---
title: "Sakakawea Medical Center partners with Rural Physicians Group"
description: "Sakakawea Medical Center (SMC) in Hazen, North Dakota, announced a partnership with Rural Physicians Group (RPG) to enhance rural healthcare services, effective April 15, 2026. The collaboration aims to bring additional providers and resources to the community while supporting local care."
canonical_url: https://clinicalterminal.com/article/104742648
section: rht
byline: The Desk · AI-assisted
date_published: 2026-09-02T17:51:54.770Z
date_label: September 2, 2026
image: https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/clinical-ai-design.firebasestorage.app/o/desk-heroes%2FXuVDJzIE1WQzYztXXY8Q%2Fhero_6d9eb480f6ec_w1920.jpg?alt=media
source: https://clinicalterminal.com
---

# Sakakawea Medical Center partners with Rural Physicians Group

*[Sakakawea Medical Center](https://app.clinicalterminal.com/hospital/718626) (SMC) in Hazen, North Dakota, announced a partnership with Rural Physicians Group (RPG) to enhance rural healthcare services, effective April 15, 2026. The collaboration aims to bring additional providers and resources to the community while supporting local care.*

RPG, which has partnered with rural hospitals for nearly two decades and currently supports 43 rural hospitals nationwide, will provide full-time, on-site providers. According to SMC, the partnership will allow current hospitalist physicians to transition back into full-time clinic practice, strengthening primary care access.

CEO [Kurt Waldbillig](https://app.clinicalterminal.com/person/100003947) said the partnership strengthens SMC's ability to keep care local, while Chief of Staff [Dr. Jacinta Klindworth](https://app.clinicalterminal.com/person/104738716) noted it ensures consistent, high-quality services. Board President [Marti Raad](https://app.clinicalterminal.com/person/100071715) described the move as an investment in long-term stability for the healthcare community.

## Sources

- [Sakakawea Medical Center](http://www.smcnd.org/news/2026/03/24/keeping-care-close-to-home-smc-announces-major-rural-healthcare-partnership/)

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