Walter L. Beard Jr., MD

Expert Publications

• Fractures of the rostral portion of the mandible and maxilla in horses: 89 cases (1979-1997).
• Transarterial coil embolization of the internal and external carotid and maxillary arteries for prevention of hemorrhage from guttural pouch mycosis in horses.
• Nephrosplenic entrapment in the horse: a retrospective study of 174 cases.
• Esophagomyotomy and esophagopexy to create a diverticulum for treatment of chronic esophageal stricture in 2 horses.
• Ureteral ligation prevents the haemodynamic effect of frusemide in pentobarbitol anaesthetised horses.
• Complications of nasogastric intubation in horses: nine cases (1987-1989).
• Ileocecal intussusception corrected by resection within the cecum in two horses.
• The effect of uterine torsion on mare and foal survival: a retrospective study, 1985--2005.
• A comparative study of proximal hindlimb flexion in horses: 5 versus 60 seconds.
• Laryngeal hemiplegia in draft horses. A review of 27 cases.
• Bilateral congenital cysts in the frontal sinuses of a horse.
• Comparison of sub-bandage pressures achieved by 3 abdominal bandaging techniques in horses.
• Enterotomy technique in the descending colon of the horse. Effect of location and suture pattern.

Media Releases

Get to know Family Physician Dr. Ana Norell Torbenson, who serves patients in Hastings, Minnesota.

A trusted family physician, Dr. Torbenson is affiliated with Allina Health, working with patients at the Hastings Clinic in Minnesota. Her professional interests span a broad spectrum, ranging from preventive care and prenatal care to women’s health, child and adolescent medicine, and chronic disease management. Furthermore, her commitment to accessible healthcare is evident in her provision of face-to-face virtual visits, ensuring that patients receive quality care regardless of their location or circumstances.

With a passion for holistic healthcare, her practice philosophy revolves around meeting patients where they are, fostering trust, and emphasizing open communication to achieve overall health and well-being. Through her years of practice, she has gleaned invaluable lessons from her patients, recognizing the importance of listening to each individual’s unique story. She acknowledges that sometimes lending an ear can be the most impactful form of care.

Driven by a lifelong calling to make a positive difference in people’s lives, Dr. Torbenson’s journey into medicine began in her youth, reinforced by volunteering experiences during her academic years. With educational credentials from esteemed institutions such as Winona State University, Danish Institute for Study Abroad, Gustavus Adolphus College, and Creighton University School of Medicine, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. She completed her residency in family medicine at La Crosse-Mayo, further honing her skills and solidifying her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. 

Following her training, the doctor attained board-certification in family medicine through the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). The ABFM is a non-profit, independent medical association of American physicians who practice family medicine and its sub-specialties. She holds a medical license in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Family medicine is a medical specialty devoted to comprehensive health care for people of all ages. The specialist is called a family physician or family doctor. A family physician is often the first person a patient sees when seeking healthcare services. They examine and treat patients with a wide range of conditions and refer those with serious ailments to a specialist or appropriate facility.

Originally from Rochester, Minnesota, Dr. Torbenson is an avid dog lover, with dreams of venturing into the realm of dog training or daycare if she weren’t a physician. Her affection for animals aligns with her belief in the therapeutic power they possess. Outside of medicine, she finds joy in various activities, including camping, hiking, figure skating, and traveling.

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