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For the next year, Focken, who joined the staff in July, will work closely with diabetic patients and patients on anti-coagulant drugs to ensure their drug therapy matches their health and lifestyle needs. She will also work closely with doctors to recommend drug therapies and will see patients in the clinic, the hospital, and at the Koronis Manor. "I really wanted to work with patients and see them on a regular basis," Focken said.

Focken came to Paynesville after receiving her doctorate in pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from North Dakota State University. She chose PAHCS for her residency because she wanted to be in a small community similar to where she grew up, in Sebeka. So far, she's been impressed with the quality of care and the state-of-the-art facilities at PAHCS. "It's not your average smalltown hospital," she said.

After her year-long residency, Focken would like to continue to practice in a clinical setting, doing work similar to what she does here, and she would also like to teach.

She loves living in Paynesville. The people have been friendly and she likes living close to Lake Koronis and walking on the Koronis Lake Recreational Trail. She also enjoys reading and doing needlework in her spare time.