Becker’s Health Review has named Tyler Ust, CEO of Sanford Health Thief River Falls, to the 2024 edition of its “90 critical access hospital CEO’s to know.” This annual list recognizes leaders who excel in expanding services, recruiting and retaining top providers and building key partnerships to ensure their hospitals remain vital to their communities.

Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center, a critical access hospital, provides 24/7 emergency care and has no more than 25 inpatient beds. The hospital plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality care, ensuring patient safety and maintaining financial stability for the greater Northwest Minnesota region.

Ust, who joined Sanford in 2014 and previously served as clinic director, now oversees all medical center and clinic operations in Thief River Falls. Under his leadership, the hospital has been recognized as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health since 2023.

When faced with a shortage of maternity care providers, Ust acted quickly to prevent a maternity care desert in Pennington County. He recruited locum providers and implemented creative strategies to attract and retain new physicians. Thanks to his efforts, Sanford Thief River Falls not only maintained, but expanded its maternity services, leading to a more than 10% increase in births in 2023.

“Being included on this list is an incredible honor and testament to the dedication of all our team members and caregivers who foster a culture of safety, quality and excellence for our patients,” said Ust. “I am immensely proud of our teams for embracing the unique challenges of rural health care delivery with unwavering determination to provide patient-centered care right here at home. We remain committed to expanding and improving our services for the communities we serve.”

The full list of all nominees can be read here.