News and Events
THE FLYING DOCTOR
Dr. Evans has been making "house calls" for many years. In 1983 KSN News reporter Stephen Clark reported on Dr. Evans and his traveling to Johnson City, Kansas, to service a clinic in that community. Beautifully filmed by photojournalist Ted Lewis, this video portrays Dr. Evans as the committed cardiologist devoted to community service that is a vital part of Cypress Heart today and their commitment to Heartfelt Healing.
watch the video of the feature story from 1983, Produced by KSN
RESEARCH BY CYPRESS HEART TEAM SELECTED FOR PRESENTATION TO INTERNATIONAL GROUP
(WICHITA, KS) – Members of Cypress Heart P.A. in Wichita were among the medical professionals whose research abstracts were chosen to be presented at the annual meeting of the Heart Rhythm Society, held May 15, 2010, in Denver, Colorado. Cypress Heart members who helped co-author the papers included cardiologists Sambit Mondal, M.D., F.A.C.C., and Mohamad K. al-Ahdab, M.D., F.A.A.P.; and Jenny Ecord, MSN, ACNP., who is Dr. al-Ahdab’s Nurse Practitioner.
Dr. Mondal was one of three co-authors of a paper entitled "Efficacy and Safety Profile of Internally Cooled Ablation Catheter for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation." The paper represents one of the few presented at the event that deals with in-vivo clinical use of closed loop (internally cooled) ablation catheter for atrial fibrillation ablation. Dr. Mondal is board-certified in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine. As a member of Cypress Heart’s Electrophysiology (EP) division, Dr. Mondal specializes in managing rhythm disturbances of the heart (arrhythmias) such as palpitations, fast or irregular heartbeat and syncope (fainting) using various therapies which may include ablation, device implants (pacemakers, defibrillators and bi-ventricular devices), and anti-arrhythmic medications.
Another paper, co-authored by a team of four medical professionals including Cypress Heart’s Dr. al-Ahdab and Ms. Ecord, is entitled, “Comparison Of Radiation Exposure In Monoplane vs. Biplane Fluoroscopy Systems In Interventional Electrophysiology.” Their study brings an essential answer to the issue of radiation exposure while doing cardiac electrophysiology studies and procedures. Head of Cypress Heart's Pediatric Cardiology Division, Dr. al-Ahdab is board-certified in Pediatrics, Cardiology and Electrophysiology. He is the only pediatric electrophysiologist in Kansas.
As works chosen to be presented at this year’s meeting, the two papers co-authored by the Cypress Heart team will also be published in HeartRhythm, the official Journal of the Heart Rhythm Society and the Cardiac Electrophysiology Society, and the world’s leading specialty journal in cardiology.
Founded in 1979, the Heart Rhythm Society is recognized as the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients. Membership includes more than 4,500 physicians, scientists and associated professionals representing more than 70 countries. The Society's Annual Scientific Sessions event is held every year in May. More than 12,000 medical professionals attended this year’s event in Denver, where over 200 sessions included core curricula, symposia, clinical tutorials, meet-the-expert panels, mini-courses, debates and state-of-the-art scientific abstracts. The annual May meeting is acknowledged as a “must attend” for anyone involved in research or delivery of arrhythmia care or services.
Cypress Heart PA was founded in Wichita in 1979 by Dr. Roger Evans to provide comprehensive cardiac care with an emphasis on prevention, early detection, and state-of-the-art cardiovascular treatment. The practice hosts five cardiologists, each specializing in one or more specific aspects of cardiology, thus allowing the group to address a full range of cardiac-related disorders. In addition to Drs. Mondal and al-Ahdab, the group includes Cypress Heart founder Roger W. Evans, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.P.; Hussam H. Farhoud, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I.; and Gerasimos Stefanatos Stavens, M.D. Since its founding, Cypress Heart has expanded its consulting, diagnostic and treatment services to include satellite clinics and hospital affiliations in more than a dozen communities across the region.
