For Hannah Wahl, choosing where to practice physical therapy has always been about more than just a job. It has been about people — and the communities that need care most.

Wahl, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, recently joined the rehabilitation team at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, bringing three years of clinical experience in rural healthcare and a specialized skill set that is entirely new to the therapy department. For the community she now calls home, her arrival means something meaningful: expanded access to care, right where they live.

Growing up in Lakeview, Ore. — a town of roughly 2,500 people — Wahl developed an early appreciation for what rural healthcare means to families who depend on it. “It allows patients to be treated by medical professionals they know personally, which adds to the trust and engagement in their care,” she said. That conviction only deepened during her previous role as a physical therapist at a critical access hospital in rural New Mexico.

She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Duke University in 2023 and was drawn to the profession for the relationships it makes possible. “I enjoy the ability to see patients over a longer period, develop a connection with them, and help them make meaningful changes in their lives,” Wahl said.

At Pawnee Valley, she treats outpatient and inpatient cases across a wide range of conditions — but one area of her practice stands out as something the hospital has not offered before. Wahl is trained in pelvic floor therapy, a specialized approach that addresses conditions such as pelvic pain, incontinence, constipation, and prolapse in men and women. She has a particular passion for supporting pregnant women through discomfort and helping postpartum patients return to their pre-pregnancy activity levels.

“While often seen as a taboo topic, many people are struggling with pelvic floor issues that go unaddressed,” Wahl said. “It is important for patients to know they can bring up concerns about pelvic floor function because many of these issues are very treatable.”

Jason Rath, Rehab Director at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, is enthusiastic about what Wahl brings to the team. “Hannah exhibits compassion and professionalism with caring for all demographics, and she has already made an impact with excellent patient care and customer service,” he said. “She is an amazing fit for our team, and we are extremely lucky to have her.”

Wahl’s move to Larned was also a personal one. After the birth of her son last year, she and her husband wanted to be closer to her tight-knit family — and when Wahl’s sister relocated to Lyons nearby, Larned started to feel like the right place to put down roots. “The community here has been so welcoming,” Wahl said. “I could tell that the staff had great relationships with patients, and since then have realized that extends to co-workers as well.”

Outside the clinic, Wahl enjoys spending time with her husband and 1-year-old son, along with working out, gardening, and hunting.

For those considering physical therapy, Wahl’s message is simple: “I am so happy to be a part of this community and truly care about improving their lives. I want to serve all my patients well with therapy that will allow them to do the things that are important to them.”

A longtime member of the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital team has stepped into a new leadership role.

Jenny Ramsey had always known that the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) Foundation is important to central Kansans’ health and well-being.

But after her first year as a trustee “I have a much deeper appreciation for its impact. The Foundation plays a vital role in supporting healthcare services, equipment and programs that directly benefit patients, families and healthcare professionals in our community.”

As a lifelong resident of Pawnee County, Ramsey wants to give back to the community “that has given so much to me and my family. I am passionate about supporting access to quality healthcare in rural areas, while being part of the decisions that strengthen and sustain the services our hospital provides.

“It is important to me to help ensure that Pawnee County continues to have a strong, reliable healthcare presence for future generations.”

The Foundation’s goals focus on continuing to grow support for PVCH through fundraising, community engagement and strategic investment in healthcare resources, Ramsey outlined.

“Long-term, we want to ensure the sustainability and advancement of healthcare services in our region so that future generations also receive high-quality care close to home,” she commented. “I am very fortunate to serve alongside dedicated and community-minded individuals on the board.

“Each trustee brings valuable experience and perspective. And it is clear that everyone shares a common goal of doing what is best for Pawnee County residents.”

Ramsey earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Washburn University and began her career in financial planning as a suitability specialist.

She currently serves as a compliance associate with CreativeOne, a financial marketing organization based in Overland Park.

“My professional background in financial services and compliance provides me with a strong foundation in accountability, risk management and strategic decision-making,” Ramsey noted. “Combined with my lifelong connection to Pawnee County, it allows me to bring a professional perspective and personal commitment to supporting healthcare needs in our community.”

Ramsey and her husband, Ben, have two sons – Eli and Ryan.

“We value being close to our extended family and maintaining strong roots here,” she said. “Much of our family lives in the area, which makes Pawnee County an especially meaningful place for us to call home.

“We are blessed to be close to my parents, Bert and Karla, as well as two of my sisters, Tricia and Kristin, and their families.”

Allisa Spain, Foundation executive director, said “the PVCH Foundation is grateful to have Jenny Ramsey serving as a trustee. She is someone you can always count on. Whether Jenny is supporting her kids, local schools, our hospital or other causes she believes in, she rolls up her sleeves and gets to work.

“She brings care and dedication to everything she does, and we are thankful for her leadership on the Foundation board.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; wound care; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. PVCH Family Medicine provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.

Doctors’ Day gives us the chance to pause and say thank you to the physicians at Pawnee Valley who care for our friends, families, and neighbors every day. As a rural community hospital, our doctors make it possible for high‑quality, compassionate care to remain close to home, where it matters most.