Melissa Thoene, PA-C, Joins Horizon Health Yankton

Prior to joining Horizon, Thoene worked at the Yankton Medical Clinic for 10 years as an X-Ray and mammography technician. She worked for one year as a physician assistant at the Santee Health Center, 10 years as an orthopedic physician assistant at the Orthopedic Institute and spent five years at Wapiti Medical Staffing as a physician assistant locum.  

“I chose my profession to be more involved in patient care,” Thoene said. “The longer I have been in the profession, the more I realize the importance of patients feeling ‘heard’ and being comfortable with their provider, to discuss different options available for their treatment.”

Thoene earned her Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology from Mount Marty University in Yankton. She graduated with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.

“I believe in open communication, patient involvement, and finding healthcare solutions as a team,” Thoene said.

She and her husband John share five children: Carter, Meghan, Hunter, Haiden, and Swayzey. She has two sweet grandbabies and one daughter-in-law. When not busy seeing patients, she enjoys golfing as much as her schedule allows, cruising to tropical locations and traveling especially to different parts of Mexico.

Thoene is currently available for appointments at Horizon Health Yankton Medical.  

 For over 45 years, Horizon Health Care, Inc. has been providing personalized, affordable, high-quality medical, dental and behavioral health care through a rural, community-based network in South Dakota. Horizon is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that serves the medical, dental and behavioral care needs of South Dakotans in rural, medically underserved areas through 110,000 patient visits annually. For more information, please visit www.horizonhealthcare.org.