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
Avera, SDSU and USD Sanford School of Medicine Establish Statewide NIH Research Partnership
The Latest
Oct 05, 2026
Baack Named President of Sanford Research
Dr. Michelle Baack ’95, professor and chair of the University of South Dakota’s Sanford School of Medicine (SSOM) Department of Pediatrics and the Karl H. Wegner, M.D., chair in medicine, has been named president of Sanford Research.
Sep 24, 2026
USD SSOM Expands FARM Program to Three More Locations, Welcoming Four Additional Students
The University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine (SSOM) has announced plans to expand its successful Frontier And Rural Medicine (FARM) program, creating opportunities to accommodate more students across additional locations.
Sep 18, 2026
USD Sanford School of Medicine Receives Nearly $1 Million to Address Substance Abuse and Recovery
The Center for Rural Health Improvement at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine has received a $993,600, four-year grant to advance efforts to address health disparities associated with substance use disorders across South Dakota.
Sep 01, 2026
Meyerink Elected South Dakota State Medical Association President
Ben Meyerink, M.D., a 2017 alumnus of the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, was named the 145th president of the South Dakota State Medical Association (SDSMA) during the organization’s annual meeting in May.
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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USD Sanford School of Medicine Welcomes Class of 2030 with White Coat Ceremony
Summary: The University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine (SSOM) welcomed its newest class during a White Coat ceremony on July 24.
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Health Policy and Physician Leadership Course Provides Advocacy Skillset
Summary: Health policy shapes nearly every aspect of clinical practice, from patient access to care to treatment options and affordability.
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The Physician Who Never Stopped Learning
Summary: Dr. Marc Dvoracek, associate professor in the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, is no stranger to change.
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Coyote Clinic Celebrates 20 Years of Service and Professional Training
Summary: What began in 2006 as a small group of students holding a monthly clinic night has evolved into a well-known Sioux Falls resource that operates entirely with volunteers.
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.
