Registration Now Open for the 2026 HaysMed Diabetes Symposium

/in , , , /by

Join us on March 26, 2026, for the HaysMed Diabetes Symposium- an engaging, clinically focused continuing education event designed for healthcare professionals. The symposium will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., and registration is required.

We are pleased to feature a presentation by Kelly Flaska, Fitness and Aquatics Supervisor at The Center for Health Improvement. Kelly brings extensive expertise in diabetes solutions, group fitness, personal training, arthritis and aquatic programming, LiveWell, and specialized partner and group training. Her unique background bridges clinical insight with practical, real‑world approaches to improving patient outcomes.

Who Should Attend
This symposium is tailored for healthcare professionals seeking continuing education credits and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of emerging trends in diabetes care.

What to Expect
Participants will explore timely, evidence‑based topics shaping the future of diabetes treatment and management, including:

  • A deep dive into GLP‑1s and GIPs
  • Managing extreme weight loss
  • Nutritional considerations associated with GLP‑1s and GIPs
  • Addressing eating behaviors during weight loss
  • The Alzheimer’s–diabetes connection
  • Pre‑diabetes prevention and management
  • The critical role of exercise in diabetes care

Co‑hosted with the KU Area Health Education Center, this event offers a valuable opportunity to expand clinical knowledge, stay current on emerging research, and strengthen your ability to support individuals living with diabetes.

Register Today
Click here for full event details and to register

 

Relevant articles:
Save the Date – Diabetes Symposium – March 26, 2026

Diabetes Solutions

HaysMed Launches “Make Exercise Your Medicine” Wellness Campaign

/in , , /by

HaysMed and The Center for Health Improvement (CHI) are proud to introduce the Make Exercise Your Medicine campaign, an initiative designed to help our community view physical activity as a powerful tool for improving health and preventing disease.

Through this campaign, we’re encouraging patients to integrate movement into their care plan and discover the benefits of exercising at an accredited medical fitness facility.

The Make Exercise Your Medicine campaign highlights how targeted physical activity can support a wide range of health needs, including:

  • Weight-loss solutions
  • Pre/Post‑natal wellness
  • Menopause support
  • Trial membership opportunities
  • LiveWell Program: Supporting diabetes, heart health, obesity, fall prevention, general conditioning, pain management, and more. Click here to read more about the LiveWell Program.

By raising awareness of these resources, the campaign helps patients explore safe, medically guided ways to stay active, no matter where they are on their health journey. Patients interested in learning more or beginning their wellness journey are encouraged to ask their provider for a referral to The Center for Health Improvement.

Scan the QR code below or visit their website to read more about the CHI accredited medical fitness facility and the wellness services available.

With the Make Exercise Your Medicine campaign, HaysMed and The Center for Health Improvement are working together to inspire healthier habits, support long‑term wellness, and empower patients to take an active role in improving their overall well‑being.

On Your Mark: Sports Physicals Available at HaysMed

/in /by

Is your child preparing for the upcoming sports season? Make sure they’re ready to hit the field, court, or track with a sports physical at HaysMed!

To make it easy and convenient for families, HaysMed is offering three dedicated sports physical dates this summer at the HaysMed Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic:

  • Tuesday, June 17, 2025
  • Tuesday, July 15, 2025
  • Tuesday, August 19, 2025

No appointment is necessary—just walk in between 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Each sports physical is available for a flat fee of $35, and you do not need to be a current HaysMed patient to participate.

Ensure your athlete is cleared and ready to compete—stop by on one of the dates above and get it done quickly and easily at HaysMed!

Please remember to fill out the necessary forms before your visit to ensure a quick and seamless process. You can find and download all the required forms here: https://www.kshsaa.org/public/pdf/form-ppe.pdf

HaysMed Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic
3216 Vine, Suite 20
785-261-7065
Hours: M-F: 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Sat: 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sun: 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

You’re Invited – Hybrid O.R. Ribbon Cutting

/in , , , /by
HaysMed is thrilled to invite you to the grand opening of our state-of-the-art Hybrid Operating Room! Step inside this groundbreaking facility, the first of its kind in Kansas, and experience the future of heart healthcare.
 
You’ll have the chance to meet our team of cardiologists, Cath Lab, and surgeons, hear their inspiring stories, and see firsthand the innovative work that is transforming the health of our community!
 
