Bigfork Valley Hospital is a rural health care campus in northern Minnesota that consistently ranks among the top facilities in the state in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, the national hospital patient satisfaction survey.

For instance, in the most recent survey, Bigfork Valley ranked first in Minnesota in whether patients would definitely recommend the hospital; and received patient ratings of 9 or 10 on a scale of 1-10 in explaining about medicines, in explaining about what to do during recovery at home, in pain control and in doctor-patient communication.

Recently, I was hired to provide a new service: chiropractic. Why did a small rural hospital decide to take a chance on a new product? It's in the genes. In the 75-year history of the hospital, Bigfork Valley has grown as health care needs have grown.

In the early 1900s, patients were served by dogsled and boat in this remote area. Today, they are served in a first-class facility that continues to invest in staff and equipment. The cornerstone of the first hospital in Bigfork was laid in 1938 and the doors opened in 1941. The campus now includes a 20-bed critical care hospital, diabetes center of excellence, rehab department, laboratory, imaging, retail and hospital pharmacies, specialty clinics, surgery center, emergency department and other medical support groups. There are also medical and dental clinics, and a variety of senior housing options for both independent, assisted, day and long-term care. And of course, there is the brand-new Bigfork Valley Chiropractic Clinic.

While searching for chiropractic employment opportunities, I knew I wanted to work in a multidisciplinary clinic. There was always something that struck me about being able to work with other professionals in the same building. In my opinion, the level of care a patient can receive increases when doctors are able to collaborate with each other effectively. However, never did I think I would end up in a hospital right after graduation.

I had applied at on outpatient orthopaedic clinic in Grand Rapids, Minn., about an hour south of Bigfork. However, while interviewing, they told me they had such great relationships with other chiropractors in town that they felt if they were to bring me on, they would lose some of those relationships and thus some of their business.

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