The South Dakotan M.D. is the story hub of the USD Sanford School of Medicine. Here you’ll find stories and news highlighting the meaningful contributions of our students, faculty and staff, and alumni.
Medicine & Health
Momentum for USD Sanford School of Medicine Transition Accelerates Timeline
The Latest
Mar 25, 2026
USD Medical Students Learn Post-Graduate Destinations at Match Day 2026
University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine Pillar 3 students received their post-graduate assignments on Match Day, held on March 20.
Mar 12, 2026
Alan Sazama Named Chair of Newly Established Emergency Medicine Department
Dr. Alan Sazama '14 has been named inaugural chair of the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine’s new Department of Emergency Medicine.
Feb 26, 2026
Fulk Graduates From Rural Health Fellowship Program
Janet Fulk, assistant director of the Frontier And Rural Medicine program at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, has graduated from the National Rural Health Association’s 36th Annual Fellowship Program in Washington, D.C.
Dec 03, 2025
USD Sanford School of Medicine to Host Hooding Ceremony on May 8
The University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine will host its hooding ceremony on May 8, 2026, at 4 p.m. in Sioux Falls.
Alumni
Dr. Tom Hermann Takes Nontraditional Route Into Medicine
Here are two pictures to spark your imagination: the first is a college-aged man dressed in stereotypical 1970s garb, passionately debating his classmates on the moral validity of the Vietnam War. The only thing longer than his hair and his discourse is his beard. After a successful debate, he stands and tells his intellectual opponents that he must go; there is a yoga class at 4 p.m. and he has a date with the ski slope to follow.
First Native American USD Medical School Graduate Sophie Two Hawk Deeply Rooted in Healing
Family matriarch Dr. Sophie Two Hawk ’87 was always certain her life’s path would lead her to be a healer, coming from several generations of holistic healers with a firm footing in whole-person health care.
The View of a Lifetime Inspires
Dr. Jacob Weasel, general surgeon at Monument Health in Rapid City, South Dakota, shares what he believes is the common thread between adventurer and healer.
More Headlines
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The Transformative Impact of Medical Research
Summary: In South Dakota, health care challenges are shaped by geography, an aging population, workforce shortages, chronic diseases and mental health needs. The University of South Dakota’s Sanford School of Medicine is not only training South Dakota’s future doctors to meet these needs but is also leading innovative research efforts that impact the health and well-being of individuals in and beyond South Dakota.
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Ellie Blue Receives U.S. Public Health Award
Summary: Fourth-year medical student Ellie Blue is a recipient of a U.S. Public Health Service Award for her service to the Sioux Falls unhoused community.
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Forging a New Road: Alternative Paths to Physicianship
Summary: During interview season, every corner of the Lee Medicine building hides a potential student, each with their own reasoning and desire to become a physician. Interviews and personal statements alike are populated with: “Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a doctor…”
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A Frontier Physician
Summary: The trauma bay is oddly quiet now. Blankets are strewn on the floor, monitors are silent but still flashing, and in the midst of the chaotic aftermath of a trauma code, Dr. Emily Boden, a 2015 graduate of the USD Sanford School of Medicine, radiates a quiet calmness.
Guest Column
Guest Column | Lizz & Robbie Nicholas
Elizabeth (Hoffman) Nicholas, a Eureka, South Dakota native, and Robert Nicholas, a Huron, South Dakota native, met at the University of South Dakota when they were both in the Alumni Student Scholars Program, each with the dream of becoming a doctor.