Date & Time: TODAY! Thursday, March 27, 2025 – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: HaysMed DeBakey Heart Institute – Bickle Pavilion – Entrance A
 
This event is free to attend and open to everyone, including Hays Chamber of Commerce members and the public. We can’t wait to celebrate with you and share this exciting milestone!

HaysMed General Surgery – Meet Alaina Dresslar, PA

/in /by
Alaina Dresslar, PA, brings a wealth of expertise to HaysMed’s medical team, particularly in the areas of General Surgery, Wound Center, and the Hyperbaric Center. With a background as a certified Radiologic Technologist, she seamlessly integrates her skills to support wound healing processes.
 
Her extensive experience and proficiency make her an invaluable asset to the HaysMed Southwind Surgical medical team in providing comprehensive care to patients, ensuring optimal outcomes in complex medical scenarios.
 
For more information on Alaina or the General Surgery department, please visit HaysMed General Surgery.
Watch her video below:
Meet HaysMed General Surgery Alaina Dresslar, PA

HaysMed Announces Retirement of Dr. Kent Gleed, Welcomes New Electrophysiology Cardiologist Dr. Jacob Morgan

/in , , /by

The DeBakey Heart Institute at HaysMed announces Dr. Kent Gleed’s retirement, effective October 31, 2024. During his tenure, Dr. Gleed provided complex cardiology services to his patients and provided the region with care only found in larger cities. HaysMed extends its heartfelt thanks for his years of service and dedication and wishes him the best in his retirement.

HaysMed is also pleased to introduce Dr. Jacob Morgan, who joined the DeBakey Heart Institute in September. As a board-certified cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology, Dr. Morgan manages heart rhythm disorders and complex cardiac conditions. His recent collaboration with Dr. Gleed has fully prepared him to uphold the high standards of care that HaysMed patients rely on.

Dr. Morgan expressed his enthusiasm about joining HaysMed, stating, “In the two months that I’ve been at HaysMed, I’ve witnessed firsthand the hard work and passion of our entire HaysMed team— from nurses and clinic staff to billing—everyone works together for the betterment of Hays and our broader healthcare community. Having always called Western Kansas home, I am thrilled to contribute to the success of the DeBakey Heart Institute.”

Originally from Stockton, Kansas, Dr. Morgan graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, completing his postgraduate training in electrophysiology at Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His dedication to patient care and his expertise are key to supporting HaysMed’s mission of delivering superior healthcare and ensuring access to advanced treatments for all its patients.

HaysMed provides a highly successful team of cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, with the DeBakey Heart Institute team as the sole provider of this advanced service in rural western Kansas, delivering state-of-the-art care to our patients.

At HaysMed, we are committed to keeping your heart healthy.

The HaysMed DeBakey Heart Institute is located at 2220 Canterbury Drive, Entrance A, Hays, KS 67601. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call 785-625-4699 for appointments and assistance, or visit the HaysMed website.

 

Dr. Kent Gleed

Dr. Jacob Morgan

HaysMed Associates Honored for Years of Service

/in , , /by

On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, HaysMed celebrated the remarkable commitment of its 2024 Service Award recipients. This year, 131 HaysMed Associates were recognized for reaching significant career milestones, celebrating every five years of service. HaysMed proudly acknowledges the sustained contributions of these individuals, whose dedication has profoundly impacted the community and continually improved the quality of care HaysMed offers.

Those recognized were:

50 Years:
Karen Hendrickson
Doris Rack

45 Years:
Helen Windholz

40 Years:
Debra McLaren

35 Years:
Brett Baker
Marla Homburg
Carey Lewis
Karen Matal

30 Years:
Wanda Ball
Andy Beck
Amy Choitz
Debbie Gross Pfannenstiel
Tina Hotchkiss
Shannon Karst
Connie Kinderknecht
Dyane Manhart
Melissa Roe
Jim Rorstrom
Stephanie Stahl
Dionne Werth
Kay Werth
Susan Wilson

25 Years:
Tashia Becker
Todd Brungardt
Andrea Harmoney
Steph Howie
Sarah Koenigsman
David Lenser, MD
Carol Linenberger
Garrett Roe

