Nov. 28, 2023

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Dr. Magdalene “Lynn” Fiddler, a hospitalist at Avera McKennan. She also serves as medical director for Avera’s Hospital@Home program, a unit of Avera McKennan.

Name: Dr. Magdalene “Lynn” Fiddler

Hometown: Gasparillo, Trinidad and Tobago

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Most times when people ask me this question, I tell them the weather brought me to Sioux Falls, then I field the confused look on their faces. The truth is I came to Sioux Falls as my first job after completing my residency in New York; that was back in 2015.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I’m a hospitalist at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center. My role in this career, as well as growing responsibility for other programs and the warm, welcoming community, makes this city my home.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

As a hospitalist, I visit almost every part of our facility, helping patients in ICU and many other locations. I think my favorite part of it is being kind to everyone I meet – not just patients, but co-workers, on all levels. Pulling up someone’s blanket when they’re cold – anyone can do that. It’s not hard to be kind. I like being part of the big picture. In my role as medical director of Hospital@Home, I love reading the feedback of patients that our team has cared for in their homes through the virtual program; it really warms my heart and tells me that we are impacting the lives of persons within our community.

How did you get connected to your industry?

While I studied biology and chemistry and thought about being a chemist for a while, to be honest, I always knew I would go into medicine. The pathway that led me here wasn’t always clear; I’ve had several jobs along the way. I worked at a restaurant, in a bank and as a lab tech. I did not get here alone. I’ve had a lot of family support, and I’ve had several influences; I loved the TV show “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” and always thought that’d be me. My mother preached that my siblings and I would be doctors, engineers or lawyers. She was right: I’m a doctor, my brother is an engineer, and my sister went to law school, though she changed direction and now owns and operates a restaurant in Trinidad and Tobago.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Welcoming, caring, respectful.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m really into Halloween and costumes. In my home country, this time of year was often scary, filled with folk tales and superstitions; it has changed a little over the years. In the U.S., though, it’s more celebratory and fun. I love developing new costumes; I have dressed up as Lady Gaga, The Bride from “Kill Bill,” No. 67 from “The Squid Game” and the Angelina Jolie character in “Maleficent.” I love the season, the thrill, movies, haunted houses and all that comes with it. Two more things: I know more about Bollywood movies and songs than one would expect; the same goes for country music.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?  

Apart from caring for hospitalized individuals from all walks of life, I occasionally volunteer stocking shelves at Feeding South Dakota. I also contribute to the Furniture Mission, and I like to find and support local businesses.

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

A lot of people refer to Trader Joe’s, and I’m happy to second that idea. But I have some other ideas: a West Indian restaurant – yummy – and since I’m huge into fitness, Sling Bungee Fitness would be nice.

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

I love animals. My favorite are dogs; I have two of my own. I would create a place where people with trauma or mood disorders, or simply anyone, could come to have interactions with animals, be it petting, holding or just having time with them. It’s amazing how therapeutic animals are and can help a person cope.