Our Mission
Transforming lives through exceptional orthopedic care.
Our Vision
We are building a vibrant, connected team, leveraging a data-driven, service-oriented culture of growth to create an extraordinary patient experience that inspires individuals to LIVE STRONGER.
Values You Can Trust
At Orthopedic Institute, we work to live out our values every day in the care we give each patient. Our team embodies our values and shapes our values, and we are proud of the excellent culture of patient care we provide through these Core Values:
Excellence
Excellence is our goal in everything we do. From the team members we hire to the individual treatment options we offer each patient, excellence is the benchmark of our success. In order to be excellent, you will discover that for our team members, working at OI and working with patients is more than a job – it’s a calling and a mission.
Excellence: ”Excellence isn’t a one-week or one-year ideal. It’s a constant.”— Michael Jordan
Congratulations to Melissa Thoene (Physician Assistant/OI Now/Yankton). The 2022 Q1 OI Values award winner – Excellence
Melissa’s Nomination:
Melissa consistently provides outstanding care to our patients in the Yankton area. She is knowledgeable, personable, thorough, professional, and caring. She provides a seamless experience for patients by coordinating with the OI physicians. Patients frequently go out of their way to comment on the excellent care and how grateful they are to be seen in Yankton. Melissa goes above and beyond, covering sporting events and cultivating relationships in the community. Her commitment to excellence is commendable.
Teamwork
Great care for each patient requires a team approach, so the staff at Orthopedic Institute work to function as a cohesive team every day. Unlike other health care practices, we don’t view the patient as an outsider – at Orthopedic Institute, each patient is considered a vital part of our team. Together, our patients, staff, and doctors work to discover the best treatment and recovery plan.
Teamwork: “If you take out the team in teamwork, it’s just work. Now who wants that?” -Matthew Woodring Stover
Congratulations to Jennifer Olinger (Patient Support Specialist/Radiology). The 2022 Q1 OI Values award winner – TEAMWORK
Jennifer’s Nomination:
Jennifer is such a great team player! She is an excellent asset to the radiology team and OI. Her help with obtaining imaging records is greatly appreciated, and she does it without question and at record speed! She is always so willing to help even when she is busy. Jen is such a fun co-worker and always has a smile. Thanks for being such an incredible teammate Jennifer O!!!
Compassion
We have a simple belief at Orthopedic Institute – we treat people as we want to be treated. Our team is trained to live out this principle, “you’re more than just a number here.” We empower our staff to take the time to slow down, listen, ask questions, encourage each patient, and genuinely understand their pain, injury, and concerns. Compassion is not just a word for us – it’s a call to slow down and work with each patient on their unique treatment plan.
Compassion: “Give compassion: every day the average person fights epic battles never told just to survive.” –Ken Poirot
Congratulations to Lee Arnold (Physician Assistant/Dr. McKenzie Team). The 2022 Q1 OI Values award winner – COMPASSION
Lee’s Nomination
Lee exhibits true care and compassion toward all the patients he sees. I recently ran into a patient, and they commented how impactful Lee’s care, kindness, and sympathy were to them and their family. Lee is a top-notch PA who, I believe, goes above and beyond to take care of patients’ needs no matter the situation. Additionally, Lee and his wife Julie have spearheaded the OI shoe drive benefiting the kids at the Children’s Inn. I would nominate Lee for his care for another person, how he makes patients feel at ease, and the understanding he has for all.
Innovation
At Orthopedic Institute, we believe in being both FIRST and BEST. We have pioneered numerous procedures and practices in this region including hip arthroscopy procedures, anterior hip replacements, endoscopic carpal tunnel release, and several pain procedures as well as offering orthopedic walk-in clinics.
We have a long history of being the first in the region to offer treatment innovations. But we also believe in being the BEST. We will never offer a new innovation unless we know it is in the best interest of the patient.
Innovation: “Innovation is the unrelenting drive to break the status quo and develop anew where few have dared to go.” — Steven Jeffes
Congratulations to Jay Clayton (Occupational Therapist). The 2022 Q1 OI Values award winner – INNOVATION
Jay’s Nomination:
Jay has brought numerous ideas and has helped grow our hand and occupational therapy services, particularly related to our worker’s comp patients. He has been instrumental in developing and implementing a return-to-work program that has been helpful to our physicians, patients, and their employers. In addition, he has served on committees working to continue to improve our care and service. His ideas and contributions are thoughtful, actionable, and much appreciated.
Wellness
More than just treating injuries or helping our patients recover, Orthopedic Institute believes in a health and wellness lifestyle that empowers our staff and patients to live full, active lives. That’s why we partner in the community to promote wellness events and offer sports performance training to professional athletes and “weekend warrior” moms, dads, and youth. We also actively support organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation that are working to create better, fuller lives for all people.
Wellness: “Your health is what you make of it. Everything you do and think either adds to the vitality, energy and spirit you possess or takes away from it.” — Ann Wigmore
Congratulations to Kasey Tripp (Primary Nurse/Dr. Jones Team). The 2022 Q1 OI Values award winner – Wellness
Kasey’s Nomination
Kasey’s commitment to wellness is remarkable. As a mother of young children, she still finds time to run and stay active with her family. Last summer, she was a part of the women’s softball team and participated in the Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run and other races. She manages her work responsibilities with positivity, gratitude, and seemingly endless energy.
The Ultimate Patient Experience
While orthopedics is what we do, our passion is providing an unparalleled patient experience. You are not just a number here. We strive to exceed your expectations at every encounter. Learn more about our patient experience and testimonies.
Congratulations to Danika Adams, Informatics Coordinator, who received the 2021 One To Trust Award.
- OI’s highest and most prestigious award
- Recognizes an employee that consistently displays all of our values and exemplifies what it is that makes Orthopedic Institute The One to Trust