20 Years:
Christy Befort
Christine Breinig
Aminda Brunner
Sarah Bussman
Laura Drees
Brett Johnson
Melissa Johnson
Ross Linenberger
Bridget Malir
Candice Norris
Joyce Peckham
Brian Pfannenstiel
Gina Rudman
Jody Schmidtberger
Denise Weigel
Kristie Williams
Tina Zimmerman

15 Years:
Amanda Brungardt
Erin Brungardt
Donna Burgess
Gregory Dietz
Chelsea Downing
Jackie Engel
Lacie Haas
Jessica Klaus
Abby Morris
Michael Mosshart
Cheryl Renz
Katelyn Rippe
Kari Ryan
Niki Smith
Abbey Stieben
Margo Straub
Chastity Thacker
Randi Ziegler

10 Years:
Kelsey Belzer
Robert Borthwick
Alaina Cunningham
Maggie Darnell
Roger Dietz, MD
Tara Dreiling
Kiel Emerson
Jessica Feldt
Kelli Flax
Kayla Gray, DO
Anne Marie Hager
Erin Hemphill, MD
Regan Krause
Marian Lindberg
Sarah Loewen
Mireya Serrano
Jade Thompson
Katlyn Vitztum
Rick Windholz
Tammy Wolf
Jill Zordel

5 Years:
Lindsay Anderson
Nancy Bixenman
Jaylea Black
Alexis Clarke
Kelly Cole
Deedee Cross
Spencer Delgado
Irene DeWitt
Kallyn DeWitt
Laurie Donovan
Luann Evert
Pedro Flores
Kevin Green
Danielle Hagan
Madeline Hoard
Kristin Hulett
Vicky Kassa Toulaboe
Caitlyn Kinser
Kayla Klaus
Dave Lay
Terri Lenser
Ashleigh Mabb
Michelle Maestas
Shelby Martin
Kevin McCarter
Mark Pakkebier
Melanie Petz
Ricky Rupp
Thomas Rupp
Dawson Sandoval
Mikayla Scheck
Maegan Scholz
Sara Schulte
Abby Scinto
Tina Staab
Natalie Taylor
Tina Tinkel
Nicole Walt
Bryce Wasinger
Coy Weigel
Shannon Werth
Jana Zeller
Leonard Zetko
Katelyn Zimmerman

Amanda Ray, APRN joins HaysMed Convenient Care Clinic

/in , , /by

HaysMed is pleased to announce the addition of Amanda Ray, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), to the team at the Convenient Care Clinic.

Amanda Ray, APRN, earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Nursing from Fort Hays State University and went on to obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. She has previously served at HaysMed in the Pulmonology and ENT Clinic, as well as the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute.

Ray and the team at HaysMed’s Walk-In Convenient Care Clinic provide high-quality care that is quick, convenient, and affordable for patients of all ages, from children to adults. The clinic addresses conditions that require immediate attention but are not life-threatening or severe enough to warrant a visit to the emergency department.

Ray’s addition represents a significant step in HaysMed’s ongoing efforts to expand and improve its services in response to the evolving healthcare needs of the Hays community.

 

HaysMed Celebrates National Hospital Week with Weeklong Festivities and Awards Ceremony

/in , , /by

HaysMed is thrilled to announce its celebration of National Hospital Week, taking place from May 12th to May 18th, 2024. This annual celebration honors the dedication and commitment of healthcare professionals who tirelessly serve their communities, and HaysMed is proud to recognize the exceptional contributions of its staff.

Throughout the week, HaysMed will host a series of activities and events to commemorate the remarkable efforts of its healthcare team. The highlight of National Hospital Week at HaysMed will be the Award Winner Celebration on Monday, May 13th, 2024. During this special event, HaysMed will honor the recipients of its prestigious awards, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields. The awards include:

  • Advanced Practice Provider of the Year – Alaina D. Dresslar, PA-C
  • Norman W. Jeter Humanitarian Award – Deb Miller, Mobile Ultrasound Coordinator
  • Sr. Mary J. Mollison Nurse of the Year – LeAnn Dix, RN, BSN
  • Vic Eddy, MD, Physician of the Year – Steven R. Waring, MD

“These awards are a testament to the exceptional talent of our Associates,” said Eddie Herrman, HaysMed President and CEO. “We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and grateful for their unwavering commitment to providing high-quality care to our patients.”

