Two physicians have joined the staff at Avera Brookings Medical Clinic: Erik Wait, M.D., and Jeremy Beireis, M.D.

Wait, an obstetrics/gynecology specialist, joins Dr. Richard Gudvangen of Avera Brookings Medical Clinic as the only OB/GYN specialists who provide deliveries at the Brookings hospital.

Dr. Wait is returning to his home community after serving as associate professor of obstetrics/gynecology instructing residents at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine.

“I’m now practicing at the same clinic where my father practiced,” Wait said. “I always wanted to practice medicine with him, but since he passed away in 1993, this is the closest opportunity I’ll have.”

He and his wife, Anya, are the parents of eight children: Brittni, Kyle, Devin, Ava, Rya, Zachary, Annika and Rowan.

“We wanted to raise our children in a nice city like Brookings,” Wait said. “Moving to Brookings feels like coming home. This is a very warm community. The physicians here are very good, ethical and friendly, and I’m proud to join them in the practice of high-quality medicine.”

Wait has experience and special interest in pelvic reconstructive surgery and advanced laparoscopic procedures such as laparoscopic hysterectomy and high- risk obstetrics.

Wait holds a medical degree from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine at Vermillion and completed residency at the University of Missouri, Columbia Hospital and Clinics. He is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Beireis, a family practice physician, provides medical care for patients of all ages. He has a special interest in obstetrics and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Beireis holds a medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine at Grand Forks and completed residency at Siouxland Medical Educational Foundation, Sioux City, Iowa. He is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Neonatal Resuscitation Program and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

“I grew up in a rural community and have always wanted to practice medicine in a rural setting, so Avera Brookings Medical Clinic is a natural fit,” Dr. Beireis said. “I’m excited to begin helping to serve the region’s health care needs.”

To schedule an appointment with Drs. Wait or Beireis, call 605-697-9500, or toll-free, 1-800-658-5405. For more information, visit www.BrookingsMedicalClinic.org.