HaysMed is excited to announce that Tina Kirton, a registered nurse in the HaysMed Intensive Care Unit, has been named the newest HealthCare Champion. Tina was recognized by a grateful patient’s family for her outstanding compassion and care. A family member shared this heartfelt testimony:

“Tina took amazing care of my mom in the ICU. She came in and showed why she is a nurse. She went above and beyond to make sure things were up to her standards. She stayed in constant contact with my mom and checked on her regularly.”

In the photo, Tina is joined by her fellow Associates at HaysMed: Janine, Kathie, Brielle, Kourtney, Kinsey, Stephanie (front row), and Natalie, Dawson, Rami, and Jeffrey (back row).

The HealthCare Champion program at HaysMed allows patients and their families to recognize those who made a special impact during their stay. There is no higher compliment than being acknowledged by a patient or family for exceptional care.

Do you have a HealthCare Champion at HaysMed who touched your life? Visit the HaysMed Foundation HealthCare Champion website to share your story and help us celebrate the heroes among us.

In the photo, Tina is joined by her fellow Associates at HaysMed: Janine, Kathie, Brielle, Kourtney, Kinsey, Stephanie (front row), and Natalie, Dawson, Rami, and Jeffrey (back row).

Edward Herrman among four U.S. hospital leaders selected to advise Secretary Kennedy on national health policy

HaysMed President and CEO Edward (Eddie) Herrman was recently selected as one of only four hospital executives nationwide to participate in a special healthcare policy roundtable with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in Washington, D.C.

The April 17 meeting, hosted at the HHS headquarters, brought together a select group of health system leaders to discuss the future of American healthcare with a focus on the ‘Making America Healthy Again’ (MAHA) initiative, rural access challenges, administrative burden reduction, and the use of digital health and AI.

“It was an incredible honor to represent not only HaysMed but also the entire rural health landscape in Kansas,” said Herrman. “Secretary Kennedy was engaged and direct. He not only wanted to hear our challenges; he asked for specifics and solutions.”

During the 75-minute session, Herrman highlighted the unique healthcare delivery challenges faced by providers in rural areas, including transportation barriers, food scarcity, lack of post-acute care options, and inequities in federal pilot programs.

HaysMed, a leading regional tertiary center in western Kansas, serves a vast geographic area stretching westward with no comparable providers until Denver. Herrman emphasized the importance of continued federal support for rural hospitals that act as lifelines for their communities.

He also brought forward key concerns around Medicare Advantage denials, excessive administrative and compliance requirements, and the discontinuation of preventative outreach programs due to funding limitations.

“Rural hospitals like HaysMed are doing everything we can to keep our communities healthy,” Herrman added. “But we need the federal government to recognize how different the rural reality is from urban America.”

According to Herrman, Secretary Kennedy requested a detailed list of regulatory burdens and associated costs to help guide forthcoming policy reform efforts.

“It’s a testament to the reputation our team has built at HaysMed,” said Herrman. “Our participation shows that rural voices matter and that we can help shape national policy for the better.”

Related content:

Secretary Kennedy Meets With Hospital CEOs video on X

First Look – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Roundtable with HaysMed CEO

HaysMed Leader Invited to Roundtable with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

HaysMed Leader Invited to Prestigious Roundtable with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

HaysMed is proud to announce that Eddie Herrman, HaysMed President and CEO, has been invited by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to participate in an exclusive in-person roundtable with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The event will take place at HHS headquarters in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

This roundtable will provide a unique platform for hospital leaders to engage in meaningful discussions with Secretary Kennedy and HHS leadership. The focus will be on several critical topics that are vital to the healthcare community in Kansas, including strategies to reduce administrative burden, promoting continuity of care, and incentivizing coordination and innovation.

Eddie Herrman’s participation in this roundtable is a testament to his expertise in the field of healthcare and is a remarkable opportunity for HaysMed to be represented at a national level, showcasing the hospital’s commitment to innovation in advanced rural healthcare.

While the economic contributions of hospitals are substantial, the healthcare sector faces challenges, including workforce shortages, evolving regulatory landscapes, and financial pressures from uncompensated care. HaysMed continues to adapt by investing in workforce development, embracing technological advancements, and collaborating with community partners to address social determinants of health.

HaysMed President and CEO Eddie Herrman, attending the Western Kansas Congressional Delegation from Hays and Ellis County, Kansas event on April 8, 2025.

Dr. Wally Walstrom, a sports medicine physician at HaysMed Orthopedic Institute, plays a pivotal role in the athletic community of western Kansas. Serving as the team doctor for Fort Hays State University (FHSU), Dr. Walstrom oversees the health and well-being of the university’s student athletes, who outnumber those at any other college in Kansas. His responsibilities extend to leading a team of 13 HaysMed athletic trainers from local high schools and FHSU, ensuring comprehensive care for athletes across the region.

Recently, Dr. Walstrom accepted the prestigious role of chair of the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee for the Kansas State High School Athletic Association (KSHSAA). This committee is instrumental in shaping policies and recommendations for high school athletics in Kansas. Under Dr. Walstrom’s leadership, the committee has tackled critical issues such as concussion protocols and over-training in youth sports.

Concussion protocols have become a focal point across all levels of sports, from professional leagues to youth athletics. Dr. Walstrom’s committee is dedicated to updating the Return to Play guidelines, ensuring that athletes recover safely and effectively. The committee comprises a diverse group of professionals, including athletic trainers, physicians, administrators, coaches, school nurses, and clinical psychologists, all working together to enhance athlete safety.

Over-training in youth sports has gained attention in recent years due to the increasing number of injuries among young athletes. Dr. Walstrom’s committee is addressing this issue by implementing new guidelines, which will be available in digital format in the spring and paper copies in the fall for all Kansas high schools. This initiative aims to provide accessible and practical resources to prevent over-training and promote healthy athletic development.

Another significant focus for Dr. Walstrom and his committee is the improvement of Pre-Participation Physical Examinations (PPEs), commonly known as sports physicals. Traditionally, these physicals are required to be completed between May 1st and the start of the school year in August, creating a time crunch for both providers and families. Dr. Walstrom is advocating for an extended timeframe to make the process more convenient and family-friendly while maintaining the highest standards of athlete safety.

Dr. Walstrom’s contributions to sports medicine extend beyond his clinical duties. His leadership and commitment to advancing health and safety protocols for athletes have made a lasting impact on the community. Through his work at HaysMed and his involvement with KSHSAA, Dr. Walstrom continues to champion the well-being of athletes, ensuring they receive the best possible care and support.

For more information or to request an appointment, please visit HaysMed Sports Medicine and Performance.