Rainy Lake Medical Center officials are thrilled to welcome Dr. Rachel Knudson, an experienced general surgeon whose deep commitment to patient-centered care and dedication to serving the local community make her an exceptional addition to the medical team.
With more than a decade of experience, Dr. Knudson is ready to bring her expertise and dedication to International Falls. She embodies the values of commitment and providing high-quality care, making her a perfect fit for RLMC and the communities it serves.
The addition of Dr. Knudson will enhance care in Koochiching County and the surrounding region. Having a full-time surgeon on staff allows for a broader range of procedures to be offered more consistently, reducing the need to refer patients elsewhere.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Knudson to the RLMC family,” said Robb Pastor, RLMC CEO. “Her extensive surgical expertise, combined with a genuine passion for patient care, reflects the very heart of our mission and vision. Dr. Knudson’s commitment to building strong relationships with patients and contributing to the well-being of our community makes her an ideal fit for our organization. We are confident she will make a lasting, positive impact on both our team and our patients.”
The search for a general surgeon was extensive, ensuring whoever was hired was the right fit for RLMC and the community. Dr. Knudson grew up in Marshalltown, Iowa, where she attended a small school with about 60 students in her class. This close-knit community is something she values and wanted for her own children.
“When we visited (International Falls), it reminded me of my hometown,” she said.
Dr. Knudson trained in Des Moines at a large hospital with more than 900 beds, gaining extensive experience in handling critical cases. She then moved to Newton, Iowa, where she was able to utilize her skills in a small-town setting.
“It gave me four years of experience, and I felt really comfortable after that,” she said.
She compares her experience in Newton to what she anticipates at RLMC, emphasizing the importance of knowing which cases to handle locally and which to refer elsewhere for patient safety.
Dr. Knudson’s approach to patient care is highly individualized. “I think we need to spend more time with people,” she said. “I’m not going to just walk in the room, do surgery and walk out. I want to have a full picture before and after.”
She values collaboration with primary care providers and believes in empowering her team to speak up for the best patient outcomes.
Dr. Knudson is enthusiastic about joining RLMC and contributing to the community.
“I’m here, and I do a lot of education. I’m really interested in the preventive side of medicine,” she said. “I’m looking forward to becoming involved with this community and meeting people.”
Dr. Knudson and her husband have two sons aged 11 and 2. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors and scuba diving.
The community is invited to a meet and greet open house for Dr. Knudson from 12-1 p.m. on June 26 in the Riverbend Room at Rainy Lake Clinic. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Knudson, learn more about her background and approach to patient care and connect with RLMC staff. Light refreshments will be provided.
Clinic appointments will be available without referral for Dr. Knudson. To inquire about an appointment, call Rainy Lake Clinic at 218-283-5503, option 1.
About Rainy Lake Medical Center
Rainy Lake Medical Center is a leading provider of top-notch medical services for the Borderland communities. Our comprehensive range of services include emergency care, surgery, cardiology rehabilitation and diagnostics, chemotherapy and infusion therapy, family medicine clinics, radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, therapy services, sleep studies, laboratory services, respiratory therapy, and orthopedics. RLMC is committed to delivering compassionate care to all our patients. Additionally, we offer both acute and skilled nursing services through our swing bed care program. For more information, visit: rainylakemedical.com.
Dr. Rachel Knudson, general surgeon