Biographies Archives

Rebecca Schatz, FNP-C

in Biographies, News

Joined LRMC

January 2023

Hometown

Napoleon, ND

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Medcenter One College of Nursing – Bismarck, ND

Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner): University of Mary – Bismarck, ND

About Becky

After graduating from Medcenter One College of Nursing, she began her career in medicine as a nurse at the Wishek Community Hospital. She went on to become a Family Nurse Practitioner through the University of Mary, starting at Linton Regional Medical Center in 2015. For the last few years, she has been working for CHI St. Alexius Medical Center in Urgent Care and Family Medicine. We are excited to have her back on our team!

When she is not providing medical care, Becky likes to spend time traveling as well as riding motorcycle and skiing.

Alex Fjeldheim, FNP-C

in Biographies

Joined LRMC

July 2022

Hometown

Herreid, SD

Education

Bachelor Science in Biology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD

Bachelors Science in Nursing, South Dakota State University, Aberdeen, SD

Doctorate in Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN

About Alex

Alex was born in Linton and raised in Herreid, SD. He began his medical journey as a Biology Major at SDSU and worked on the lift team at Sanford in Sioux Falls after graduation. Alex later attended SDSU’s accelerated nursing program in Aberdeen and took his first nursing job at Sanford in Sioux Falls working on a general care floor. His nursing career took him to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN where he worked as an ICU nurse. During this time, Alex attended the University of Minnesota and earned his Doctorate of Nursing Practice, specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Alex is excited to provide holistic & comprehensive care for all individuals.

When not providing care for patients, Alex likes to spend time with his wife, Katie, and dog, Otis, help his parents on their farm and wrench on old vehicles.

Dr. Gordon Leingang, DO, FACEP, FACOEP

in Biographies

Joined LRMC
March 2021

Education

University of Mary, Bismarck, ND, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, Ohio University, Athens, OH

Certificates
Fellow of the American College of Emergency Medicine

About Dr. Leingang

Dr. Leingang practices Urgent Care Medicine at Mid Dakota Clinic in Bismarck as well as providing back up call for LRMC. He is residency trained and board certified in Emergency and Trauma Medicine and has practiced full time in that specialty since graduating from his residency in 1995.

A former law enforcement officer, Dr. Leingang has special interests in law enforcement and serves as an Advisor to both Bismarck and Mandan Police Departments. He is a 44 year military Veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps, and Army National Guard with multiple deployments and is a now retired US Army Senior Flight Surgeon. Dr. Leingang’s wife Jackie is a Physician Assistant in the Veteran’s Administration’s Bismarck Clinic. They have 3 adult children and 6 grandchildren

Sarah Hoffer, PA-C

in Biographies

Joined LRMC
November 2021

Hometown
Bismarck, ND

Education

Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of Mary, Bismarck, ND
Master of Physician Assistant, University of Findlay, Findlay, OH

About Sarah

Sarah started her career as a CNA at a same day surgery center. She later took a position as an autopsy technician and medicolegal death investigator for the state. Now as a physician assistant, Sarah looks forward to providing care for the area communities.

When not with her patients, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and volunteering at the Bismarck animal impound.

Jackie Grunefelder, FNP-C

in Biographies

Joined LRMC
August 1996

Hometown
Linton, ND

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Mary, Bismarck, ND
Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner, University of Mary, Bismarck, ND

Awards
State Award for Excellence Nurse Practitioner 2019

About Jackie Grunefelder

After graduating, Jackie began her career at LRMC as a registered nurse in 1996. In 2005, she started providing care as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Jackie is a member of the North Dakota Army National Guard State Medical Detachment. Jackie recently received the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Jackie currently resides in Kintyre with her husband Jon and enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. Jackie spends her spare time reading, riding horse, traveling, and attending music concerts.

Savanna Kramer, PA-C

in Biographies

Joined LRMC
July 2021

Hometown
Zeeland, ND

Education

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
Master of Physician Assistant Studies, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND

About Savanna Kramer

A native to Zeeland, North Dakota, Savanna began her career in the medical field as a medical laboratory scientist. During this time, she also taught hematology to MLT students at Bismarck State College. Since taking on her different role in the medical field as a physician assistant, Savanna is excited about providing care for the surrounding communities that make it feel like home.

When not providing care for patients, she loves spending time with her husband, family, friends, and her dog, Piper.

Susie Berreth, FNP-C

in Biographies

Joined LRMC
January 2022

Hometown
Ipswich, SD

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Presentation College, Aberdeen, SD
Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner, Morningside University, Sioux City, IA

About Susie Berreth

Susie has worked in a variety of health care settings including rural health, PACU/Pre-OP, clinics, and critical access hospitals. Susie enjoys providing care for her patients.

Susie currently lives on a hobby farm outside of Leola, SD where she has been for 22 years. Being the youngest of 10 children, Susie enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband and two grown children. She also enjoys spending time on the farm, especially in the spring with the arrival of new baby goats and calves. Susie loves gardening, canning, and trying to cook and bake new things.

Dr. John Knecht, MD

in Biographies

Joined LRMC
September 2013

Hometown
Martin, SD

Education

South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
McKennan Hospital Internship, Sioux Falls, SD

Awards

Doc Hayes Award as Physician of the Year 2008 (VA Black Hills Health Care System)

About Dr. John Knecht

Dr. Knecht has been employed as a physician since 1981, starting his career in Martin, SD. From 2003-2009 he was with the Black Hills VA Health Care System, employed at their medical centers in Hot Springs, SD and Fort Meade, SD. He then went on to the Southern Hills Hospital in Hot Springs SD from 2009-2012. Dr. Knecht was a private pilot during this time and while continuing to live in Martin, SD, would fly to work in Hot Springs and Fort Meade. Flying was not limited to work commutes and Dr. Knecht would also pilot his family visit his wife’s hometown. While not providing care for patients, he has also enjoyed skiing, ranching, raising horses and cattle, and spending time with his family.