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CentraCare - Family Health Clinic welcomes Basma Ali Khan, MBBS, a resident in the CentraCare / University of Minnesota ...
07/29/2026

CentraCare - Family Health Clinic welcomes Basma Ali Khan, MBBS, a resident in the CentraCare / University of Minnesota St. Cloud Family Medicine Residency Program, to the family medicine team.

With an aim to provide patient-centered care, she says, "I focus on understanding each patient’s unique background and working collaboratively to support both prevention and overall wellbeing."

Welcome, Dr. Khan! Learn more: https://www.centracare.com/doctors/profile/basma-ali-khan/

Young Investigators Research Internship Program is a joint initiative of CentraCare Research and St. Cloud State Univers...
07/28/2026

Young Investigators Research Internship Program is a joint initiative of CentraCare Research and St. Cloud State University.

Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of an 8-Week College Student Wellness Program Based on the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, is mentored by Dr. Joseph Cambell, Associate Professor of Counselor Education, and Dr. Kyle Reason, Assistant Professor and Program Director of Exercise Science.

This project focuses on creating and evaluating an eight-week educational wellness program designed to support college students as they navigate academic, financial, social and mental health challenges. Grounded in the Eight Dimensions of Wellness—social, financial, occupational, physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual and environmental wellness—the program takes a holistic approach to helping students achieve balance and improve overall well-being.

2026 Young Investigators Research Interns:

Ayan Mohamed – Apollo High School
Genevieve (Evie) Hiscock – Apollo High School
Najmo Somane – Tech High School
Eva Fuchs – Apollo High School

St. Cloud Area School District 742

Dr. Kyle Reason chose to participate as a mentor because of the lasting impact research experiences can have on students.

"I believe meaningful research experiences can transform how students see themselves and their future careers. Mentorship gives me the opportunity to help students build confidence, develop practical research skills and connect classroom learning to real-world impact." — Dr. Kyle Reason

For the student researchers, the project has highlighted the importance of wellness in all aspects of life.

"Wellness is important because it is important for people to find balance for a healthy lifestyle. Each dimension plays off each other, and if you struggle in one area then other areas are too." — Genevieve (Evie) Hiscock

The interns have also enjoyed the teamwork and collaboration that comes with the research process.

"It has been fun to work with the groups and bounce ideas off each other while working as a team." — Eva Fuchs

"I liked researching new things and working as a team." — Najmo Somane

Young Investigators Research Internship Program is a joint initiative of CentraCare Research and St. Cloud State Univers...
07/24/2026

Young Investigators Research Internship Program is a joint initiative of CentraCare Research and St. Cloud State University.

Development of Simulation-Based Training Materials for Applied Behavior Analysis, is mentored by Dr. Odessa Luna, Associate Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis; Dr. Eunju Choi, Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis; and Grace Mielke, first-year MS graduate student in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the Department of Behavioral Health and Counseling at St. Cloud State University.

This summer, interns are helping develop simulation-based training materials for applied behavior analysis, a field focused on understanding and improving human behavior. Students are writing scripts, creating videos and evaluating simulated interactions that demonstrate different communication styles, such as accepting feedback, disagreeing and responding defensively. Their work will help train future ABA supervisors to provide effective feedback and demonstrate empathy in professional settings.

The project highlights the importance of empathy and communication in behavioral health—skills that are essential but not always taught in a structured way. The simulation materials will provide future clinicians with realistic opportunities to practice these skills before applying them in real-world settings.

2026 Young Investigators Research Interns:

June Streit – Tech High School
Nahara Kevis – Tech High School
Tristan Thyen – Tech High School
Riyan Farah – Apollo High School

St. Cloud Area School District 742

The mentors have especially enjoyed watching the students embrace the research process and learn new concepts despite having no prior experience in ABA. The interns’ questions and perspectives have even helped strengthen the training materials being developed.

"I had never heard of ABA before this internship, so it has been exciting to get exposure to a whole new field and to research in general. I have learned a lot about what BCBAs do and how much thought goes into their work. Visiting the autism center on campus was a highlight because I got to see what our work is actually for. I have also enjoyed meeting new people along the way." — Comments from the interns

"Mr. Hilton, beware!" quipped the newsletter of Rice Hospital in Willmar in July of 1986 when it announced a new concier...
07/23/2026

"Mr. Hilton, beware!" quipped the newsletter of Rice Hospital in Willmar in July of 1986 when it announced a new concierge service at the hospital.

