Baptist Memorial Hospital-Oktibbeha County recently introduced a new heart clinic — Baptist Medical Group-Columbus Cardiovascular Care-Starkville. The clinic has three providers who specialize in general cardiology, structural heart disease, interventional cardiology, peripheral vascular disease and chronic venous disease.
The clinic is a satellite of the Baptist Medical Group-Columbus Cardiovascular Care clinic and is staffed by Dr. Julius Kato, board certified in cardiovascular and internal medicine; Dr. Eric McClendon, board certified in cardiovascular disease; and Hailey Hammond, nurse practitioner and the director of Baptist Oktibbeha County Cardiac Rehab. They have a combined 40+ years of experience in treating cardiovascular disease.
“I am excited to share Baptist Oktibbeha County is adding more cardiovascular expertise to the medical services available in Starkville,” said Mac Flynt, CEO and administrator of Baptist Oktibbeha County. “I am pleased to welcome Drs. Kato and McClendon to our community. Their cardiovascular background combined with Hailey Hammond’s experience with the Starkville community will be invaluable and represents one of many areas we’re working with Baptist Medical Group on to expand access to advanced health care in Oktibbeha County.”
A recent study led by two University of Mississippi professors found the Mississippi Delta and parts of western Alabama have especially high rates of cardiovascular disease. The study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, found physician availability had a protective role on cardiovascular disease outcomes and even small increases in the number of primary care physicians in an area could produce a substantial improvement in chronic heart disease and survival rates.
“We understand the value of having access to primary and specialty care,” said Flynt. “With this new clinic, we can make a difference for the community and save lives.”
The clinic will provide specialized heart care services for congestive heart failure and other chronic heart conditions. Providers will offer specialty clinics to monitor circulation issues, through peripheral vascular disease with ankle-brachial index screening and ultrasound, and response to medication treatment for irregular heartbeat and blood clotting issues.
Baptist Medical Group-Columbus Cardiovascular Care-Starkville is located at 107 Brandon Road in Starkville, Mississippi. It’s currently open one day a week with plans to offer more days and add more providers during the year.
For more information, please call 662-240-1412.
