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Emergency Medicine
Winona Health, hospital 1st floor
855 Mankato Avenue
Winona, MN 55987

Charles (Chad) Kooiker

(pronounced: Koy-Ker)

Joined Winona Health July 2021

  • Residency: Emergency Medicine at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, Michigan
  • Degree: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, Iowa
  • Professional memberships: American College of Emergency Physicians
  • Specialty/focus/area of special interest: Emergency Medicine

I liked the community feel and more personal connection that comes with being single hospital as opposed to the larger, multi-hospital system. With this being a smaller organization, it seems like there are less hoops to jump through and red tape, allowing decisions to be made and improvements to occur more quickly. I was impressed with the Emergency Department team and the focus on evidence-based medicine. I was surprised to learn that some treatment options are available here that some larger organizations don’t even have yet.

Another thing that made an impression is the minute you walk in the door everyone is super pleasant and helpful. I think we’ll really like Winona as a community. I’m excited to see it as the seasons change!

Patient understanding. I like to ensure patients understand the care they are receiving and why. If there is a lack of understanding from the patient or family member, I do my best to clear that up prior to the end of the encounter.

In Emergency Medicine, our goal is to make sure our patient receives the care they need right now. What brought them to the Emergency room today? That’s what we focus on. If a patient has additional concerns beyond the reason that brought them in for emergency care, we can try to help, but the main goal would be to connect them with the right resources to help with those other concerns.

For those who use tobacco, quitting is the MOST important thing you can do. Nothing a doctor can do or say will have a bigger impact on your health than quitting smoking will have.

Fun facts:

  • What’s your favorite healthy meal or snack? Meal: salmon; snack: almonds.
  • What’s the best quick tip/advice you can give others about improving their health? If you smoke, stop. That’s the biggest factor when it comes to your health.
  • How do you get moving? Walking or running with my dog.
  • If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? Invulnerability – it could be a lot of fun to live knowing nothing can harm you.

Personal interests:

My wife and I like trying new restaurants and foods. We will take frequent walks with our son and dog. We also like traveling – all over. Personally, growing up in Minnesota, I enjoy ice hockey – both watching and playing.

Family:

Wife, infant son, a dog and two cats.