CHRISTUS Heart and Vascular Institute in Sulphur Springs welcomes first patient

Joe Bob Burgin is no stranger to the healthcare system in Sulphur Springs. Burgin was part of the hospital board when it was still Hopkins County Memorial Hospital and was integral in the successful merger with CHRISTUS Health in 2016.

When he found out CHRISTUS Health was expanding cardiology services to his hometown with the creation of the Heart and Vascular Institute – Sulphur Springs, to say he was excited is an understatement.

“I am a CHRISTUS guy and I know what great work they do,” he said. “I am excited to see more of their high-quality care being offered to our community.”

On Tuesday, June 4, Burgin, who served as chair of the Texas Healthcare Trustees organization in 2023, was the first patient seen in the Heart and Vascular Institute – Sulphur Springs.

His history with the hospital in Sulphur Springs gave him great insight into the importance of expanding cardiac care in rural East Texas, especially for the older and more vulnerable population.

“Knowing we have more access to specialized care is a great value to our community,” he said.

Heart and Vascular Institute providers are part of the larger CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic cardiology team that currently employs more than 100 cardiologists, electrophysiologists, surgeons, and advanced practice clinicians in the Northeast Texas region.

They will also work in close coordination with the teams at the Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital in Tyler, which has earned the National Distinction of Excellence as a HeartCARE Center four times from the American College of Cardiology, has earned a Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center certification from the American Heart Association and the Joint Commission, while maintaining a top-ranked heart surgery program as designated by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

As for Burgin, he summed up his experience at the new Heart and Vascular Institute – Sulphur Springs, succinctly: “I was so impressed with my doctor, he was very thorough, and I have nothing but good things to say.”

The Heart and Vascular Institute is located at 100 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. New and existing patients can call (903) 438-8330 to schedule an appointment.