Surgery

Department Physicians

• Adela Casas Melley, MD
• Jon Ryckman, MD
• Jenifer Reitsma, CPNP, MSN
• Rif'At Hussain, MD
• R.J. Lunn, MD
• John VanderWoude, Jr., MD, FACS

The Surgical Team at Sanford Children’s Hospital includes pediatric surgeons Adela Casas-Melley, MD, Jon Ryckman, MD, pediatric certified nurse practitioner Jenifer Reitsma, CPNP, MSN, pediatric-trained anesthesiologist R.J. Lunn, MD, pediatric-trained cardiovascular surgeon John VanderWoude, Jr., MD, FACS, and cleft lip and palate surgeon Rif’At Hussain, MD. This highly specialized team of physicians is supported by a wide range of specially trained pediatric staff.

Pediatric surgeons are specially trained in the management and diagnosis of surgical issues in children from the time of birth to early adulthood. The pediatric surgery division at Sanford Children's Hospital specializes in the management of all children with surgical needs. From uncomplicated procedures like tonsillectomies to more delicate procedures dealing with the heart, the team at Sanford Children’s is specially trained to care for patients from newborn to age 18.

Pediatric surgical procedures are performed by our team in Sanford’s state-of-the-art Surgical Tower, located on the campus of Sanford USD Medical Center. To reduce children’s fears and anxiety, pediatric tours of the Surgical Tower are available for children and their families on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm. These tours are conducted by surgical services staff and child life specialists from our Pediatrics Unit. Please register for a tour by calling 1-800-258-3333, ext. 8-1000.

Parents are also provided a detailed list of instructions prior to their child’s scheduled surgery and are contacted by our staff one to three business days before a scheduled surgery to answer any questions.

To learn more about the pediatric surgery services at Sanford Children’s Hospital, please call 1-800-850-0064.