(YANKTON, SD) – Horizon Health is pleased to announce Melissa Thoene, PA-C, has joined the staff of Horizon Health Yankton Medical as a full-time provider.
Melissa was serving the southeast region of Horizon, including clinics in Alcester, Elk Point and Yankton, on an as-needed basis since February 2024.
Prior to joining Horizon, Melissa worked at the Yankton Medical Clinic for 10 years as an X-Ray and mammography technician. She worked for one year as a physician assistant at the Santee Health Center, 10 years as an orthopedic physician assistant at the Orthopedic Institute and spent five years at Wapiti Medical Staffing as a physician assistant locum.
“I chose my profession to be more involved in patient care,” Melissa said. “The longer I have been in the profession, the more I realize the importance of patients feeling ‘heard’ and being comfortable with their provider, to discuss different options available for their treatment.”
Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology from Mount Marty University in Yankton. She graduated with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.
“I believe in open communication, patient involvement, and finding healthcare solutions as a team,” Melissa said.
She and her husband John share five children: Carter, Meghan, Hunter, Haiden, and Swayzey. She has two sweet grandbabies and one daughter-in-law. When not busy seeing patients, she enjoys golfing as much as her schedule allows, cruising to tropical locations and traveling especially to different parts of Mexico.
Melissa is currently available for appointments at Horizon Health Yankton Medical. Please call the clinic at 1-605-260-0310 to make an appointment.
About Horizon Health
For over 45 years, Horizon Health Care, Inc. has been providing personalized, affordable, high-quality medical, dental and behavioral health care through a rural, community-based network in South Dakota. Horizon is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that serves the medical, dental and behavioral care needs of South Dakotans in rural, medically underserved areas through 110,000 patient visits annually. For more information, please visit www.horizonhealthcare.org