Our Family caring for your Family!
Our Providers
Dr. John Swords
Dr. Swords cares for patients in the Waukon Clinic. He has always liked the Midwest and chose to join this rural practice in November of 2025, leaving his previous practice in South Carolina. Before becoming a physician, he devoted his career to the United States Army. After watching his parents age and become sick, he chose to further his career as a health care provider.
Dr. Swords is available to see patients of all ages, but has a particular love for taking care of older adults. He also has special training in Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
Schools and Degrees:
Penn State University-Bachelors Degree Accounting
Millersville University-Bachelors Degree in Biology University of Wisconsin in Madison-Master Degree in Microbiology
Kansas City University-Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Mason Kerian
Mason is a graduate of Waukon High School and attended the University of Iowa for eight years as she worked on earning her nurse practitioner doctorate. She became a nurse practitioner because she saw how poor health outcomes often results from something as simple as miscommunication, a lack of trust or a missed connection between providers and their patients.
She focuses on helping her patients enjoy their lives, whether that’s infants and children, young families in the busy seasons of life, or older adults who want to stay independent and active, and welcomes all walks of life. She cares for patients in both the Waukon and Postville Clinics.
Schools and Degrees:
University of Iowa-Bachelors Degree in Nursing
University of Iowa-Doctorate in Nursing
Dr. Dave Schwartz
Dr. Dave Schwartz is the medical physician provider in the Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic. He has been serving this community since 1995 when he began his employment with Mayo Waukon Clinic and Veterans Memorial Hospital. He sees patients in the clinic as well as the hospital, and especially enjoys Maternity Services. Dr. Schwartz was awarded the Iowa Hospital Association Hospital Hero Award in October, 2017, for his dedication to rural health care and obstetrics.
Schools and Degrees
- Northeast Missouri State University - B.S. Science
- University of Iowa School of Medicine - M.D.
- Mayo Family Practice Residency - La Crosse , WI
Tara Fink
Tara Fink is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides behavioral health care at both the Waukon and Postville Clinics. She has a passion for mental health care and the great need in these underserved communities in northeast Iowa. Tara also strives to reduce the stigma and indifference associated with behavioral health.
Tara also has a passion for Holistic & Integrative Mental Health Care, Improvement in psychological resilience, improved culture of acceptance, and barrier reductions.
Tara worked in Waterloo at Black Hawk Grundy Mental Health Center in an Integrated Health Home for six years, while finishing her masters degree.
Schools and Degrees
- NICC - RN
- Allen College of Nursing - Masters Degree
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation
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