLS and ACLS and is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Orthopedics
Christina Prauner, APRN, FNPC
College: Briar Cliff, BS, Nursing
Medical School: Creighton University, Masters of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Certifications: Board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Podiatry
Steven Meinhold, DPM
College: Millikin University, Decatur, IL
Medical School: Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine, Chicago, IL
Certification: Board certified, American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine
Pulmonology
Sugata Sensarma, MBBS
Dr. Sensarma attended medical school at R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital and completed his fellowship at Creighton University in Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine.
Urology
Herman Greenwald, M.D.
Certifications: American Board of Urology
Urology
Galen M. Meyer, M.D.
Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Residency: Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine
Certifications: American Board of Urology
Vascular
Scott Wattenhofer, M.D.
Medical School: University of South Dakota School of Medicine
Diagnostics
MCH&HS utilizes Radiology Consultants of the Midwest for diagnostic readings.
Robert Bradford Abrahams, D.O.
Bruce Baron, D.O.
Michael Clegg, M.D.
Mary Davey, M.D.
Adrienne Dekarske, M.D.
Tami DenOtter, M.D.
Gregory G. Eckert, M.D.
Chad Eicher, M.D.
Joel D. Elson, M.D.
Don Evans, M.D.
Barry Fanders, M.D.
Thomas Forrest, M.D.
Andrew Frager, M.D.
Andrew Gelbman, D.O.
John A. Haggstrom, M.D.
Patricia A. Helke, M.D.
Suzanne Hruza, M.D.
Gregory R. Jackson, M.D.
Matthew M. Jaksha, M.D.
Kyle Krehbiel, M.D.
Matthew Kruse, M.D.
Samuel H. Mehr, M.D.
Catherine Mendlik, M.D.
Subhash Paknikar, M.D.
Erik A. Pedersen, M.D.
C. Christian Schlaepfer, M.D.
Johanna Schubert, M.D.
Michael Schuster, M.D.
Alexander Serra, M.D.
Michaela Tilgner, M.D.
Jane West, M.D.
E-Hospitalists
E-Hospitalists offer an additional level of care for our inpatients.
William Abrahams, M.D.
Venkata Giri Andukuri, M.D.
Temple Anzalone, M.D.
Muhammad Zubair Ashfaq, M.B.B.S
Benjamin Bumgarner, D.O.
Avdesh Buragadda, M.B.B.S.
Vanessa Chen, M.D.
Leah Damaini Strain, M.D.
Pooja Deshmukh, M.B.B.S.
Durga Duraikannan, M.B.B.S.
Rabie Emsalem, M.D.
Angela Fisher, M.D.
Thomas Fredrickson, M.D.
Ramesh Gadiraju, M.B.B.S.
Jayanthi Ganesan, M.D.
Rohini Garg, M.B.B.S.
Anthony Halat, M.D.
Christopher Holewinski, D.O.
Jalila Hudson, M.D.
Erik Jacobson, D.O.
M. Ebrahim Khan, M.D.
Venkata Koripalli, M.B.B.S.
Jason Lambrecht, M.D.
Deanna Larson, M.D.
Adam Macdissi, M.D.
Anthony Macdissi, M.D.
Siva Madineedi, M.D.
Shehnaz Mohsin, M.B.B.S.
Mark Otto, M.D.
Twethida Oung, M.D.
Vinit Patil, M.D.
Jill Puetz, M.D.
Eric Rice, M.D.
Artem Ryazantsev, D.O.
Nicholas Sakis, M.D.
Deepak Singh, M.D.
Eyed Skaf, M.D.
Akshat Sood, M.D.
Rebecca Stratton, M.D.
Jocelyn Taylor, M.D.
Mitchell Weber, M.D.
Mohammed Zalabani, MBChB
