YANKTON, S.D. - Both in real-time and hindsight, the process of building Lewis & Clark Specialty Hospital and opening the doors in a mere 18 months was fast and furious. Most likely, none of us really understood the depth of commitment that would be required.

That being said, we believe it was one of the best professional decisions we could have made. Our surgical hospital, with two ORs, a procedure room and six overnight beds, has made it over the "hump" of the first six months. We're operating profitably, and our multi-specialty caseload (running at 190 per month) is growing. Best of all, we're delivering health care in a patient-friendly setting that brings to life our beliefs about quality care.