Cypress Heart Opens Another Satellite Clinic for Area Heart Patients
Residents of Eureka and the surrounding area can now receive more specialized cardiac care in Greenwood County Hospital. Cypress Heart will regularly bring the services of Gerasimos Stefanatos Stavens, M.D. to Eureka. This will make qualified cardiac care easily available to different communities across the southeast Kansas region including Howard, Madison, Sedan and Yates Center. The local availability of our recognized specialist in cardiac care can be vital to these rural residents who may be experiencing symptoms of heart-related disorders. Dr. Stavens’ services encompass a variety of diagnostic procedures.
As one of the region’s leading cardiology practices, Cypress Heart specializes in treatment of arrhythmias through its Electrophysiology (EP) division, which encompasses not only medication therapies but also advanced treatments including device implantation and management of pacemakers, defibrillators and biventricular pacemakers.
The newest member of the Cypress Heart cardiology team, Dr. Stavens specializes in invasive and non-invasive cardiology and pacemaker implantation. A graduate of the University of Louisville (Kentucky), and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in Lexington, Dr. Stavens received his post-graduate training at St. Louis University Hospital / VA Medical Center (Missouri), and through Fellowships at Long Island Jewish Medical Center (Long Island, New York), Duke University Medical Center (Durham, North Carolina), New York Methodist Hospital (Brooklyn, New York) and Hartford Hospital (Hartford, Connecticut). Prior to joining the physician staff at Cypress Heart in 2008, he served as Hospitalist at Midstate Medical Center, Meriden, Connecticut. He is passionate in promoting cardiovascular disease prevention and education, both in the community and in hospital-based settings.
Dr. Stavens practice the second Tuesday of each month at the Greenwood County Hospital in Eureka.
Great Bend and Dr. Evans Mark Another Decade Together
Twenty years of heart care in the Great Bend community is celebrated this past fall due to the abilities of our own Dr. Roger Evans, a veteran of medical service in the Great Bend community.
After 10 years in the army and five years at Gundersen Clinic in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Dr. Evans helped establish Kansas Cardiology Associates in 1979. Five years later, they merged with the Wichita Clinic, continuing a commitment of service to promoting the best in cardiac care. During this time he became the Chairman of the Department of Medicine for Via Christi Regional Medical Center for over 60 physicians, his first of two chairmanship positions.
It was also in this period that Dr. Evans started his long relationship with the Great Bend area at the request of the Board of Directors from the Great Bend facility. Starting his practice at the Central Kansas Medical Center in the Fall of 1990, Dr. Evans brought his cardiovascular experience to enrich the healing of Great Bend patients. His regular commitment to treat the cardiac needs of those in this area began a two-decade career that brings us to the present day.
Dr. Evans Celebrates Three Decades of Heartfelt Healing in the Wichita Community
Specialized cardiac care is celebrating over thirty years of success in Wichita due to the abilities of Dr. Roger Evans, a veteran of medical service in the Wichita community. Currently one of the founding members of Cypress Heart, P.A., Dr. Evans has had a long career in pioneering cardiac care in many area facilities.
Initially, Dr. Evans started in 1979 with the Kansas Cardiology Associates as a Staff Cardiologist. After a five-year tenure there, he moved to the Wichita Clinic, P.A., as Staff Cardiologist and continued for an eleven-year commitment of service to promoting the best in cardiac care. During this time he became the Chairman of the Department of Medicine for Via Christi Regional Medical Center for over 60 physicians, his first of two chairmanship positions.
Dr. Evans then returned to the Kansas Cardiology Associates for a ten-year relationship that resulted in the second chairmanship of the Department of Medicine for Via Christi Regional Medical Center for over 300 physicians. A pioneer in cardiac rehabilitation at Via Christi Medical Center in Wichita, Dr. Evans introduced the heart muscle biopsy technique to the Wichita area. He developed an extensive rehab program in 1979 at St. Francis Regional Hospital. Board-certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine, he became president of the Medical Staff for Via Christi Regional Medical Center in 2005.
Currently, Dr. Evans is a Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine at both Kansas City University of Medicine & Bioscience, Kansas City, Missouri, and University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita.
