2023 & 2024 were the years of ‘Your Team. Our Community.’ and we couldn’t have been more thrilled to highlight the employees of CNOS and what amazing impacts they have and continue to make in our community.

Making a Difference: Patient Stories

2025 will be the year of inspirational patients/physician stories through our theme: ‘Making a Difference’. Our goal is to capture the true impact that CNOS has made on our patients. The stories will be shared on various media outlets and will live on this page for community engagement. Enjoy the video(s) below of patients sharing their experiences and journies while seeking medical care at CNOS. These are a true testement of the amazing care our providers give day in and day out.

Dr. Quentin Durward is calm, relaxed and thoughtful, as he navigates the intense demands of Neurosurgery. He gently addresses every patient’s condition with expertise, curiosity and compassion – all to help get them back to enjoying their lives and families. Dr. Durward and CNOS – where helping people live their best makes all the difference.

Dr. Jo Lindahl knew her surgeon dating back to her time as a Psychiatry resident. For her, Dr. Quentin Durward was a gentle mentor and friend, before he proved a life saver. Severe degenerative spine problems threatened her ability to walk, let alone practice medicine. Today, she is doing it all – and even has the green light to return to some water skiing. At CNOS, the care of experts – and friends – makes all the difference.

When Dr. Raymond Kuwahara arrives at CNOS, his enthusiasm is as evident as his expertise. Whether treating a complex skin disease or working with insurance on the latest treatments, there is no challenge he and the Dermatology team shy away from. Dr. Kuwahara and CNOS – where someone on your side makes all the difference.

Kevin McCormick knows all about the physical stress of work. As a former police officer and the current Executive Director of First Tee Siouxland, he’s twisted his body a lot – on duty and on the golf course. A painful skin disorder not only hurt his movement, but also his outlook. With fortitude and a team at CNOS to caddy his course, he is happily swinging away – and that makes all the difference.

As a Sports Medicine Orthopeadic Surgeon, Dr. Ryan Meis knows a thing or two about people with competitive drive. That same drive holds true for his work with area law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs. It’s work he values, because he knows there’s nothing a competitor values more than getting back out there. Dr. Meis and CNOS – where helping people do what they love, makes all the difference.

Officer Mike Simons spent decades training dogs for intense police work, but the physicality of that training resulted in several shoulder, knee and neck surgeries. Dr. Ryan Meis has a long-standing commitment to helping law enforcement and first responders like Mike. At CNOS, providing care for those who protect – makes all the difference.

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Phinit Phisitkul knows that no two feet or ankle injuries are exactly the same. He brings his passion for physics and calculus to his work, applying that extensive knowledge to some of his patients’ most challenging injuries and conditions, right here in Siouxland. Dr. Phisitkul and CNOS – where bringing passion to patient care, makes all the difference.

A head on car crash changed Bridget’s life forever. Her ankle joint had been shattered as if by a hammer. After several painful procedures, she met Dr. Phinit Phisitkul, who took a new, less-invasive approach to turn her foot straight. Today she is walking tall, and enjoying the hiking and workouts she loves thanks to CNOS – where care that moves you forward – makes all the difference.

As an Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction and joint replacement surgeries, Dr. Justin Deans has seen a lot of struggles up close. One of the greatest joys in his work is seeing the relief and peace of mind his patients experience after their condition is properly addressed and they return to the things they’ve missed. Dr. Deans and CNOS – providing relief and recovery, that makes all the difference.

As a farmer in his 80’s, Dean had fought back pain until he was ready to give up – which even led him to move into a wheelchair accessible home. Following a referral to Dr. Justin Deans, he underwent a hip replacement. Today, Dean is walking without a cane and climbing back into tractors thanks to CNOS and Dr. Deans – where care that gives back purpose – makes all the difference.