Alpha Xi Delta - University of South Dakota

Epsilon Calls Epsilon Calls page page 2 The Wait Was Worth It In-Person Events Allows for Traditional Epsilon Experience K elly Rasmussen Rhone '90 has practiced emergency medicine for over 15 years, so when COVID-19 officially became a pandemic, she and her colleagues knew they were the front line. "In the ER, we pride ourselves on caring for whatever comes through our doors," she said, "but this was something really new. We didn't have good protocols, testing supplies, or medications to help our patients." Kelly says things have improved significantly since then, thanks largely to the increase in vaccines and monoclonal antibodies—as well as better PPE access and more experience with the disease. She is also proud of the many new programs that her team and colleagues were able to set up in record time, including call centers, drive-through testing centers, and telemedicine capabilities and programs. This allowed everyone to safely manage surges in patients. "Of course, the most important thing we can do to combat the variants is vaccination," she added. "It has been a safe and effective method to avoid severe disease and hospitalization. It's also important to get tested and stay home if you are sick. We are all in this together, and health care workers need everyone to do their part so we can have enough resources to care for everyone." Epsilon Beginnings Kelly liked several of the houses she visited during recruitment, but when Preference Night came, she knew in her heart that Alpha Xi Delta was for her. Her twin sister, Kim Rasmussen Hagedorn '90, pledged as well, which was icing on the cake. Many of the women Kelly met are still her closest friends, and they have shared many life experiences together. "I think that their encouragement and steadfast friendship has always been something that has uplifted me in areas of my personal and professional life," she said. "I'm not sure that it led me to my career specifically, but it certainly helped me through some challenging moments while going down that road." Nurturing Medical Growth Kelly works at Avera Care in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as medical director of outreach and innovation. In this role, she helps develop telemedicine services and educate medical professionals on them, among other duties. She is also a founding member of the American Board of Telehealth, and she has spoken nationally and internationally about the importance of telemedicine and tele-emergency services, especially for rural hospitals. "I love to travel to rural areas of our country and speak to the staff to find out what their challenges are and how we can help to make their lives easier," Kelly said. "Through these conversations came innovative programs like our transfer center and eHospitalist. It is thrilling to take an idea or a problem and make solutions that benefit both the patient and the health care team." Life as an Alumna When the new chapter house was completed, Kelly was thrilled to visit, thinking back on her own memories and picturing the many more memories that will be made there. She sees many alumnae sisters locally, and they have traveled together across the U.S. "I highly recommend a good vacation rental and a room full of Alpha Xi's laughing and sharing memories and new adventures." She also loves traveling and exploring the outdoors with her family. Kelly can be reached at kellyrhone@hotmail.com. Facing a Pandemic Head-On Facing a Pandemic Head-On Kelly Rasmussen Rhone '90 Shares Her Experience in Emergency Medicine Since the hold limiting initiation until after first semester grades has been disbanded, we were able to initiate our new sisters in mid-October. Officially welcoming our new sisters into our chapter has brought great joy. After a long-awaited deliberation, the university made the decision to return to normal this semester. We have the opportunity to host and participate in-person events, and we're already off to a great start! In September, we celebrated the Order of the Rose recipients, and it was great having alumnae return to the chapter house. To continue strengthening our bonds with alumnae, we had the chance to connect with them at the Dakota Days parade in which we presented an AZΔ float. We are so grateful for opportunities to meet with alumnae, learn from them, and hear their stories. The past year and a half has taught us to not take anything for granted, and we are making the best out the most normal semester we've had since March 2020. I am so excited to see where the chapter will go in the future—we have amazing leaders in the making! Yours in Alpha Xi, Allison Green '19 Chapter President axid.epsilon.cp@gmail.com Continued from page 1 Kelly Rasmussen Rhone '90 (right) When she's not working the front lines, Kelly Rasmussen Rhone '90 enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

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