Dr. Evans founded Cypress Heart P.A. in 2006 to provide comprehensive cardiac care with an emphasis on prevention, early detection, and state-of-the-art cardiovascular treatment. Since its founding, the practice has expanded its consulting, diagnostic and treatment services to include satellite clinics and hospital affiliations in more than a dozen communities across the region.
Cypress Heart's '08-'09 Wellness Program a Success
Cypress Heart PA recently conducted a year-long Wellness Program event that concluded on September 19th with an
"Oscar Night Gala" at the Cypress Heart facility. Starting at 7:00 pm, the event awarded those that not only succeeded in their set goals for the program, but EXCEEDED their expectations.
Starting with red carpet interviews, approximately 25 participants enjoyed an evening of food, cheesecake, and good times. Videographies of those exercising their way to good health were shown to the expectant crowd. Awards were presented to first, second and third place winners based on a points system.
One year in the making, the goals set at the beginning of the Wellness Program event were factored on a baseline established on blood pressure, BMI, resting pulse, push-ups, sit-ups, chair squats, and a 3-minute step test. Goals for the end result were based on realistic expectations and participant's improvement. With $500 being the First Place award, incentive was definitely present to put the participant’s best effort forward for the year-long tenure of the program.
"Our health is so important, [that] the choices we make today on a daily basis will determine how healthy we are in the future", said Carol Tozier, Practice Administrator and Wellness Program participant, "you are the ones who choose what to put in your mouth and whether to walk or sit in front of the TV."
Carol continued, "That is why our Wellness Program is so important. We want to educate and encourage one another to make healthy choices. It is much easier to eat healthy and exercise when your coworkers are doing the same thing. I get encouraged when I see people walking at lunch and see fruit or vegetables on your desk instead of unhealthy snacks. I get encouraged when I see someone lose weight and start feeling better. And I have seen a lot of positive changes from many people over this past year."
The first place gift of $500 was awarded to Danielle Williams for the most weight lost during the program. Second place was awarded to Terri Stuhlsatz and third place went to Betty McKenzie.
As part of the healthy lifestyle change, everyone was asked to increase their physical activity. As part of the program, all participants were asked to perform some basic exercises by which a person’s level of fitness could be measured. One of those exercises was a sit-up test. Everyone who completed the final test exceeded what they did in the beginning, from at least 6% up to 200%. There were eight people who scored in the excellent or above category!
Similar stories were told about the results of the push-up, squat, and step tests. The "Most Miles Walked" category proved that consistency is what paid off, and we had several people who walked 50 or more miles for all 12 months. Twelve points could be earned by walking each month.
Other point earning events ranged from monthly walking, weight loss, and improved fitness scores to diverse events like reading books, going to lectures, and participating in our wellness activities. With such a resounding success in the health and well-being of our beloved Cypress Heart employees, it is no wonder that next year's Wellness Program will have similar expectations and results.
Thanks to all who participated in this year's event with special thanks to Connie Stuhlsatz and the Wellness Program committee for doing an excellent job. We look forward to the next phase of our Cypress Heart Wellness Program for 2010!
9/12/09 Local Medical Community Learns About Recent Advances in Heart Treatment
(NEODESHA, KS) – More than a dozen area physicians, nurses and other medical professionals gathered in the Education Room at Wilson Medical Center Friday, August 14, for a “Heartfelt Healing Lunch & Learn” lecture presented by Cypress Heart cardiologist Gerasimos Stefanatos Stavens, M.D. Entitled “Atrial Fibrillation-Current Approaches to Management,” the presentation examined causes of the disease, its impact on the healthcare system, the relationship between Atrial Fibrillation and stroke, and recent advances in diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.
3/13/09 – Senior “Cowboy Shooter” Still Kicking and Ticking...Thanks to Dr. Evans and Cypress Heart
Few people look more at home in the saddle than 70-year-old Lynn Christian. But that stands to reason. “I trained my first horse when I was eight years old,” he admits, “and I’ve been working with horses all my life.” Working and playing. As a fierce competitor in the novel sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting, Lynn spends a lot of time in the saddle, racing his horse, Pride, over a preset course while firing his authentic .45 caliber single-action revolver at balloon targets. Lynn and Pride have won numerous competitions and trophies over the years.
