Newcomer looks forward to growing neuropsychology at Sanford

Jan. 16, 2018

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Kate Higgins, a neuropsychologist at Sanford Health.

Name: Kate Higgins

Age: 34

Hometown: Beatrice, Neb.

Job title: Neuropsychologist

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

The job at Sanford; also Sanford was hiring for my husband’s position — clinical psychologist — which definitely facilitated our decision to move to Sioux Falls.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Well, I’ve been here for two months, but I think what might keep me here are the running community, the restaurants and the opportunity to grow neuropsychology at Sanford.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Getting to watch my patients get better.

How did you get connected to your industry?

Somewhat circuitously. I did a master’s in experimental psychology but realized that I liked psychology for the people, not the flatworms and Siamese fighting fish. So I pursued a doctorate in a clinical field. I thought sports psychology was interesting and always found my biological psychology courses interesting throughout undergrad and post-grad work, so when I realized that I could combine the two in the context of sports neuropsychology, I was really excited.

Neuropsychology, in general, has a really unique approach to understanding patients because we tackle it at the intersection of how a person’s brain is working — or not working as the case may be — and their psychological makeup and social environment. Neuropsychology’s understanding of our patients is multifaceted and robust, and can be a vital component to good health care and patient well-being.

Describe working at Sanford Health in three words.

Challenging, engaging and rewarding.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

A Kate Spade store.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully challenged and fulfilled.

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Newcomer looks forward to growing neuropsychology at Sanford

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Kate Higgins, a neuropsychologist at Sanford Health.

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