MRHC Welcomes Family Practice Provider, Melissa Frazier

Melissa Frazier

Melissa FrazierManning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is proud to welcome Melissa Frazier, ARNP, to the Family Practice Clinic. Appointments can now be scheduled with Melissa, who will begin seeing patients in September.

“Melissa brings a strong background in family medicine, a passion for rural health, and a patient-centered approach that aligns beautifully with our mission,” said MRHC CEO Shannon Black. “We’re thrilled to have her on board!”

Melissa brings over 13 years of experience as a Registered Nurse and a deep commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. After earning her Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree from Walden University in 2023, she began her NP career by serving students and staff at Western Iowa Tech Community College. Most recently, she’s been practicing at a rural family clinic in Pocahontas, where she’s provided care for patients of all ages.

“I was drawn to becoming a nurse practitioner in family practice because I genuinely love the idea of being there for people throughout all stages of life, not just when they’re sick, but to help keep them well,” Melissa shared. “What excites me about family practice is the focus on prevention. I believe some of the most powerful moments in healthcare happen before a diagnosis ever does – when we catch something early, make lifestyle changes together, or have an open conversation about health goals.”

Melissa is passionate about preventive care, chronic disease management, and in-office procedures, including joint injections, skin tag removals, and Nexplanon insertions and removals. She also has a strong interest in women’s health and believes in empowering women with the education, support, and care they deserve throughout every life stage.

As a certified provider of DOT physicals, knee injections, and other procedures, Melissa enjoys the variety and hands-on care these services bring to her practice. She also has a deep appreciation for serving in rural healthcare settings.

“Practicing in a rural community allows me to build strong, trusted relationships with patients and their families and make a meaningful impact where healthcare access is often limited”, she shared. “I’m also able to become a true part of the community in a way that’s both personal and deeply rewarding.”

Melissa is already familiar with MRHC, having completed a clinical rotation here during her training. She is eager to begin serving the Manning community and join the MRHC team.

“I was immediately struck by the collaborative spirit of the team and MRHC’s commitment to putting patients first,” she said. “My values and long-term goals as a provider align well with MRHC’s mission. I’m passionate about treating patients as whole people, and I prioritize listening and compassionate care, which matches MRHC’s focus on patient-centered service. Being part of a community-focused team like MRHC feels like the right place for me to grow and make a meaningful impact.”

Melissa lives in Denison with her husband and their two children. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her family, reading, thrifting, exploring boutiques, and discovering coffee shops.

To schedule an appointment with Melissa this fall, call (712) 655-8100.

Family Practice Clinic Receives Patient Experience Award

clinic staff

Manning Regional Healthcare Center is proud to announce that their Family Practice Clinic has received The Guardian of Excellence-Patient Experience Award. This award honors healthcare facilities who have consistently reached the top (95th to 99th percentile) of their respective database for patient experience, employee engagement, physician engagement, consumer experience, or clinical quality performance.

“It is an honor to receive the Guardian of Excellence for Patient Experience Award from Press Ganey,” said MRHC Clinic Director, Shelby Dickson, RN. “Our team works hard to provide exceptional care by going above and beyond for our patients. They truly love what they do and who they work with.”

MRHC’s Family Practice Clinic is staffed by four providers, Dr. Douglas McLaws, DO; Dr. Thang Luong, MD; Courtney Rupiper, PA-C; and Sara Powers, ARNP; Clinic Director Shelby Dickson, RN; Health Coach, Amber Croghan; clinic nurses, Katelyn Namanny; Amanda Blum; Casey Quandt; and Roxi Doyel; medical records, Sharon Odendahl; and scheduler, Janey Stoelk.

Clinic staff were recognized for their dedication and hard work and presented with the award on Friday, February 16th with a hospital-wide reception.

The clinic offers extended hours Monday through Thursday 7am-6:30pm and Friday 7am-5pm and Saturday morning 8am-10am to accommodate busy schedules. Same day appointments for minor injuries or illnesses are also available for minor injuries and illnesses. Appointments can be made by calling (712) 655-8100.

clinic staff

Dickson Takes Advantage of Career Opportunities at MRHC

Shelby Dickson

Shelby DicksonMRHC Registered Nurse, Shelby Dickson, is grateful for the opportunity to thrive in a career close to home and make a difference in healthcare. Even at a young age, Dickson knew she was meant to work in the medical field.

“I went to school for radiology and soon realized that I wanted to be involved in the problem-solving piece of patient care,” said Dickson. “I chose nursing because there are so many areas you can work in as a nurse. After getting my CNA and working as an aid on a Med/Surg/Peds floor, I found out that I loved patient care and that it was where I wanted to be.”

Dickson continued with nursing school at DMACC in Carroll and graduated in 2009. She worked in Med/Surg/Peds at Saint Anthony Regional Hospital until 2014 and then worked at a private clinic in Carroll for a year before accepting the health coach position at MRHC.

“At MRHC, employees can potentially wear a lot of hats, and I always took that as an opportunity to learn more and be helpful,” Dickson said. “As the Health Coach, I was a resource for the clinic nurses, so I continued to learn more about the clinic processes which has brought me to the position I am in today.”

Dickson has continued to advance in her career at MRHC and now works as the Clinic Director.

“MRHC has given me opportunities to learn and advance in my career. When the Clinic Director position opened, I had learned enough about the clinic that I was ready to take on a challenge and move up,” she said.

Dickson attributes her ability to advance and excel in her career partially to the management team at MRHC.

“Linn [Block] is always suggesting leadership classes and workshops to help me learn how to be an effective leader. Many managers have been supportive to me when it comes to new obstacles. There is always someone ready to listen and help guide you,” Dickson said.

Even when the pandemic presented new challenges, Dickson felt supported and empowered to make important decisions for staff and patients.

“Administration is always listening to my ideas, and we talk a lot about empathy here – putting yourself in the patient’s shoes. Keeping patients at the center of every decision we make benefits patients,” said Dickson.

The MRHC management team recognizes Dickson’s value to the hospital as well as how she has made significant changes to benefit patients and make the clinic an overall good place to work.

“Shelby has showed continued growth in her ability to lead our Family Practice Clinic, and she is well respected by the team,” said MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “Shelby sees her role as ensuring our community has convenient access to quality, primary care providers.”

As for the future of her career, Dickson is eager to continue to advance in her education as well as grow in her role at MRHC.

“I love the people that I work with and the mission of the hospital. I hope to get my bachelor’s degree and take on more responsibilities here at MRHC.”

For a list of current openings or to apply at MRHC, go www.mrhcia.com/careers or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.