• Dr. David Gonzalez details challenges of setting up such a facility.

Recently Dr. David Gonzalez, a cardiologist with Star Valley Health spoke with Duke Dance as part of the Weekday Wake-up radio program and spoke of the work being done to bring better heart health to the valley.

Dr. Gonzalez has been practicing in the valley for approximately a year and a half and has helped establish the first permanent cardiology department in the valley. A native of south Texas but growing up in southwest Colorado, his career spans 35 years and he most recently spent 15 years at Portneuf Regional Medical Center in Pocatello prior to coming to Star Valley.

“We are in the process of building a new heart lab in Alpine which we are pretty excited about,” he said.  “I believe as of now a tentative start date for that lab, which will also include an ER and an urgent care center, that is opening sometime in November.”

Gonzales pointed out that this type of project takes a huge commitment from the administrative portion of the hospital as well as the foundation.

“They all decided to expand health care availability in the valley due to growth,” he continued. “They needed to allocate funds, hire someone like myself as well as purchase equipment.”

Dr. Gonzales also recalled some humble beginnings just a year and a half ago.

“We had two exam rooms and one office that me and my nurse shared,” he stated. “Now we have a Physicians Assistant, a Medical Assistant, my nurse, myself and two offices. We also spend time in Alpine as well. We’ve made a lot of progress in that year and a half.”

Gonzales stated in order to keep his skills up to date he also drives to Pocatello to perform procedures there.

The lab will be what Gonzales described as a “hybrid” lab which will have a pain management component with Dr. Brian McClure as well as area orthopedists.

“Now we are purchasing all the equipment that we need,” he continued. “It’s almost overwhelming but we have a lot of people who are helping us get this organized and we can’t wait to have the grand opening.”

When asked if having a facility such as this one in an area like Star Valley was common, Dr. Gonzales answered with the following.

“It’s unique,” he said. “It’s a critical access hospital. You just don’t see these types of facilities in small communities like this one. The powers that be felt that it would benefit the community. I think you’ll see things continuing to expand. I’m optimistic and excited about the direction of things.”