New Ulm Medical Center is expanding its women’s health team, adding two new obstetrician-gynecologists to help serve women and families throughout the region.

Keary Johnson, MD

For Keary Johnson, MD, the opportunity to be a small town doctor is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. He thinks the seed was planted by his great-great-uncle, a doctor who practiced in Abderdeen, SD. “He delivered me, and I didn’t see him a whole lot, but the idea of being a doctor was always something in the back of my mind.”

Before going to medical school, Johnson worked in radiology as a nuclear medicine technologist. But his dream of becoming a doctor remained strong. Now that it’s a reality, he, his wife and their three sons are very much looking forward to getting settled in New Ulm.

“My wife and I are both from South Dakota, so New Ulm is only a few hours from our families.”

Johnson said he enjoys all aspects of patient care. “And being there to help families bring a new baby into the world never gets old.”

He explained his approach to patient care is to remember that every patient’s situation in life is unique to that patient. “I try to adjust what I’m doing for the situation they are in,” he said.

He also said that his life experience, including growing up poor in a rural area, informs his understanding of the challenges many people face.

“Seeing patients and working closely with them over time teaches me a lot about humility and understanding.”

Outside of his medical practice, Johnson is looking forward to kinds of things that lots of families in Minnesota enjoy: going to movies, playing cards, golfing and relaxing at the cabin.

Learn more about Johnson at allinahealth.org/KearyJohnson or call the NUMC Clinic to make an appointment at 507-217-5011.

https://account.allinahealth.org/providers/18990

Ashleigh Swearingen, MD

Although Ashleigh Swearingen, MD, is new to Minnesota, you could say that she is returning to her roots.

One of the reasons she wanted to practice medicine in New Ulm is because of its small town appeal, which is similar to the Illinois community in which she grew up.

“I like the small town feel, especially after living in larger cities to complete medical school and my residency,” said Swearingen. “In a larger city, you are surrounded by people all the time, but it’s easy to feel lost in the masses. Here, you can be more woven into the community.”

Swearingen said that while in school, she developed a passion for health care in underserved areas, both rural and urban. During her obstetrics-gynecology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago, she served mostly a low-income, diverse population, which included a large Hispanic community. “I became very comfortable with high-risk pregnancies,” she said.

One of the reasons Swearingen enjoys being an obstetrician-gynecologist is the connection she is able to build with women over time. “Women’s health is unique because of the role women often play within their families. You have the opportunity to influence her health as well as that of her family,” she said. “The continuity of care from adolescence and through menopause allows me to experience life with patients, from the greatest joys to the deepest sorrows.”

Swearingen said that she was impressed with New Ulm Medical Center and its staff right from the start. “I’ve witnessed the close-knit work environment and the dedication of the physicians and nursing staff. Some have been there for decades – that speaks to their commitment and the kind of work environment they enjoy.”

In addition to her professional interests, Swearingen loves horseback riding, the Chicago Cubs, cooking, running, hiking, boating and yoga, and she is an avid reader. She hopes to someday own a hobby farm along with some horses.

“I’m looking forward to the change in pace from the big city to a smaller town, and I’m excited to learn all I can from the community and my patients.”

Learn more about Swearingen at allinahealth.org/AshleighSwearingen or call the NUMC Clinic to make an appointment at 507-217-5011.

https://account.allinahealth.org/providers/18940