Watertown Physician Dr. Sarah Reiffenberger Named South Dakota Family Physician of the Year

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is proud to announce that Dr. Sarah Reiffenberger, MD, FAAFP, has been named the South Dakota Family Physician of the Year by the South Dakota Academy of Family Physicians (SDAFP).

A staple of the Watertown medical community for over 31 years, Dr. Sarah—as she is known to her patients—practices at the Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic – Northridge. The award recognizes her lifelong commitment to “whole-person care” and her deep roots in northeastern South Dakota.

A Career Defined by Connection

A native of Huron, South Dakota, Dr. Sarah has spent her entire career in her home state. Her practice is built on multi-generational care; over the last three decades, she has delivered hundreds of babies and served as a primary care anchor for local families.

“Family medicine has always been about relationships for me—walking alongside patients and families through all stages of life,” said Dr. Reiffenberger. “To serve the Watertown community for more than three decades has been a true privilege.”

Leadership Through Crisis

Beyond the exam room, Dr. Sarah has been a pivotal leader for the medical community at large. Her contributions include:

·        Statewide Leadership: Served six years on the SDAFP Board of Directors.

·        Pandemic Guidance: Served an extended term as President of the SDAFP during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical stability for South Dakota physicians.

·        Medical Education: Mentored countless medical students and led over 30 Knowledge Self-Assessment (KSA) sessions for continuing medical education.

Commitment to Community Wellness

Dr. Sarah’s impact extends to the streets of Watertown. Alongside her husband, Dr. Dan Reiffenberger (founder of the Hospital Hill Run), she co-founded a local running club to promote preventive health and active lifestyles.

Her ability to balance high-level professional leadership with clinical excellence and family life has earned her the respect of peers across the state.

About the Organizations

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System congratulates Dr. Sarah on this honor and thanks her for over 30 years of extraordinary service.

The South Dakota Academy of Family Physicians (SDAFP) is a professional association dedicated to improving the health of South Dakotans by supporting family physicians through education, advocacy, and leadership development.