Cardiac Surgeon, Steven R. Gundry, M.D., To Open The International Heart Institute of Palm Springs; Desert Regional Medical Center Welcomes Internationally Known Surgeon to Open New Facility.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

PALM SPRINGS, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--March 7, 2002

Desert Regional Medical Center (DRMC) today announced the addition of internationally renowned cardiac surgeon Steven R. Gundry, M.D. as the Medical Director of Desert Regional Medical Center's new International Heart Institute of Palm Springs.

Dr. Gundry's accomplishments in areas like robotic assisted heart surgery, congenital heart surgery, heart transplantation, inventor of cardioplegia catheters, minimally invasive valve surgery, mechanical support devices for the failing heart and reanimation of "dead" hearts have contributed to advancements in cardiac care.

"For more than 16 years, Dr. Steven Gundry's expertise has led to a number of innovations that have influenced the way we practice medicine," said Truman Gates, CEO of Desert Regional Medical Center. "Desert Regional Medical Center looks forward to the medical breakthroughs to come under Dr. Gundry's leadership right here at The International Heart Institute of Palm Springs."

Dr. Gundry has been the inventor of many medical devices that bear his name, including the "Gundry Retrograde Cardioplegia Cannula," a widely used device to infuse heart tissue with preservative solution during surgery. He is frequently introduced as one of the greatest surgical innovators of his time and has been honored with a listing as one of "America's Top Doctors."

Prior to joining DRMC, Dr. Steven R. Gundry was the Head of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical Director of Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Surgical ICU's, and Program Director of the Cardiothoracic Residency Program at Loma Linda University School of Medicine while continuing his numerous research projects. He is also a founding board member of the Society of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery. Dr. Gundry has written more than 200 articles and books about cardiac surgery.

"The cardiac team at Desert Regional Medical Center is one of the best in the area," said Gundry. "I look forward to working with them to provide unparalleled cardiac care to the Desert communities."

Dr. Gundry will be assisting the DRMC team of Cardiologists and Cardiac Surgeons in the development of The International Heart Institute of Palm Springs. The institute will strive to bring a new level of care to valley residents. In addition, through Gundry's expertise and reputation, the Institute will be reaching out on a national and international level. "The concept of a world-class cardiology center in the Coachella Valley is one we have been developing for quite some time," said Dr. Henry Louie, a cardiac surgeon at DRMC. "Having Dr. Gundry on board as medical director is a testament to the hospital's steadfast dedication to making the International Heart Institute of Palm Springs a reality."

For more information on the International Heart Institute of Palm Springs at Desert Regional Medical Center, call 760-778-5938.

Desert Regional Medical Center is a 388-bed facility in Palm Springs, designated as the Coachella Valley's only trauma center. The hospital offers a vast array of specialty services that include the Comprehensive Cancer Centers of the Desert, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the Richards Emergency/Trauma Services, the valley's only Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation unit, hospital-based psychiatric, home health and hospice services, a community Wellness Center, the Health Key Plus senior membership program and Healthy Beginnings pre- and post-natal maternity program. For more information on these and other services at Desert Regional Medical Center, visit the World Wide Web at www.desertmedctr.com.