PARKSTON, S.D. — From a young age, Dr. Jason Wickersham knew he wanted to serve in a small-town setting.
Now, after more than two decades at Avera St. Benedict Health Center in Parkston, his dedication to rural healthcare has earned him the title of Family Physician of the Year — a recognition that, while humbling for him, highlights his unwavering commitment to his patients and community.
“I feel like there are hundreds of good family physicians in this state who care a lot about their patients, work hard, and take good care of them," Wickersham said of the recognition. "To be singled out and recognized — it’s very flattering.”
Wickersham’s path to medicine began in his small hometown of Gettysburg. His earliest inspiration for a career in medicine came in junior high, while working in cement construction alongside his father. As he thought about his future, medicine stood out as a way to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. A close friend’s father, a physician in Gettysburg, also had a significant influence on his decision to pursue medicine.
“I wanted to do something that helped people,” Wickersham said. “It just made sense for me to pursue a career where I could make a difference, just like I saw the doctor in my community doing.”
He attended medical school at the University of South Dakota (USD) and completed his residency at Clarkson Family Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. But he always knew he wanted to return to a small-town setting.
“I feel fortunate that I found Parkston,” he said. “It’s a great fit.”
For Wickersham, rural medicine offers unique advantages.
“Small-town life is great — it’s a good place to raise kids, and the schooling is excellent. And as a practitioner, I get to know my patients well,” he said.
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But that same familiarity can also present challenges.
“One of the hardest parts of my job is giving patients bad news," Wickersham said. "A lot of my patients are friends, so having to deliver difficult news can be tough.”
Practicing in a small town comes with limitations, too.
“We don’t always have the same resources that larger cities do,” Wickersham said.
However, Wickersham says advancements in medical technology, including e-services and telemedicine, have made it easier to collaborate with specialists in larger cities.
“I never feel like I’m on an island alone," Wickersham said. "Being able to consult with another physician quickly is a game changer for rural medicine.”
Wickersham is one of four physicians at the Parkston Clinic, working alongside six advanced practice providers. In addition to his work at Avera St. Benedict, he travels to the Avera Tripp Clinic once a week and previously served as the medical director at the now-closed Good Samaritan facility in Tripp.
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Wickersham’s role extends far beyond the typical scope of family medicine. As one of only four physicians covering the emergency room, he takes call one day a week and one weekend a month. He also delivers babies, sees nursing home patients, and performs minor procedures.
“We do a little bit of everything. One minute, I might be treating a 99-year-old patient, and the next, I’m rushing to OB for a delivery,” Wickersham said.
Beyond patient care, Wickersham has dedicated himself to medical education. He has mentored numerous medical, nursing and allied health students throughout his career. When USD launched the Frontier and Rural Medicine (FARM) program in 2014, Parkston became a training site, with two medical students assigned there for 11-month rotations. Wickersham served as the site coordinator and has since become the dean of rural medicine, overseeing all FARM sites across the state.
“Training students has always been a priority at St. Benedict,” Wickersham said. “The FARM program has allowed me to help shape the future of rural medicine.”
Through the FARM program, Wickersham has seen firsthand how it has helped address physician shortages in rural South Dakota by providing students with hands-on training in smaller communities. This exposure, he believes, encourages them to consider practicing in rural areas after graduation.
“Small towns are shrinking, populations are aging, and even our providers are getting older," Wickersham said. "We need to find the best ways to care for aging residents and recruit new talent to rural areas.”
In addition to his clinical work, Wickersham takes on leadership roles, including serving as interim dean of rural medicine at USD. He also participates in various boards and committees, balancing these responsibilities with his medical practice to help prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
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Outside of work, he finds relaxation in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and biking — things he says help him recharge and maintain balance.
Wickersham remains passionate about medicine and encourages aspiring physicians to consider the field.
His advice to new doctors is simple: “Prioritize your patients. Do what’s best for them, and everything else will fall into place.”
The Trust Project