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For a man who works and plays as hard as Lynn does, one would never suspect he has a secret ticking inside him. “In 2000, I got an aortic valve replacement and a pacemaker. Dr. Roger Evans at Cypress Heart is the reason I’m alive today.”
Until a few years ago, Lynn never realized he had a heart problem. Growing up on a ranch in southwest Kansas, he was used to hard work and plenty of activity. Then, in 1995, after taking a routine physical exam needed to renew his pilot’s license, he got a surprise. “They turned me down,” Lynn explains. At the time, he was caring for his mother who was making regular visits to Dr. Roger Evans in Lynn’s hometown of Ulysses. “Mom had a lot of faith in Dr. Evans, so I figured I’d go to him for a second opinion.” Dr. Evans told Lynn that although his condition did not pose an immediate threat, eventually he would need aortic valve replacement. He gave Lynn a list of signs to watch for and prescribed simple aspirin to thin his blood.
For nearly five years Lynn lived life as usual, maintaining his active lifestyle, visiting Dr. Evans every few months, and taking aspirin daily. Then in April 2000, things began to happen that Lynn couldn’t explain. In the middle of an activity, he’d suddenly forget where he was going or what he was doing. He experienced several blackouts. Lynn went back to Dr. Evans who immediately scheduled him for the valve replacement.
“He did the surgery in Wichita on April 24, 2000,” says Lynn. “In July, I joined a friend of mine leading a 10-day pack trip with the Boy Scouts, and I rode Pride every day. I just never looked back.”
Lynn admits his first pacemaker did slow him down a bit. After a hard workout he’d be short of breath. But in 2005, Dr. Evans equipped Lynn with a more advanced pacemaker that solved the problem. “The technology is always improving,” Lynn says.
Today, besides working his ranch southeast of Augusta and managing 10,000 acres near Piedmont, Kansas, Lynn competes about eight times a year in Cowboy Mounted Shooting competitions. As the person responsible for bringing the sport to Kansas, it’s easy to see why Mounted Shooting is close to Lynn’s heart. And according to Lynn, it’s an active heart... “thanks to Dr. Evans and Cypress Heart.”
Since its founding in 1979 in Wichita, Cypress Heart has expanded its consulting, diagnostic and treatment services to include satellite clinics and hospital affiliations in more than a dozen communities throughout the region. These include:
• Buffalo, Oklahoma
• Elkhart, Kansas
• Eureka, Kansas
• Great Bend, Kansas
• Hugoton, Kansas
• Independence, Kansas
• Jetmore, Kansas
• Johnson, Kansas
• Kingman, Kansas
• Liberal, Kansas
• Meade, Kansas
• Neodesha, Kansas
• Phillipsburg, Kansas
• Ulysses, Kansas
For information about the Kansas Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, visit www.kansascmsa.com.
2/16/09 – Life-changing Care
Within the broad scope of cardiology care offered by Cypress Heart, the doctors in our electrophysiology (EP) division practice their specialty at the Via Christi – St. Francis campus. Click on the links below to learn how Dr. Mo and the Cypress Heart EP staff changed the life of a very special patient, Chelsey.
Chelsey tells her story (video)
Dr. Mo's nurse, Jenny Ecord, A.R.N.P., talks about Chelsey's condition (Video)
2/09/09 – CYPRESS HEART ACHIEVES MGMA ‘BETTER PERFORMER’ STATUS
The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) Performance and Practices of Successful Medical Groups: 2008 Report Based on 2007 Data has identified Cypress Heart, P.A., as a “better performer” based on superior operational performance compared with similar medical group practices nationwide.
While prudent management and cost containment have long been hallmarks of the Cypress Heart practice, the group also places a high priority on human resources. Backed by a trained and highly-qualified support staff, members of the Cypress Heart physician team are recognized as among the most skilled cardiologists in the region, proficient in the latest technologies, and firmly dedicated to the “heartfelt healing” of each patient they serve.
Since its launch in 1979 by Dr. Roger W. Evans, Cypress Heart has reflected its founder’s visionary leadership, adherence to best practices and unwavering commitment to technical excellence. Cypress Heart was among the first medical practices in the area to employ electronic record-keeping and electronic billing.
