Community invited to retirement open house for Dr. Parker

Daniel Parker, MD, Winona Health Internal Medicine physician, is retiring after more than 40 years of caring for the Winona community. To honor and thank him for his service and celebrate his well-earned retirement, Winona Health invites community members to an open house Saturday, November 2, between 1– 4 p.m. on the Winona Clinic first floor at 855 Mankato Avenue in Winona. Dr. Parker said, “It’s hard to believe I’ve been taking care of area families for 41 of Winona Health’s 125 years. I came to practice here because Winona is a great place and I was impressed by the skills of the doctors. While there has been astounding growth and change in healthcare through the years, Winona Health is committed to meeting change with innovation. As community-based care remains a core value, I’m optimistic about Winona Health’s future because I know my Winona Health colleagues are dedicated to providing care for their neighbors, friends, and community.” A board-certified Internal Medicine physician, Dr. Parker earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis in 1975 and completed his residency at the University of Minnesota, Ramsey Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. He has been with Winona Health since 1978. Dr. Parker was elected Chief of the Winona Heath Medical Staff in 2008 and served in that role through 2016. While serving his patients, he led initiatives to standardize several treatment protocols and processes; helped further Winona Health’s use of technology to improve safety, quality and efficiency; and created committees such as the Cancer Committee, Peer Review Committee, Student Research Committee, and the Continuous Clinical Improvement Committee. He also led a team in developing the Conservative Management Clinic to improve safety and help people who are on prescription pain medication better manage their pain and their medication needs. That program won a Minnesota Hospital Association Quality and Patient Safety Improvement Award in 2018. In appreciation of his years of service, Winona Heath will make a gift to the Winona Health Foundation in Dr. Parker’s honor. Those wishing to send a retirement message to Dr. Parker electronically may do so through the Winona Health website: www.winonahealth.org/thanks. Please do not share any personal health information in your message.