Our Family caring for your Family!

Alex Berns

Alex Berns, ARNP, is from the Postville area.  He began his nursing career at Veterans Meorial Hospital, first as a C.N.A., then an RN.  He left the facility to branch out and gain experience in Hospice, Emergency Care, the ICU in Rochester and general inpatient care, while furthering his education.  He has now returned to VMH as a clinic a Nurse Practitioner and clinic provider.

Alex cares for youth and adults of all ages.  He always knew he wanted to return home to care for those in this area and to raise his children in this great community.  He is excited to care for those in all walks of life and getting to care for a verity of individuals in the area.

Schools and Degrees

• NICC - RN
• Clarke University - Doctorate Family Nurse Practitioner

Katy Maker

Katy Maker is both a Nurse Midwife and a Nurse Practitioner, allowing her to care for maternity patients throughout their pregnancy, including delivery, and following, throughout their lifetime.  She has over 30 years of experience as a nurse midwife and has assisted in nearly 2000 deliveries.  She is also proficient in water births.

Katy is from the Decorah area and has shared her talents at many facilities, but has always preferred the rural practice where families have access to quality care and do not have to travel to have their babies.  She has worked with her colleagues here at VMH for many years and is confident with and trusts all of them.  She cares for patients at both the Waukon and Postville Clinics. 

Schools and Degrees

• Luther College - BA, Nursing
• University of Minnesota School of Nursing Master’s Program - Nurse Midwife
• Graceland University - Nurse Practitioner
   

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 

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