HaysMed is pleased to welcome Sarah Powers, APRN, to the DeBakey Heart Institute cardiovascular and thoracic surgery team. Sarah has been a valued member of the HaysMed team since 2010, serving in a variety of clinical roles across the organization. Most recently, she completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Fort Hays State University, further elevating her ability to deliver advanced, patient-centered care.

Sarah began her career at HaysMed as a float CNA in the clinics and launched her nursing career on the medical floor. She later transitioned to the ICU, where she developed a strong interest in complex patient care and cardiology. Over the years, she has supported several departments, including Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Associate Health, and most recently, the Emergency Room.

“I’ve truly enjoyed serving the people of western Kansas and Hays,” said Powers. “Working in both the clinic and in the OR is something I’m really looking forward to. I’ve professionally grown up with these nurses, providers, and staff. Being on both sides of inpatient and outpatient care is a real passion of mine, and I’m very excited for what’s ahead.”

In her new role, Sarah will provide comprehensive cardiology care, supporting both inpatient and outpatient services, and contributing to the continued growth of the DeBakey Heart Institute’s mission to deliver exceptional cardiovascular care to the region.

Please join us in welcoming Sarah Powers, APRN, as she continues her journey of compassionate, expert care, now as a key member of the HaysMed cardiology team.

Sarah Powers, APRN

Meet Bob Sanderson- a western Kansas native, Ironman triathlete, and a true testament to lifelong athleticism. Bob has completed in more than 100 triathlons, including eight full Ironman races and 21 half-Ironman distance competitions. Bob recently placed 3rd in his age group at the Kona Ironman World Championship at age 77, after placing 25^th at the 2022 World Championship at age 74.

Behind every great athlete is a great team. Dr. Wally Walstrom, Sports Medicine physician at the HaysMed Orthopedic Institute, is part of Bob’s dedicated health team, working closely with him and his physical therapist to support his training and performance. Their shared passion for chemistry and human physiology makes every visit a lively exchange of ideas and inspiration.

Bob also earned the title of USAT 2023 Age Group National Champion in the Intermediate distance triathlon, held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  “It’s all mental,” Bob says. And he’s not slowing down; he’s now looking forward to mentoring the next generation of triathletes right here in Hays.

At HaysMed Orthopedic Institute and Sports Medicine, we’re proud to support athletes of all levels- from weekend pickleball players to world-class Ironman competitors. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just getting back in the game, we’re here to help you move forward.

We’re honored to be part of Bob’s journey and celebrate the power of perseverance, partnership, and passion.

Dr. Wally Walstrom, HaysMed Sports Medicine physician, pictured with triathlete Bob Sanderson.

HaysMed is pleased to announce that its Hospice and Palliative Care program has once again been awarded a 5-star rating by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), as published on the official federal healthcare comparison platform, Medicare.gov. This distinction represents the highest level of quality recognition available for hospice care providers in the United States.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, oversees the Medicare.gov Care Compare tool, which evaluates and reports on the quality of care delivered by healthcare providers nationwide. The 5-star rating reflects HaysMed’s continued excellence in delivering compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals facing terminal illnesses.

Sarah Dreiling, RN, Director of Clinical Care at HaysMed, expressed her pride in the team’s achievement, “This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our hospice nurses, physicians, social worker, pastoral care, and volunteers. Their commitment to providing comfort, dignity, and support to patients and their families is truly exceptional.”

Dr. Kayla Gray, DO, Medical Director for Hospice, added,  “We are honored to receive this distinction once again. Our team is deeply committed to ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care during life’s most vulnerable moments.”

According to the CMS rating, hospice services are designed to support patients with terminal diagnoses such as cancer, dementia, stroke, heart disease, and respiratory conditions. Medicare.gov encourages families to consider both the types of conditions treated and the quality-of-care ratings when selecting a hospice provider.

To assist families in making informed decisions, please visit the HaysMed Hospice and Palliative Care webpage which also includes frequently asked questions.

For more information about HaysMed’s Hospice and Palliative Care services, please visit the webpage or contact (785) 623-6200.

Featured in the photos are a few of the incredible individuals behind our HaysMed Hospice and Palliative Care services.

HaysMed proudly celebrated the graduation of 26 registered nurses from the 2025 Registered Nurse (RN) Residency Program, accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The year-long residency offered immersive clinical training across key departments and specialties. Through hands-on experience, personalized mentorship, and structured professional development, the program equipped these new nurses with the skills and confidence to thrive in today’s dynamic healthcare environment.

Residency Coordinator Jana Zeller, commended the graduates for their dedication and growth throughout the program. The graduation ceremony was attended by HaysMed leadership, including directors and supervisors from the departments where the residents trained, underscoring the collaboration and commitment to excellence that defines the program.

“This celebration is more than a milestone,” said Joben Rieth, HaysMed Chief Nursing Officer. “It’s a testament to the hard work of our residents and the unwavering support of our clinical teams. Together, we’re shaping the future of nursing in our community.”

HaysMed remains committed to fostering the next generation of nursing professionals, ensuring high-quality, compassionate care for the communities we serve.

The 2025 graduating class includes:

Members of the Class of 2025 at their graduation celebration.