It was 40 years ago this month that this new service - made up completely of volunteers - would greet patients and family members in the lobby, guide them through the admissions process and es**rt them to rooms and treatment areas.

Concierge volunteers trained for two days and 13 people signed up in the initial group.

Pictured are Eleanor and Leland Nelson, two of the original volunteers in this helpful and hospitable crew.

CentraCare - Family Health Clinic welcomes Aleena Tahir, MBBS, a resident in the CentraCare / University of Minnesota St...
07/22/2026

CentraCare - Family Health Clinic welcomes Aleena Tahir, MBBS, a resident in the CentraCare / University of Minnesota St. Cloud Family Medicine Residency Program, to the family medicine team.

She says, "I find meaning in listening to patients, supporting them through their concerns and being part of their journey toward better health." Welcome, Dr. Tahir!

Learn more: https://www.centracare.com/doctors/profile/aleena-tahir/

Young Investigators Research Internship Program is a joint initiative of CentraCare Research and St. Cloud State Univers...
07/21/2026

Young Investigators Research Internship Program is a joint initiative of CentraCare Research and St. Cloud State University.

AI Use in Clinical Documentation: An Exploratory Study of Allied Health Professionals Across Medical and Educational Contexts is mentored by Dr. Prachi Bengeri, Clinical Director, Assistant Professor and Clinical Educator, and Dr. Sarah Schaefer, Graduate Director, Program Director, Assistant Professor and Clinical Educator in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at St. Cloud State University.

This research examines how allied health professionals, including nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and related disciplines—are using artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical documentation. Through surveys of professionals working in healthcare and educational settings, the study explores AI adoption, training, workflow integration and perspectives on important ethical considerations such as confidentiality, data security, accuracy, bias and professional accountability.

The project aims to better understand both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI-supported documentation and help prepare future clinicians to use emerging technologies responsibly while maintaining high standards of patient care and professional judgment.

2026 Young Investigators Research Interns:

Scarlett Danielson – Tech High School
Khalid Somane – Tech High School
Abigail Theisen – Sauk Rapids-Rice High School
Clara Schleper – College of Saint Benedict

St. Cloud Area School District 742 St. Cloud State University

"I decided to participate in this internship because I wanted to make good use of my summer. I was very interested in learning more about research and knew pursuing a career in healthcare was what I wanted to do. This opportunity gave me the confidence to pursue my interest in healthcare and research." — Khalid Somane, 2026 Young Investigators Research Intern

With increased attention on cyclospora cases across the United States, we’re sharing information to help our community b...
07/20/2026

With increased attention on cyclospora cases across the United States, we’re sharing information to help our community better understand this infection, including what causes it, how it spreads, symptoms to watch for, prevention strategies, and when to seek medical care.

Learn more: https://www.centracare.com/articles-stories/cyclospora-cases-on-the-rise/

A handcrafted steel sign wasn't what Steve Stang expected to receive on the final day of class.After spending two weeks ...
07/20/2026

A handcrafted steel sign wasn't what Steve Stang expected to receive on the final day of class.

After spending two weeks with students in the First Responder Introduction classes at Apollo and Tech high schools, the CentraCare EMS manager was surprised with a gift the students had designed and fabricated themselves. It now hangs proudly in the Paynesville EMS station as a reminder of the connections made and the impact a classroom experience can have.

Over two weeks, students explored the ambulance, practiced CPR, worked through realistic emergency scenarios and got an up-close look at careers in emergency medical services. For some, it even sparked an interest in careers they hadn't considered before.

"We just expect people to know what we do," Steve said. "People see an ambulance with lights and sirens, but they don't always understand what the career looks like from the inside. To be fair to them and our industry, we need to explain it."

"It was by far one of the most rewarding experiences the students had in the First Responder course," said instructor Matt Bigler. "Steve brought a great combination of discussions and storytelling in parallel with hands-on opportunities, which allowed students to get a taste for what the job entails."

This partnership is just one example of how CentraCare EMS shares its expertise beyond the ambulance. From partnering with schools to teaching EMS courses and providing continue education for first responders throughout the region, our team is passionate about helping others learn, grow and serve their communities.

Thank you to the school leaders for partnering with us to inspire the next generation of healthcare and public service professionals.

St. Cloud Area School District 742

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1406 6th Avenue N
Saint Cloud, MN
56303

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