This marks the second time in three years that Cypress Heart has been recognized by MGMA in its Best Practices Cost Survey. The MGMA report, a benchmarking standard among medical groups for nearly a decade, was produced using data from respondents to the MGMA Cost Survey: 2008 Reports Based on 2007 Data as well as data from a questionnaire that assessed management behaviors, practices and procedures of better performers. The report profiles medical practices that have demonstrated success in one or more areas: profitability and cost management; productivity, capacity and staffing; accounts receivable and collections; patient satisfaction; and managed care operations.
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About MGMA
MGMA is the premier membership association for professional administrators and leaders of medical group practices. Since 1926, MGMA has delivered networking, professional education and resources, and political advocacy for medical practice management. Today, MGMA’s 22,500 members lead 13,700 organizations nationwide in which some 275,000 physicians provide more than 40 percent of the health care services delivered in the United States.
MGMA’s mission is to continually improve the performance of medical group practice professionals and the organizations they represent. MGMA promotes the group practice model as the optimal framework for health care delivery, assisting group practices in providing efficient, safe, patient-focused and affordable care. MGMA is headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and maintains a government affairs office in Washington, D.C. Please visit www.mgma.com.
1/26/09 – CryoAblation
CryoAblation is the process of freezing cells to prohibit atrial fibrilation. View an instructional video on this procedure.
A Thermal Gradient (video)
Media used by permision of CryoCath Technologies.
Quicktime | Mpeg
12/19/09 – Get well soon. (It could mean prizes!)
Our "Cypress Heart Wellness Program" launched last September is literally changing lives... for the better. With a little self-motivation (inspired by a chance to win prizes including cash!), staff members are learning to make their own good health a habit.
America's abundance and an excess of personal temptations often override our good sense about how and what we should eat, and what activities we should -- or shouldn't -- engage in. As this year's employee project, our Cypress Heart Wellness Program is intended to make us all more aware of our health, and to suggest proven steps we can take to get and stay healthy.
The program begins by determining each individual's level of wellness. Following a few simple activities including a three-minute step test, push-up test, sit-ups, and squats, we do a health assessment; measuring weight, blood pressure, pulse-rate, etc. There is also a walking pedometer step equivalent chart to show you different activities and steps per minute. Then each participant establishes a personal goal. By following an individually-focused program of diet, exercise, health education and more, employees compete for points.
The year-long program will culminate at the end of August, when winners in each of several categories will be announced and prizes awarded.
To learn more, or to join the action, call Connie at 316-858-9000 or e-mail:
cstuhlsatz@cypressheart.com.
03/19/08 – Cypress Heart has obtained a new agency of record for practice promotion and education to our patients.
Wichita-based MC+W is a Product-to-Market Design and Branding agency that will provide the new direction for Cypress Heart in its branding for the Wichita community and satellite clinics. Cypress Heart and MC+W are truly excited about presenting the new corporate look and direction for all print, advertising, website and marketing materials!
03/18/08 – Emporia, KS – Cypress Heart P.A. in Wichita introduces Dr. Mo Ahdab, Pediatric Cardiologist, to the Emporia area.
"Dr. Mo" as he prefers to be called, specializes in treating patients from prenatal life through young adulthood and adults with congenital heart problems. This includes cardiology services and electrophysiological services for a wide range of conditions and diagnosis.
The Cypress Heart Outreach Clinic opened at the Newman Regional Health Center on Wednesday, March 5th and will continue on the first Wednesday of every other month with the next clinic day being April 2nd, 2008. Office hours for Dr. Mo will be from 9:00am until 1:00pm at the 1201 West 12th Avenue location in Emporia.
10/1/07 – We are pleased to welcome Carol Tozier as our new Practice Manager. Carol brings with her 18+ years experience in the medical management field.
Carol’s career has included managing a variety of clinic practices including family practice, pediatrics, cardiology, and surgery. A portion of her career was spent as a Healthcare Consultant, specializing in HIPAA, practice management process improvements and physician recruitment. Carol has relocated from North Carolina with her 16 year old daughter. They reside in Andover, Kansas.