Celebrating 25 Years of Teamwork with Dr. Vencel-Olson and Nurse, Kelli Lange

What started as two new moms navigating their first jobs in Willmar has grown into 25 years of teamwork, trust, and compassionate care.

A Partnership That Started with a Leap of Faith

As the world braced for Y2K chaos in 2000, fearing computer failures and system meltdowns, Dr. Gabrielle Vencel-Olson and Kelli Lange, LPN, were stepping into the unknown for a different reason. They had each just arrived in Willmar, both adjusting to life in a new town, both raising newborn babies, and both beginning what would become lifelong careers in family medicine.

"I can remember interviewing Kelli along with two other nurses," Dr. Vencel-Olson recalls. "She was such a friendly face. And I was a nervous new mother who had just moved to Willmar, starting my first 'real job.'"

Kelli had been on a similar path. "I had also just had a baby, moved to town, and was starting my new clinic nursing job," she says.

It turned out to be the perfect match.

"Our families have grown up together," Dr. Vencel-Olson adds, reflecting on the journey that began 25 years ago and has remained a tight bond ever since.

More Than a Team — A Family

For a quarter-century, Dr. Vencel-Olson and Kelli have worked side by side to create an environment where patients feel genuinely known and cared for.

"We take great pride in knowing our patients and their families," says Dr. Vencel-Olson. "We are always looking out for them. We consider them friends and enjoy seeing them in the community. Kelli might remind me to say ‘happy birthday' before I see a patient, or I might share new information I learned about their family, such as a death, birth, or milestone event like a graduation or retirement."

This deep connection with their patients extends beyond the clinic. "We attended one of our patient's 98th birthday parties last year," Kelli shares. "It was a great time!"

Patients notice their partnership and appreciate the continuity of care. "We have several long-term patients who started with us in the first few months of our practice," Dr. Vencel-Olson explains. "They often tell me how much they look forward to working with Kelli and how they appreciate our teamwork. We frequently hear that 'retirement is not allowed.'"

The Secret to 25 Years of Success

In an era where career transitions are common, what has kept this duo together for so long?

"We work as a team, and we know our patients well," Dr. Vencel-Olson explains. "We cover and cross-check each other, making sure they are getting the right care at the right place at the right time."

Beyond the technical aspects of their work, the key to their lasting partnership has been trust, mutual respect, and a good sense of humor.

When asked if they have any advice for new teams just starting, Dr. Vencel-Olson says, "We think we are too seasoned to provide advice, but we try to laugh and we respect each other's strengths."

Their passion for family medicine remains as strong as ever. "We love caring for our obstetric patients," Dr. Vencel-Olson says. "Especially when I helped deliver them, and now they are having their own children!"

Kelli agrees. "I love caring for multigenerational families."

From day one, their journey has been defined by teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to their patients. And while 25 years is an incredible milestone, for Dr. Vencel-Olson and Kelli, it's simply another chapter in the story of a partnership that continues to thrive.

Here's to 25 years of exceptional care, and many more to come!