Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/204243
Welcome Home, Dr. Jesse! rig ht) it h (le ft t ott K at h y w Je ss e a n d k, R ut h a n d Eve re D r. M a ve ric South Dakota native Jesse Van Heukelom, MD, pediatrician at HRMC Physicians Clinic, recently returned to the Mount Rushmore State to pursue his passion – helping kids enjoy a lifetime of good health. "Dr. Jesse" – as he is known to his young patients – and his wife Kathy both grew up in Willow Lake. He graduated from the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, then completed an internship and residency at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich. After completing his training in June of this year, he and his wife moved to Huron with their three children to be closer to Kathy's family. Well One Connection: What are your pediatric medicine interests? Dr. Jesse: I like to take care of both healthy and sick kids. I'm interested in helping parents teach kids good habits that help prevent illness and injury. I'm particularly interested in preventing childhood obesity, which is associated with lifelong health issues. Well One Connection: What do you enjoy most about working with pediatric patients? Dr. Jesse: My favorite part of my job is seeing kids restored to health and playfulness. I also enjoy talking to children. They are so honest and open. They have no ulterior motives; they just want to feel better. I also enjoy empowering children and allowing them to speak for themselves. They have a lot to say if they are given the time. I believe in allowing children to be active participants in their medical care, even if that means they only point to where the pain is. Well One Connection: How do you keep your own family healthy? Dr. Jesse: My wife and I have gone through a lot of the same things as other parents with our three children: 5-year-old Maverick, 3-year-old Everett, and 8-month-old Ruth. We're not perfect, but in our house we try to practice what I preach. For example, my wife prepares healthy meals we eat together as a family. Also, you will see me actively participating with my kids while they play – swinging on swings and going down slides at the park, or building sandcastles at the beach. Playing with them is not only great exercise for all of us, but builds a closer family connection. Sick child? Wellness checkup? To make an appointment with Dr. Jesse, call (605) 352-6500. Well One Connection: Why did you choose pediatrics? Dr. Jesse: I always knew I wanted to work with kids. I started college as an elementary education major. When the door of medicine opened, pediatrics was where I felt the most comfortable. 4 welloneconnection w w w.huronregional.org