“I
want to bring down the barriers of care and totally comprehend who my patients
are and where they are coming from.”
As an infectious disease specialist, Dr. Mark Ridder, provides care for a diverse range of illnesses and infections. Dr. Ridder sees patients for vascular and skin infections, infections of bone, fungal and bacterial infections, endocarditis, tick-born illnesses and HIV.
Dr. Ridder enjoys educating patients and helping them grasp what they are going through.
“Infectious disease is quite misunderstood," he said. “I like to tell people who are going through things like HIV, you can live a long and healthy life and we will manage this together. Helping inform patients is something I enjoy. I try to identify barriers and help remove them and help manage their problems as a partnership."
Dr. Ridder says he finds the most fulfillment in his line of work when he can totally comprehend where the patient is on their medical journey and to help them get better.
“Patients are sharing what's wrong with them. Generally folks only share their vulnerabilities with their closest friends or maybe their mother," Ridder said. “It is an incredible privilege to walk them through something so personal. I love being able to add something to their lives and help them. I am not the driver, but the voice on the shoulder."
Dr. Ridder attended medical school at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Vermillion, South Dakota. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Marshfield Clinic Health System and his fellowship at University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.
Dr. Ridder is married with two children and in his spare time, he enjoys playing piano, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, kite flying, sailing, camping and generally getting outdoors.