By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
A new medical clinic that will provide cardiology and orthopedic medicine opened Thursday at the Val Verde Regional Medical Center.
The new clinic is located at the hospital’s main entrance on 801 N. Bedell Ave. Members of the Del Rio City Council, Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Laughlin Air Force Base attended the ribbon cutting.
Jorge Jurado, VVRMC’s chief executive officer, began the ribbon
cutting by saying the clinic is, “a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to expanding health care access for our community of Del Rio and Val Verde County.”
Jurado gave his gratitude to the “dedicated staff and medical professionals” at VVRMC, and the local leaders and community partners who attended the ceremony.
Jurado explained how the new clinic will help community members receive local health care instead of having to travel long distances to receive assistance in another city.
“This new clinic represents a significant step forward in addressing that challenge. By approving access to cardiology and orthopedic sports medicine, we’re not just offering specialized services, we are (also) providing our community with the convenience and peace of mind that comes with receiving top care close from home,” Jurado said.
The clinic’s heart health team consists of Dr. Stephen Korte, Dr. Imad Alwan, and Cynthia Hernandez. Hernandez spoke about the clinic and thanked everyone for coming out.
Hernandez, a Del Rio native, said she works closely with doctors to help patients manage heart failure, heart disease, heart attacks and other cardiac conditions.
Jurado talked about the clinic’s orthopedic sports medicine and said he was excited to bring the service line “back to life.” Jurado then introduced Dr. Jonathan Hoskins, who will be leading the orthopedic side of the clinic.
Hoskins said he traveled from the south side of Chicago, and has had work experience in the sports field, including working as the assistant physician for the Baltimore Ravens.
“I’m here, and I want to provide the best care and best treatments to you as I can. I want to prevent unnecessary travels to San Angelo, Eagle Pass, Uvalde, San Antonio. . . If we can treat you, I want to do that in the safest way I can and the best way I can. And if I can’t do that, then I promise I’ll get you where you need to be so you can get the proper care,” Hoskins said.
For his final comments, Hoskins talked about sports medicine and how it helps people at any age, whether they are in a sports team, or who enjoy hiking, bike-riding or other activities. He said his job is to, “get you back to where you were before; try to get you back into that function to enjoy life.”
