Alex Berns joins VMH Clinic-Waukon as family practice provider

Alex Berns has joined the Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic-Waukon as the new Family Practice Nurse Practitioner and is accepting patients of all ages.  He will be working in the clinic full-time, joining Dr. Dave Schwartz; Sue McMillan, NP; Halie Ruff, NP, Katy Maker, Nurse Midwife; and Jon Hawes, PA in providing accessible health care locally.

Berns recently received his Doctorate Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Clarke University in Dubuque. He began his career at Veterans Memorial Hospital as a C.N.A., then continued as a full-time nurse after receiving his RN degree. Now after branching out and gaining experience in Hospice, Emergency, the ICU in Rochester and general inpatient care, he has returned to Veterans Memorial Hospital as a family nurse practitioner.

“I was born and raised on a farm north of Postville and knew I wanted to return home to care for those in my area communities. I chose to become a family nurse practitioner knowing that I wanted to do more as a provider and benefit those near me,” states Berns. “My wife, Katie, and I wanted to raise our children in this great community. I continue to farm in my spare time and coming back to work at the VMH clinic was the perfect opportunity.”

“All of the staff at VMH are excellent. In my travels in health care, I always spoke of the amazing individuals that take care of our community. In my rotations, I was able to spend quality time with Dr. Schwartz and Sue McMillan, FNP - two excellent providers that I gained invaluable experiences with, so when I was approached to join their practice, I knew I was very eager to start my career with the VMH Waukon Clinic.”

Berns will be available to care for youth and adults of all ages for immediate health concerns such as flu, COVID, sore throat, earache or blood pressure issues; for disease management such as diabetes, hypertension and digestive issues; and for annual wellness exams for well child, adult physicals, Medicare physicals and sports physicals. He will also have availability for same-day appointments for any acute issues.

“I am excited to be providing care to those in all walks of life. I can’t really say I enjoy one thing more than others and that’s what makes family medicine so rewarding - getting to care for a variety of individuals in the area,” adds Berns.

To make an appointment with Alex Berns, Nurse Practitioner, call the Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic-Waukon at 563-568-5530.