“Monument Health is committed to the future of medicine with medical training partnerships, a medical residency program, and more than 130 active research studies,” said Steven Maser, M.D. vice president of medical affairs.
The history of this health care system traces back to 1878 when the Sisters of the Holy Cross opened a hospital in the gold rush mining camp of Deadwood, while other communities constructed hospitals of their own.
In 1979, Rapid City’s two hospitals, St. John’s McNamara Hospital and Bennett-Clarkson Memorial Hospital merged into the Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Monument Health is now composed of five hospitals in addition to over 40 medical clinics and specialty centers throughout Belle Fourche, Buffalo, Custer, Deadwood, Hill City, Hot Springs, Lead, Spearfish, Sturgis, and Wall.
“We’re committed to and live each day by our five priorities: deliver high-quality care, provide a caring experience, be a great place to work, impact our communities, and be here for generations to come,” stated Maser.
Maser has been a hand surgeon for 30 years, and his commitment to creating lasting relationships with his patients never sways.
“I enjoy talking to patients, learning where they’re from, where they live, and what they do for work and for fun,” shared Maser. “It helps me understand them as a person so that I can better care for them.”
Learn more about Maser’s career, his immense love for hiking, and where his favorite spots are throughout the city.
Medical Expert
I’ve been involved in Medical Leadership for most of my career. In my current role, I work with all services and specialties in the hospital. While my primary responsibility is Rapid City Hospital, I also interact with the other four Monument Health hospitals.
Serene Sites
I love to hike and get outside. I’ve section-hiked the entire Centennial Trail and enjoyed many other trails throughout the Hills. My journey
to different trails also takes me along roads and past scenery that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Our hills are very accessible, beautiful, and unique from the first steps you take.
Did You Know?
Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.
Backpacking Pals
I live very close to Skyline Drive, so the Skyline Wilderness Trail is in my backyard. I also have friends who hike Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park at 5 a.m. about once a week.
Maser’s Hiking Motto
My hiking motto is, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just improper clothing!” My remedy is the gear at Roam’n Around in Rapid City and Granite Sports in Hill City.
Sunday Traditions
My partner, Bonnie, and I eat at HJEM A.M. most Sunday mornings. Erik and Cami Belland, the owners, are wonderful hosts, and the food is fabulous. I frequently order The Bob (pancakes with lingonberries and lemon creme) and Bonnie orders the Morning Walleye.
FIVE FACTS ABOUT MASER:
One
I’m a passionate professional and college football fan. I’m originally from Pennsylvania, and my teams are the Philadelphia Eagles and Penn State Nittany Lions.
Two
I’ve been told that I smile a lot. One of my prior OR nurses would call me “smiley.”
Three
Traveling is a passion of mine. In my quest for the 50 states, I still need Oklahoma, which I plan to visit in April, and Alaska.
Four
I’m frequently whistling. Half of the time, I don’t even know what I’m whistling until someone mentions it or I stop to think about it.
Five
I love our large mixed family–my partner Bonnie, my kids, Aly, Jeff, and his wife, Julia. Bonnie’s kids–Will, Niki, Liz, Chris, Joe, and his wife, Emma.
Stops & Shops
After our breakfast in Custer, we frequently stop in Hill City on the way home. Jewel of the West has great clothing and we also enjoy visiting our friends at the Beef Jerky Experience.
Great Company
Bonnie and I love the great company and views at the Juniper at Vertex Sky Bar at the Hotel Alex Johnson. It’s a great place to take out our out-of-town visitors. For dessert, we head across the street to Mary’s Mountain Cookies.
Early Bird Gets The Worm
I’m a morning person, up at 4:20 a.m. and ready for bed by about 8:30 p.m. If I’m not hiking in the morning, I’m at the Sports Performance Institute powered by Exos at the Monument Health Orthopedic & Specialty Hospital for a 5 a.m. exercise class.
Learning Curve
My favorite experience I had in Lead was Neutrino Days. I enjoyed learning about the work going on at the Sanford Underground Research Facility.
Beating the Heat
In the summer, I enjoy going to the lakes in Custer State Park, particularly Legion Lake. There’s a small beach, a beautiful backdrop, and a snack bar!
