Knudson joins FMCH surgery team

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BY PCC STAFF

FORT MADISON - The General Surgery Clinic at Fort Madison Community Hospital is pleased to welcome General Surgeon, Dr. Rachel Knudson. Dr. Knudson will join Dr. Riggs Bagan in the clinic.

Dr. Knudson is a Board Certified General Surgeon and has been part of the medical staff at Skiff Medical Center in Newton, Iowa for the past four years. She received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, Missouri and completed her General Surgery Residency at Mercy

KNUDSON

Medical Center in Des Moines. She also holds an Adjunct Clinical Faculty position at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery.

“Being a general surgeon allows me the opportunity to be a vital part of my patient’s health care team – from prevention, to discussing treatment options to post-operative care. Spreading awareness to increase the number of people who undergo their screening colonoscopies is very important to me. It is rewarding to remove large polyps that otherwise may lead to colon cancer if not removed; preventing someone from having to go through surgery and cancer treatment is an incredible privilege,” expressed Dr. Knudson. “Working with breast cancer patients is also very rewarding for me. I try to see them as soon as possible after diagnosis and spend as much time as needed discussing their treatment options and finding the one that is best for them. I enjoy collaborating with the other providers involved in their care as well. Developing long term relationships with these patients is very satisfying.”

Dr. Knudson became interested in pursuing a career in healthcare after taking a certified nurse’s aide course in high school and working at the Iowa Veteran’s Home. “I really enjoyed the relationships I developed with the residents and decided I wanted to be a physician during that time in high school.” The relationships she develops with her patients continues to drive her success, “I know I am providing excellent surgical services when patients refer their family membersand friends to see me for their care - this is the ultimate compliment, proving they trust their loved ones health care to me.”

Dr. Knudson and her family are looking forward to making Fort Madison their home.

“I grew up in a small town, and I chose a rural community for my first job. I enjoy the close relationships that develop when workingin a small hospital and living in a more rural community. Farmers are my favoritepatients. My grandparents farmed in West Burlington, and now my Uncle lives on their homestead,” commented Dr. Knudson.

Dr. Knudson will start seeing patients the first week in July. Appointments can be made by calling 319-376-2134, phones are answered starting at 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.

FMCH, Fort Madison Community Hospital, Pen City Current, Rachel Knudson, surgeon

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