ST. JOSEPH — Lakeland Health is expanding cardiac services in Michiana with the addition of Lakeland Cardiothoracic, formerly known as Lakeshore Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery. Current providers, Kourosh Baghelai, MD, and Ryan Bowen, PA, will continue to care for patients diagnosed with an array of conditions that affect the heart and vascular system with locations in Coloma, Niles, and St. Joseph. Cardiothoracic surgeon, Stephen Dickson Jr., MD, will join the practice in July.

“With chest pain being the second-most common complaint at Lakeland Emergency Departments, we are pleased to expand access to cardiac services in our community with the addition of Lakeland Cardiothoracic,” said Warren White, vice president of Physician Practices, Lakeland Health. “As a Lakeland Medical Practice, Lakeland Cardiothoracic has the support of a reputable 15 Top U.S. health system including access to two certified Chest Pain Centers at both the Niles and St. Joseph hospitals.”

According to The Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Adult Cardiac Surgery Database, cardiac patients at Lakeland spend less time on a ventilator after surgery (74 percent are extubated in less than six hours compared to 55 percent STS), there are fewer pulmonary complications (4.3 percent at Lakeland vs. 12.3 percent STS), and less kidney failure (0 percent at Lakeland vs. 2.2 percent STS).

For more information about the practice and services offered, or to schedule an appointment, call (269) 408-1660.

Lakeland Health is a non-profit, community-owned health system, which includes three hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, a cancer center, rehabilitation centers, long-term care, hospice, home care services and physician practices. Lakeland was ranked as a 15 Top U.S. Health System by Truven Health Analytics in 2017. The health system has more than 4,000 employees who provide clinical and support services at locations throughout southwest Michigan, and partners with more than 450 affiliated physicians and other providers.

For more information, visit lakelandhealth.org.