Doc Talk with Monument Health

When athletes take the field, there's more happening behind the scenes than most fans realize. In this episode recorded live at a South Dakota Mines football pregame, Joseph Humpherys, D.O., FAAOS, Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine and Joint Preservation at Orthopedic & Specialty Hospital in Rapid City shares what it takes to keep college athletes healthy and performing at their best. His approach goes beyond treating injuries; it includes nutrition support, mental health services and strength conditioning. Dr. Humpherys discusses the importance of having physicians on the sidelines, recent advances in injury prevention and the tests recovering athletes must pass before they can resume competing.

Popping an antacid might work for occasional heartburn. For many people though, acid reflux is a daily battle that affects sleep, diet and quality of life. Ali Zakaria, M.D., Gastroenterologist and Pial Hope, D.O., General Surgeon, both of Rapid City Hospital, discuss why gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may require more than over-the-counter solutions. The duo explains the cause of chronic symptoms and elaborate on their collaborative approach to diagnosis and treatment. They explore advanced care options including transoral fundoplication and robotic surgery, address concerns about long-term medication use and explain why proper diagnosis is crucial before any intervention.

In this episode of Doc Talk Live! at The Matthews Art Center, Wesley Badger, M.D., general surgeon at Spearfish Clinic, North Avenue, discusses two very different cancers and why early detection matters. Dr. Badger explains why colon cancer screening now starts at 45 years old and why colonoscopy remains the standard for prevention. He also addresses the rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger people and the lifestyle factors driving this trend. Dr. Badger also covers thyroid cancer, explaining why it behaves differently than most cancers and why screening recommendations differ dramatically between these two conditions.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and diagnoses are happening at younger ages than ever before. In this episode, Ashlea Semmens, M.D., General Surgeon, Breast Surgical Oncologist and Medical Director of the Breast Surgery program at Rapid City Hospital, sits down to discuss what every woman needs to know about breast cancer awareness, detection and treatment. She explains why self-awareness matters, breaks what happens after an abnormal mammogram and clears up common myths about screenings. Dr. Semmens also addresses the emotional toll of diagnosis, the resources available locally for patients undergoing treatment and why no two breast cancers are treated the same.

There's no magic pill for heart health, but there is something almost as simple: walking. In this special episode recorded on location at American Heart Association Black Hills Heart Walk on Sept. 6, Stephen Wasemiller, M.D., Non-invasive Cardiologist at Heart and Vascular Institute in Rapid City, joins host Mark Houston for a conversation on the move. Dr. Wasemiller explains how walking protects your cardiovascular system, improves mental health and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Whether you're just starting out or looking to stay motivated, heart health doesn't have to be complicated; any movement is better than none. Sometimes the best medicine is putting one foot in front of the other.

Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) means encountering life-changing challenges, but it doesn't have to define your future. Jannine Purcell, CNP, Gastroenterology, discusses how IBD affects young adults in their 20s and 30s, often disrupting major life milestones. Jannine explains the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and why team-based care is essential. She shares inspiring success stories of patients who've achieved deep remission and provides insight into why close follow-up and patient education are crucial for helping young people reclaim their quality of life.

Eating should be simple. However, for people with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE), swallowing can feel difficult or even scary. In this episode, Issam Turk, M.D., Gastroenterologist at Monument Health Gastroenterology, returns to discuss this increasingly common condition that many people don't even realize they have. Dr. Turk explains why difficulty swallowing should never be considered normal and shares that he usually diagnoses two to five new cases every week. He discusses the emergency situations that often lead to diagnosis, why early detection is crucial and explores treatment options, which range from dietary changes to a breakthrough medication that has shown remarkable success rates.

Your liver works around the clock, but chances are you rarely think about this vital organ until something goes wrong. In this episode of Doc Talk, Chantel Holz, CNP from Monument Health Gastroenterology, breaks down what you need to know about liver health and why it should be on your radar. She discusses the rise in metabolic associated liver disease and how symptoms of this condition can be missed. Chantel shares insights on new non-invasive screening methods and promising treatments while addressing the misinformation circulating on social media about liver detox supplements. 

Hans Nelson, Director of the Monument Health Foundation, and Patrick Tibbles, M.D., Vice Chair of Emergency Medicine and Medical Director of the Foundation, discuss how philanthropic support helps elevate health care in the Black Hills. From events like the Golden Guitars Gala to critical projects in cancer care, hospice and pediatric services, they explore how donor contributions directly impact patient care, equipment upgrades and support for both patients and caregivers alike.