James Dreessen, MD, used to work in an industrial laboratory after college. However, he missed interacting with people and helping them one on one, which inspired him to return to school to pursue a medical degree.
Today, he serves as a pain management expert in Plaza 2 on the Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center campus in Sioux Falls, SD.
“It’s rewarding to use my hands and expertise to help people and make a difference in their lives,” said Dr. Dreessen.
Expert Care in Pain Management
Dr. Dreessen understands pain is personal, and doesn’t simply look at an MRI or surgical report to care for his patients. It’s a face-to-face conversation.
“I treat the patient, not just the MRI report,” said Dr. Dreessen. “Talking with them, I can focus on their real grievance and better pinpoint where the pain is generating from.”
Some of the current strategies and therapies Dr. Dreessen uses for pain relief include:
- Radiofrequency ablation to affected nerves
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Various steroid and epidural injections
Active Lifestyle
When he’s not at work, Dr. Dreessen enjoys hunting, golfing and woodworking.
