Ortonville Area Health Services is pleased to announce that Northside Medical Clinic Physician Partners have signed an agreement to provide Physician coverage in the Sanford Wheaton Hospital & Clinic one day per week beginning in January. “We are pleased to put our good fortune in recruiting physicians to our area to good use in helping out our neighbors to the north,” said OAHS CEO David Rogers. Dr. Botker will begin outreaching there in January.
His addition will further improve access to care. Botker received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota. He completed his residency in family medicine at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Ore. He is board-certified in family medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. He also completed an obstetrics fellowship at Altru Health Systems in Grand Forks, ND.
He specializes in family medicine, including prenatal care for OB patients.
Dr. Botker will see patients at Sanford Wheaton Clinic and is accepting new patients. Please call 320-563-8226 to schedule an appointment.
Archives for 2019
Dr. Grant Botker provides coverage to Sanford Wheaton Hospital & Clinic
Dr. Amanda McMahon Joins Ortonville Area Health Services
Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS) is pleased to announce that Amanda McMahon, MD has joined Northside Medical Clinic and will begin seeing patients in January.
“We are very excited to welcome Dr. McMahon to the provider group and medical team here at OAHS,” said Clinic Director Liz Sorenson. “She has a strong passion & understanding of what it takes to provide whole-person & family care. Her top-notch clinical training as a Family Practice physician will only enhance the already talented group of medical providers. We are excited that Amanda & Adam have decided to make the Big Stone Lake Area the place they want to call home and raise their family.”
Dr. McMahon received her Medical Degree in 2016 from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Additionally, she completed her Family Medicine Residency this summer through Altru Health System in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
“My favorite part of being a doctor is being able to build relationships with my patients and their families,” said Dr. McMahon. “I am excited to be back in my hometown where I can serve my community and have the privilege of getting to know my patients on a more personal level to provide the best health care possible.”
For more information on Ortonville Area Health Services or to schedule an appointment with Amanda McMahon, MD please contact 320-839-6157.
Choosing the Best Insurance
https://www.facebook.com/OAHS1/videos/461439578053837/
Every Fall, millions of Americans face the task of choosing a Health Insurance plan for the upcoming year. Choosing the best plan can be an extremely daunting task. With this in mind, we recently talked with Sally Stattelman, Clinic Nurse Manager at OAHS, to get a few tips to help you make the best choice. Thankfully, there are numerous resources available to help guide you through the process. If you have questions or are looking for assistance in choosing a Health Insurance plan, make sure to check out the list of resources that are linked below.
OAHS Patient Financial Services – 320-839-4096
Senior LinkAge Line® – (800) 333-2433
Linda Kolb with Prairie Five – MNSure Navigator and Counselor – 320-839-2111
MDH Rural Health Team Award – OAHS Obstetrical Team

Maria Botker, CNS, RN, Dr. Bob Ross, and Nicole Lovgren, RN pictured holding the Rural Health Team Award at the Minnesota Rural Health Conference on June 18, 2019.
Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS) was awarded the Minnesota Rural Health Team Award for outstanding obstetric (OB) care at the Minnesota Rural Health Conference earlier this year. At a time when many small hospitals are no longer able to offer OB care, OAHS OB/ER has collaborated with local hospitals in Minnesota and South Dakota to provide high quality OB for their shared rural populations. OAHS, a Critical Access Hospital, is located on the border of Minnesota and South Dakota. Appointments are shared between facilities to fit the needs of pregnant women and telehealth allows for neonatal and obstetric care available at the push of a button. These partnerships allow for OB delivery of care that addresses the unique needs of women in their own rural settings. Congratulations!
Click here to view the acceptance speech delivered by Maria Botker, CNS, RN
Rural Health Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. Robert Ross

Dr. Bob Ross, with grandson Cane, pictured holding the Rural Health Lifetime Achievement Award at the Minnesota Rural Health Conference on June 18, 2019.
Dr. Bob was the recipient of the 2019 Rural Health Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Bob joined the Ortonville medical staff in 1977 and hasn’t sat still since. In 1989, Dr. Bob and his partners formed the Big Stone Health Care Foundation. The Foundation, along with Dr. Bob and the entire Board’s vision, has provided health care opportunities to our community that otherwise would not have been possible. We thank Dr. Bob, his wife Mary, and their entire family for the sacrifices that have been made in order for him to be one of the leaders for his partners, the staff, and most importantly his patients. Congratulations, Dr. Bob!
Click here to read about Dr. Bob’s lifetime of success.
Click here to view Dr. Bob’s acceptance speech.
The Pulse Episode 1 – Sara Tollakson
The Pulse is a weekly segment where we sit down with OAHS staff members to learn more about the latest local healthcare news and some of the wonderful things they do on a daily basis. This week we sat down with OAHS Health Coach, Sara Tollakson, to learn more about her role as a health coach and the services she and her team provide.
Changes to Direct Access Testing
Effective January 1, 2019, the Urinalysis test is being removed from the OAHS Direct Access Testing menu in order to assure that the most appropriate and timely follow-up for a possible urinary tract infection can be completed. The health of our patients is our priority. Individuals who are under age 18 can have a urinalysis performed during a provider visit.
Adults 18 years and older can have a urinalysis performed during a nurse visit. Provider and Nurse visits can be scheduled by calling 320-839-6157.