My name is Diane Schminke, and I’m an elementary school teacher of Sacred Heart Catholic School of Dodge City, Kansas.
Over the past year, my family and I have experienced firsthand the exceptional care and compassion that HaysMed provides. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was terrified, but HaysMed immediately became a source of strength and hope for me. There was no question that I would continue my care here—their world-class experience and extraordinary team have made all the difference in my journey.
I travel over 100 miles one-way for my radiation treatments because I believe in the providers and the care I receive at HaysMed. This is not just about receiving care; it’s about trusting a team that makes me feel safe, supported, and deeply valued. From the moment I walk through the doors, every interaction reassures me that I’m in the best hands. The staff who greet me, the nurses who guide me, and the heartfelt doctors who patiently listen—they all create an environment where I can focus on healing.
When my breast cancer diagnosis came, it felt overwhelming. But the care and attention I received at HaysMed transformed that fear into confidence. My journey with breast cancer started with my annual well-women’s visit with Felecia Minyard, APRN at the HaysMed Dodge City Multispecialty Clinic, then soon after with a mammogram at HaysMed in Hays.
When the imaging revealed something concerning, the staff went above and beyond. Knowing I was heading back to Dodge City, they managed to schedule advanced mammography the same day. Within 20 minutes, I was seen, and the swift action of the team gave me immense peace of mind. This commitment to patient-centered care has been a constant throughout my experience.
Dr. Issac Chambers, my HaysMed oncologist called me personally to discuss my treatment plan. He made sure my husband and children could be part of those conversations, so we were all informed and empowered. My treatment includes 20 radiation sessions—I’m currently on visit number three—as well as hormonal therapy for the next 5-7 years. Knowing I have this team beside me every step of the way makes the journey feel possible.
The compassion of the providers at HaysMed is unparalleled. Dr. Brandon Cunningham performed my lumpectomy, patiently explaining every detail and ensuring I felt cared for at every step. Sara, my nurse navigator, has been an incredible source of guidance and comfort as she guides me between the different departments and procedures. HaysMed radiation Physician Assistant, Teal Sander and Dr. Lyle Harrison have both provided outstanding support, always treating me with kindness and respect. They’ve all gone above and beyond to make sure I feel seen, heard, and cared for.
HaysMed’s care extends beyond just me. My husband, Eric, has faced significant health challenges, including COPD and heart issues, and the providers here have consistently delivered exceptional care for him as well. Dr. Gulraiz Cheema in Orthopedics, Dr. Kalyan Wagle in Cardiology, and the Pulmonology team have cared for him with the same warmth, compassion, and expertise that I’ve been fortunate to experience myself.
The personal touches at HaysMed set them apart. Whether it’s a staff member stopping in the hallway to offer assistance or a provider explaining complex medical terms in ways my family and I can understand, they consistently show genuine kindness and humanity. The portal has been an invaluable tool, giving us access to pathology reports and allowing us to communicate directly with our providers. As a family with many healthcare workers, including an ER nurse and a pharmacist, we deeply appreciate this transparency and accessibility.
Even as I balance my teaching schedule, HaysMed accommodates my needs, arranging appointments as the last of the day to minimize disruptions. Their efforts to coordinate with Felecia Minyard, APRN and the Dodge City Multispecialty Clinic have been remarkable, reducing our travel burden and making care seamless. The clinic’s staff responds promptly, works around pre-scheduled commitments, and ensures I’m never left waiting for answers or care.
There’s a reason we keep coming back to HaysMed. It’s not just the exceptional medical care—it’s the unwavering support, kindness, and humanity they bring to every interaction. They’ve been a cornerstone of our healthcare journey, and I cannot thank them enough for walking with me through this challenging chapter of my life. HaysMed is more than a hospital; it’s a place of hope, healing, and heart.
Diane Schminke
Dodge City, Kansas