South Dakota State Medical Association (SDSMA)

12/30/2025

South Dakota is receiving $189.4 million in federal funding for rural health for fiscal year 2026 through the new Rural Health Transformation Program. All 50 states will receive awards under the new federal program to help strengthen rural care.

New funds have been acquired for the Rural Health Transformation program, a five-year federal initiative that focuses on strengthening healthcare systems in rural communities.

12/23/2025

From all of us at the SDSMA office, we wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with the joy of friends and family. 🎄 We're grateful for our outstanding members and the work you do. Wishing you happy holidays and a healthy 2026! ✨

From the SDSMA team: Tammy, Elizabeth, Kayla, Terry, Kira, Justin, and Dean

12/09/2025

We are currently seeking physicians to volunteer for the Doctor of the Day program during the upcoming legislative session!

This volunteer commitment involves one day at the State Capitol providing basic medical assistance to legislators and staff as needed. Serving as a Doctor of the Day provides a unique opportunity to interact with legislators on the House and Senate floors and get a first-hand look at the legislative process and how it affects the practice of medicine. Your presence at the Capitol shows legislators not only your expertise, but also your concern for the health of South Dakotans. Sign up here: https://www.sdsma.org/DrDay

12/08/2025

The SDSMA continues to highlight the importance of vaccination. Association President Keith Hansen, MD was featured in a South Dakota Searchlight story discussing survey results that indicate many South Dakotans are not up-to-date on key immunizations, and a significant number report a more negative view of vaccines since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immunizations are the most effective way to prevent contracting and spreading serious diseases. The SDSMA encourages patients to talk with their physician for trusted, reliable information and to ensure they are up-to-date.

Close to half of South Dakotans aren’t up-to-date on their flu shots or their Hepatitis B vaccinations, new vaccine survey results show.

12/05/2025

SDSMA's advocacy team at the State Capitol in Pierre this week! We're proud to have this dedicated group fighting for medicine in South Dakota. Pictured (L-R): Justin Bell, Justin Ohleen, Dean Krogman, Tammy Hatting

12/02/2025

11/26/2025

Proud to share some great news this Thanksgiving season! The SDSMA has donated $5,000 to Feeding South Dakota. This contribution will provide enough resources to help our neighbors receive 30,000 meals across the state.

Addressing food security challenges is a major priority for the SDSMA. We believe in the power of building strong partnerships and providing crucial resources to help ensure no South Dakotan goes hungry. We are happy to support Feeding South Dakota's mission and help make a difference in our communities.

By hosting a Food or Fund Drive you will make a direct impact in providing nutritional food to our neighbors facing hunger.

11/25/2025

District 7 Medical Society recently held its annual legislative dinner, an opportunity to connect with elected representatives, share SDSMA's legislative priorities, and discuss the future of medical care. The dinner featured guest speakers and a review of current legislative issues affecting patients and the practice of medicine. Thank you to the SDSMA members and legislators in the Sioux Falls area who attended!

11/10/2025

The SDSMA Board of Directors and Policy Council met last week in Ft. Pierre, both with full agendas, and a special recognition for Dr. Mary Carpenter as she retires from serving on the SDSMA board for over 30 years. We are very thankful for our South Dakota physicians who volunteer their time to serve on our board and council.

11/06/2025

Most physicians are aware of confidential peer review in the hospital setting but may not be aware that state law also protects peer review communications in the clinic and physician practice setting. COPIC Companies's Legal Department has developed state-specific peer review toolkits, including South Dakota:

Utilize Copic's peer review toolkits, offering structured resources and templates to support effective peer review processes and enhance healthcare quality and safety.

10/31/2025

The SDSMA would like to thank South Dakota Biotech Association for bringing together a multi-disciplinary group of collaborators for the Innovation Pathways Summit this week and highlighting healthcare in rural communities with a panel session. SDSMA CEO Tammy Hatting participated in the roundtable sessions on workforce development and regional collaboration during the summit to lift up the role of physicians as clinical champions to contribute to the success of the biotech industry. Partnerships are required for growth and innovation and the SDSMA is happy to have a seat at the table.