Rachel Knudson, DO, is a highly experienced general surgeon with over a decade of
clinical expertise and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Dr. Knudson brings a compassionate, community-focused approach to her practice, making her an exceptional addition to the Rainy Lake Medical Center team and the greater
International Falls area.
Originally from Marshalltown, Iowa, Dr. Knudson values the sense of connection and
trust that comes with practicing in a close-knit community. Her training at a large
hospital in Des Moines provided her with extensive experience in managing complex
surgical cases, which she later applied in a rural setting in Newton, Iowa. This blend of high-acuity training and small-town practice has shaped her thoughtful, individualized approach to care.
At RLMC, Dr. Knudson is excited to offer a broader range of surgical services locally,
helping reduce the need for patients to travel for care. She emphasizes collaboration
with primary care providers and believes in empowering her team to advocate for the best outcomes.
Dr. Knudson’s arrival marks a significant step forward in expanding surgical care in
Koochiching County and surrounding areas. Her dedication to building strong
relationships with patients and her passion for improving community health align
perfectly with RLMC’s mission and values.

General Surgery
Expert Surgery Close To Home
Rainy Lake Medical Center offers an extensive range of surgical procedures that can be performed right here, close to home—meaning no more travel, hotels, or meal expenses.
We are committed to providing safe, quality care to our patients, and the strength of our department shows in our diverse staff, who each bring unique experiences and skills to the table. Whether your procedure is large or small, previously scheduled or an emergency, you’ll be comforted knowing our on-staff surgical team is available.
Questions?
Call us at 218.283.5495
Our procedures include:
General Surgery
Erat pellentesque dictumst ligula porttitor risus eget et eget. Ultricies tellus felis id dignissim eget. Est augue maecenas risus nulla ultrices congue nunc tortor.
Orthopedics
Erat pellentesque dictumst ligula porttitor risus eget et eget. Ultricies tellus felis id dignissim eget. Est augue maecenas risus nulla ultrices congue nunc tortor.
Urology
Erat pellentesque dictumst ligula porttitor risus eget et eget. Ultricies tellus felis id dignissim eget. Est augue maecenas risus nulla ultrices congue nunc tortor.
Ophthalmology
Erat pellentesque dictumst ligula porttitor risus eget et eget. Ultricies tellus felis id dignissim eget. Est augue maecenas risus nulla ultrices congue nunc tortor.
Podiatry
Erat pellentesque dictumst ligula porttitor risus eget et eget. Ultricies tellus felis id dignissim eget. Est augue maecenas risus nulla ultrices congue nunc tortor.
GI Endoscopic Procedures
Erat pellentesque dictumst ligula porttitor risus eget et eget. Ultricies tellus felis id dignissim eget. Est augue maecenas risus nulla ultrices congue nunc tortor.
Surgeries offered at RLMC:
Laparoscopic Procedures
- Appendectomy
- Cholecystectomy
- Colectomy
- Diagnostic
- Nissen fundoplication
- Ventral, umbilical, and inguinal hernia repair
Breast
- Biopsy of palpable and mammographic abnormalities
- Full axillary dissection
- Lumpectomy
- Mastectomy
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Endoscopy
- Balloon dilation
- Biopsies
- Colonoscopy
- Emergency clipping, cautery, or Injection of GI bleeding points
- Polypectomy
- Upper GI endoscopy
Soft Tissue and Miscellaneous
- Amputation
- Anal sphincterotomy for fissures
- Excision and fulguration of condylomata
- Excision of skin and subcutaneous lesions
- Foreign body removal/laceration repair
- Ganglion cystectomy
- Hydrocelectomy
- I & D of abscesses
- Inguinal or cervical lymph node biopsy
- Muscle biopsy
- Pilonidal cystectomy
- Rectal prolapse surgery
- Rectocele and cystocele repair
- Temporary artery biopsy
- Toenail removal
- Traditional and stapled hemorrhoidectomy
- Wound debridement/management
Orthopedic
- Knee replacement
- Shoulder and knee arthroscopy
- Hip replacement
- Rotator cuff repair
- Carpal tunnel repair
- Bunionectomy
- Fracture repair
- Hammer toe repair
- Trigger finger repair
- Tendon repair
OB/GYN
- Hysteroscopy
- Tubal ligation
- Hysterectomy
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Tubal ligation
- Vaginal surgery
Ophthalmology
- Cataract extraction
Miscellaneous
- Feeding tube placement
- Port-a-cath placement
- Vasectomy
Urology
Podiatry Surgery

Providers
The Rainy Lake Medical Center surgical team consists of:
- Surgeons
- Certified nurse anesthetists
- Perioperative registered nurses
- Licensed practical nurses
- Surgical technologists
- A certified surgical first assist
- A certified orthopedic physician’s assistant
- A full-time surgery center manager
Providers
-
General Surgeon
Dr. Rachel Knudson
-
General Surgeon
Dr. Daniel Margo
Dr. Daniel Margo attended the University of Duluth for undergraduate studies with postgraduate studies in chemistry at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where he also completed medical school. His surgical residency was completed in Grand Forks, North Dakota at Altru Health System Hospital. Then, it was onto the University of Colorado for his Vascular Surgery Fellowship, where he also served as an instructor. President of the Northern Plains Rural National Surgical Society, Dr. Margo offers endoscopy/colonoscopy, gallbladder, hernia repair, skin and soft tissue, and skin cancer managing surgeries at Rainy Lake Medical Center.