John Holst, of Duluth, Minn., will be recognized by Winona State University with the Distinguished Young Alumni Award Friday, Oct. 24, as a part of the university’s Homecoming celebration.
Holst graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1999. He earned his doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center in 2004 and did his residency in Emergency Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Holst spent his fourth year of residency completing a FAST (Focused Advanced Specialty Training) in Ultrasound. During that time he earned his RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer) and RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer) certifications.
Holst has dedicated his life to serving others. He served five years active duty and another eight years as a Reservist for the U.S. Navy. Holst served as a flight surgeon, and during his active duty service, he was awarded the Naval Achievement Medal, the Naval Commendation Medal, as well as the Fleet Marine Force pin, representing the devotion a sailor has to the Marine Corps. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Holst currently works for Essentia Health Systems at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, Minn., as the Emergency Medicine Ultrasound Director. He started the Ultrasound program within the Emergency Department.
John and his wife, Heather, a 2000 WSU graduate, live in Duluth with their twin daughters.