Alaina D. Dresslar, a Physician Assistant certified in general surgery at HaysMed Southwind Surgical, has been awarded the Advanced Practice Provider of the Year. This recognition is bestowed upon an advanced practice provider who not only supports the vision, mission, and goals of HaysMed but also exemplifies demonstrating clinical expertise in patient care within the healthcare community.

Deb Miller, the highly respected Mobile Ultrasound Coordinator at HaysMed, has been recognized with The Norman W. Jeter Humanitarian Award. This award honors an individual’s exceptional dedication to medical excellence and human kindness, qualities that Deb has exemplified throughout her nearly 46-year tenure in the medical field.

LeAnn Dix, an experienced Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, has been honored with the Sr. Mary J. Mollison Nurse of the Year Award, a recognition that celebrates a nurse who embodies excellence in nursing practice and patient care. With over two decades of service at HaysMed, LeAnn’s commitment to her profession and her patients is undeniable.

Dr. Steven R. Waring, a dedicated family medicine physician, has been awarded the prestigious Vic Eddy, MD Physician of the Year Award. This esteemed accolade is given to a physician who demonstrates an exceptional level of clinical expertise and an extraordinary dedication to enhancing healthcare delivery within the community.

HaysMed invites members of the community to join in the celebration of National Hospital Week and express gratitude to healthcare professionals for their invaluable contributions. For more information about National Hospital Week celebrations at HaysMed, please call 785-623-2265.

Governor Kelly Tours HaysMed; Relaunches “Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy” Tour

/in , , /by

Office of the Kansas Governor

HAYS – Governor Laura Kelly today toured HaysMed in Ellis County as she relaunches the “Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy” tour.  Governor Kelly will be touring the state, meeting with Kansans to discuss the importance of Medicaid expansion before the legislature returns at the end of the month.

When legislators return on April 26, Senators will have the opportunity to bring Medicaid expansion to a debate and vote in the Senate.

“When they return on April 26th, the legislature will decide if they want to keep moving Kansas forward,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By voting to expand Medicaid, Kansans in in every corner of the state would have access to the affordable, high-quality health care they deserve.”

In January, Governor Kelly’s Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act was introduced in the Kansas House and Senate.  The legislation would increase access to health care for 150,000 Kansans while injecting $1.2 billion in annual federal funding into Kansas’ economy and creating 23,000 new jobs.

The upcoming vote on Medicaid expansion comes after legislators met in March for a joint session of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee and an informational hearing in the House Health and Human Services Committee. More than 900 pieces of written testimony were presented in those meetings. Edward Herrman, President and CEO of HaysMed was one of the Senate conferees that spoke about the impact of not expanding Medicaid has on his hospital.

“As the HaysMed President and CEO overseeing healthcare delivery, I can attest firsthand to the critical need for Medicaid expansion,” said Edward Herrman, President and CEO of HaysMed. “Our hospitals are on the frontline, serving those in need regardless of their ability to pay. Medicaid expansion isn’t just a policy; it’s a lifeline for countless individuals and families, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. We would like to thank Governor Kelly for her support in this critical initiative of expanding Medicaid for Kansans.”

This tour allowed HaysMed to further emphasize to legislators the need for Medicaid expansion and the impact access to essential health care services has on rural Kansans and the communities they represent.

The hospital invited legislators representing Ellis County and the surrounding area to the tour.

The most recent survey data from the Sunflower Foundation shows that nearly 70 percent of Kansans support Medicaid expansion. This includes a majority of Republican primary voters and 83 percent of small business owners.

“I urge Kansans in every corner of the state to write, call, or meet with their legislators,” Governor Kelly said. “Tell them Medicaid expansion must be debated and passed now. Let them know how critical this is for your family and your communities.”

This year was the first time Medicaid expansion had been given a hearing in four years.

Kansans can find contact information for their local legislator here.

ADDRESS

2220 Canterbury
Hays, KS 67601

855-429-7633

CONVENIENT CARE

3216 Vine, Suite 20
Hays, KS 67601

785-261-7065

NURSE HOTLINE

M-F 4:30PM – 8AM
Weekends & Holidays 24 hrs

1-855-Haysmed

COMPANY

About Us
Careers
Contact Us
Referrals