Our Family caring for your Family!

Halie Ruff

Halie Ruff, ARNP, is from the rural Monona area.  She began her nursing career at Unity Point Health in Bettendorf where she worked as an ICU and Home Health RN.  She later transferred to the University of Iowa where she worked as an RN in the trauma unit. Her next position was with Gundersen Health where she worked as an RN in the ER and later as a nurse practitioner.

She enjoys the variety from pediatrics to geriatrics and is happy to care for those in the communities  she lives in and around. Halie enjoys educating her patients on preventative medicine and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

Schools and Degrees

• Allen College - B.S. Nursing
• Chamberlain College of Nursing, Chicago, IL - Masters Degree, Family Nurse Practitioner 

Sue McMillan

Sue McMillan, ARNP, is one of the two new providers in the Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic.  She began her career as a nurse at Veterans Memorial Hospital and soon became aware of the shortage and need for health care providers in rural areas.  She was fortunate to work for a general surgeon who encouraged her to become a Nurse Practitioner.  Sue then completed her Masters of Science degree from the University of Iowa and became a registered nurse practitioner.  She provided clinical care at Prairie Medical Ltd. in Prairie du Chien for 10 years, then transferred to the Gundersen Health Calmar Clinic for five years and most recently completed another six years at Crossing Rivers Health in Prairie due Chien.

Schools and Degrees

• Mt. Mercy University - B.S. Nursing
• University of Iowa School of Medicine - Masters of Nursing, N.P.
• Mayo School of Health Related Science, Post Master’s Certification

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