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
May 05, 2026
USD’s Xuejun Wang Receives Carl J. Wiggers Award
Xuejun Wang, M.D., Ph.D., professor and director of the USD Sanford School of Medicine’s M.D./Ph.D. program, has received the Carl J. Wiggers Award from the American Physiological Society during the American Physiological Summit held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in April.
Apr 30, 2026
USD Sanford School of Medicine and Mayo Pediatric Residents Engage in Trauma-Informed Care Training
Pediatric residents from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education gathered this spring for a collaborative, simulation-based training focused on trauma‑informed care and communication in pediatric clinical settings.
Apr 16, 2026
Dr. Tim Ridgway Named to AAMC Council of Deans Administrative Board
The University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine has announced that Dr. Tim Ridgway, ’84, dean of the Sanford School of Medicine and vice president for the Division of Health Affairs, has been elected to serve on the Association of American Medical Colleges Council of Deans Administrative Board.
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.
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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Alan Sazama Named Chair of Newly Established Emergency Medicine Department
Summary: 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.
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Fulk Graduates From Rural Health Fellowship Program
Summary: 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.
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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.
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.
