Gillette Children’s: Deep Roots in Rural Healthcare

Gillette Children's commitment to providing access and excellence in healthcare to children throughout Minnesota is more than just part of our mission. For many, it’s an obligation that has roots in our own childhood or is part of our personal goal to build a better world for all children.

As Gillette’s Associate Medical Director for Greater Minnesota, I know it’s critical that all children have access to the expert subspeciality care they need to be able to grow, thrive, and achieve all they can.

In acknowledgement of Rural Health Month, recognized each year in November, I’m sharing my story of what led me to practice medicine – and where. During my childhood growing up in Alexandria, Minn., I was fortunate to be friends with Lindsay. This relationship sparked my drive to become a doctor and shaped the kind of care I want to deliver.

Lindsay and I met in elementary school. She has cerebral palsy and uses a power wheelchair and a communication device. As kids, we invented games and modified activities as needed so we could play and hang out together. Lindsay still lives with her family in Alexandria, and I’m honored to be one of her doctors and provide care so she can live her best life.

Since our founding in 1897, Gillette Children’s has helped families navigate the scheduling and logistics involved in providing care for children who have complex medical issues. Although we’re headquartered in St. Paul, Gillette has clinics throughout the state in Alexandria, Baxter, Duluth, Mankato, St. Cloud, and Willmar. Gillette also provides access to expert providers through virtual care appointments.

Gillette Children’s clinics in Greater Minnesota are staffed with dedicated professionals who live in the areas they serve and are 100% committed to our patients and families.

The supervisor of Gillette’s Greater Minnesota Clinics, registered nurse Mary Kautto grew up on the Iron Range and believes providing solid health care in rural areas is “just the right thing to do.” Mary is proud of Gillette’s commitment to rural families: “I’ve always said, not everyone with special needs or complex medical conditions needs to live in the Twin Cities!”

Working in our Greater Minnesota Clinics brings its own unique challenges and rewards. Whether it’s helping to shovel a snowy parking lot or spending long hours in the car commuting to see patients, our Gillette staff is committed to providing expert care close to home to save our families time, money, and stress.