Doc Talk with Monument Health

In this episode of Vital Conversations, a Doc Talk Community Series, Stephen Tamang, M.D. sits down with Mark Harlow, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon and Lead Physician at Oyate Health Center. They unpack health disparities in Native American communities, the challenges of homelessness and how Oyate's growth is transforming care through innovation, education and compassion. 

In this enlivened conversation, Eric Krohn, D.O., Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon at Monument Health Orthopedic & Specialty Hospital in Rapid City, explains what drew him to medicine in general and Orthopedics specifically, and how he fits into the spectrum of health care for kids. He also details some of the common conditions he sees, such as club foot and toe-walking, and how they are treated. If you’re a parent or guardian that often wonders if your child’s injury may need a surgeon’s attention, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Vital Conversations, a Doc Talk Community Series, Stephen Tamang, M.D. talks with Charity Doyle, CEO of OneHeart: A Place for Healing and Hope. The duo discuss the origin and evolution of One Heart, an innovative campus built to lift people out of crisis by addressing stability, brain health and community connection. From housing to healing, it's a story of bold ideas and lasting impact.

This week we share the first in an ongoing series of Doc Talk Live! episodes recorded in front of an audience at the Matthews Opera House and Art Center in Spearfish. Andrew VanOsdol, M.D., fellowship-trained Bariatric Surgeon at Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue, discusses obesity and surgical weight loss and answers questions from the crowd. Dr. VanOsdol shares his expertise on GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic and gives general advice on weight management, particularly as you age. Want to attend a recording? Join us for our next Doc Talk Live! at the Matthews Opera House and Art Center July 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Our guest, Loren Jones, M.D., Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor at Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue, will discuss treatments and solutions for people suffering from sleep apnea.

In this episode of Vital Conversations: A Doc Talk Community Series, Stephen Tamang, M.D. talks with Monument Health President and CEO, Paulette Davidson about the future of Health Care in Western South Dakota. From insurance barriers and Medicaid concerns, AI in medicine and Native American health disparities. This is a candid and thoughtful look at how leadership, innovation and compassion shape community care. 

Michael Huot, M.D., Director of Pain Management, Pain Specialist, Anesthesiologist and Chief of Staff of Rapid City Hospital reveals the responsibilities of a hospital Chief of Staff. Referencing Rapid City Hospital’s vast improvement in safety ratings, Dr. Huot provides insight on his approach to leadership and reflects on how he has made an impact during his tenure. He also gives historical details and legal reasons for why the position of Chief of Staff came to be important, how the position is chosen at Monument Health and the learning curve that comes along with accepting the role.

This is a conversation between Dr. Stephen Tamang, Monument Health physician and Director of Addiction Medicine and Community Health Services—and Brian Mueller, the Pennington County Sheriff. They go deep into the role the Sheriff’s Office plays in shaping public policy, tackling controversial topics ranging from magnet services to ICE enforcement. They take a hard look at homelessness, exploring the services available in our community, the gaps that still exist, and what real solutions might look like. Expect an unfiltered, thought-provoking discussion about the intersection of law enforcement, public health, and the systems that shape our community’s most pressing challenges.

Lawnmowers, snakes and the sun, oh my! Tamra Lemley, M.D, board-certified Pediatrician and Kyle Lemley, M.D., a fellowship-trained Pediatric Critical Care Specialist and Pediatrician, both of Monument Health Children’s at Rapid City Hospital, spotlight some important kid summer safety concerns including lawnmower injuries, snake and spider bites and the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. They also share what it’s like being a doctor who is married to a doctor. An essential listen for parents of kids growing up in the Black Hills.

In this episode of Vital Conversations, a Doc Talk community series, Dr. Tamang welcomes Tim Trithart, CEO of Complete Health, for a deep and candid discussion about the evolving landscape of healthcare in western South Dakota. From expanding access and breaking down insurance barriers to the critical role of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), this episode explores the challenges and opportunities shaping care delivery in our region.Trithart shares insights on the benefits of integrated care models, the misconceptions surrounding FQHCs, and the importance of addressing mental health, especially among vulnerable populations. The conversation also touches on the impact of third-party payers, the potential of value-based care, the role of technology, and how organizations like Complete Health navigate financial sustainability while staying mission-driven.Whether you're a healthcare provider, policymaker, or community advocate, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives on how to build a more accessible, equitable, and effective healthcare system.