posted
on 6/4/2026
in
BLOGS from St. Anthony
Let’s get straight to the point. Acknowledging that you feel “off” or are experiencing physical or emotional pain can be a tough pill to swallow. For some men, voicing health concerns can feel like an act of vulnerability or showing weakness when there’s pressure to project strength and security. We get that. But we want you to know it doesn’t have to be that way. There’s strength in transparency, and getting the right treatment will only make you stronger. At St. Anthony Regional Hospital and St. Anthony Clinics, we have medical providers who understand what you’re going through and are ready to listen.
Dr. Gregory Sibenaller and Matt Wessling, ARNP — two of our newest male providers to join the St. Anthony family — are no strangers to men’s health or to having open, honest conversations about the holistic needs of the male body. Both understand firsthand the different pressures men face when it comes to maintaining their health.
“I’ve seen a lot of young men come into the clinic to establish care for yearly physicals, and I think it helps having a male provider,” says Sibenaller. “Now, we have two male providers to help. We have a mutual understanding of what male medical care requires. There’s something comforting about talking to someone you can relate to about medical issues and things at home or in the community. I hope it makes it easier for patients to relate.”
Sibenaller specializes in internal medicine at St. Anthony Clinic, which allows him to build long-term relationships with his patients, whether they are in the hospital being treated for a chronic condition or at the clinic for their yearly physical.
“I take the holistic approach to really understand the patient,” says Dr. Sibenaller. “Knowing them both in the clinic and in the hospital helps with the continuity of care. It helps to see the entire healthcare scope of the patient.”
Sibenaller is also a military veteran, having served in Iraq with the 168th Infantry. He was deployed just six weeks after starting his role at St. Anthony. Now, we’re fortunate to have him back as a full-time provider, focusing on comprehensive, personalized and patient-centered care to support long-term health and well-being.
Matt Wessling is an advanced registered nurse practitioner specializing in family medicine care for patients ages 6 months and older. He also brings specialized experience in treating both common and complex sleep disorders. He holds a certification from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and previously worked at a pulmonary and sleep medicine clinic.
“Patients can see me for annual wellness exams, blood pressure and cholesterol concerns, cancer screenings, and general preventative maintenance,” says Wessling. “We can discuss anything from chronic issues to medication, and I also see patients for acute visits, including upper respiratory infections, strep throat, ear infections, skin issues, abdominal pain and injury.”
Wessling prioritizes open communication with his patients, noting the importance of building solid relationships throughout their entire healthcare journey.
“I want patients to know that I’m truly wanting to listen to them and what concerns they have,” says Wessling. “I want them to feel heard during their visit with me. Being from the community, we have a similar background, and I understand that, and we can go about their healthcare needs from there.”
Breaking Down the Barrier for Better Health
Providing the best patient care experience and successful outcomes are always priorities for Dr. Sibenaller and Wessling, but another shared goal is helping men break down the barriers to discussing their health journey — including their mental health.
“There are so many things that guys are in pain for or they’re not feeling well and they just try to shake it off, but then it ends up being something serious,” says Sibenaller. “My approach to these sensitive health conversations is to not beat around the bush. There are sensitive topics, and sometimes it’s best to dive right into them. I want patients to know they are in a safe space and there’s not a stigma around any topics that we discuss.”
Mental healthcare is a significant area of concern for both providers. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, approximately 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but less than half receive treatment. And men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women.
“Anxiety and depression are definitely the big ones,” says Wessling. “A lot of times, as men, we’re trying to be there for those around us and support our families financially and emotionally. We tend to internalize some of the anxiety we experience day to day and what’s bringing us down long term. What we’re doing right now is trying to find ways to help men cope with that. There are a lot of different, alternative coping mechanisms, but it starts out with open communication.”
In addition to mental health, Sibenaller and Wessling agree that men need to prioritize their annual wellness visits, along with maintaining a healthy diet (Dr. Sibenaller recommends the Mediterranean diet) and regular exercise — at least 30 minutes a day, five to six days per week. They also stress the importance of regular checkups to screen for heart disease; colon, prostate and skin cancers; diabetes and other chronic conditions; as well as obesity management and overindulgence issues.
“The most rewarding part of our job is having people feel better, feel heard and feel validated that their concerns are real,” says Wessling. “When they come back feeling like themselves again, there’s nothing like it. I’m not sure there’s any other career that can give you that feeling. We chose this to help people optimize their health, and that’s what we’re looking forward to doing for the St. Anthony community.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sibenaller or Matt Wessling (men — we’re looking at you!), call 712-792-2222. And remember, you have providers who can relate to what you’re going through right here, close to home.