Kossuth Regional Health Center is excited to welcome Kim Etherington, PA-C back to its medical staff in May 2025. This time, in an acute care role.
A local graduate of Bishop Garrigan High School, Etherington earned her Physician Assistant Degree from Des Moines University in 1997. She previously worked in Family Medicine at Kossuth Regional Health Center for over 20 years, until her departure in 2019. Her return to the clinic shines a light on her dedication to healthcare and the Algona community.
The team at KRHC is eager for Etherington to begin caring for patients in Algona again.
“We are excited to welcome Kim Etherington home as she re-joins our Kossuth Regional Health Center Clinic,” said Dar Elbert, CEO.
Etherington will serve patients in need of acute care, on the same day of scheduling. Acute care is medical care for a broad array of unexpected illnesses or medical conditions, ranging from a sinus infection to strep throat. Acute care is right for patients if their health issue is more urgent but isn’t serious enough to need the emergency room.
“Kim will be seeing patients who need immediate appointments,” said Elbert. “She will not be managing her own panel of patients and will solely provide care for those with urgent needs while arranging follow up with the patient’s primary care provider.”
Etherington’s familiarity with KRHC and background in urgent care makes her the perfect fit for this role.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Kim Etherington, PA-C, back to the KRHC Algona Clinic,” said Allie Opheim, Clinic Director. “It’s always great to have a familiar face return to our team. While Kim is not seeing patients in a primary care role, her strong background in urgent care makes her the ideal provider for addressing acute health concerns like infections, minor injuries, and other conditions that require prompt attention.”
Etherington says she is ready to return to work in her hometown and provide care to families here.
“It is a pleasure to return to the community where my career began as a PA. I look forward to providing care in my community again and am eager to see both new and familiar faces in the clinic,” said Etherington.
Etherington will join the Family Medicine Clinic in Algona in mid-May. This addition brings the number of onsite healthcare providers at KRHC to 17, including eight family physicians, six physician assistants, one general surgeon, one mental health nurse practitioner and one clinical psychologist.
