Dr. Wally Walstrom, a sports medicine physician at HaysMed Orthopedic Institute, plays a pivotal role in the athletic community of western Kansas. Serving as the team doctor for Fort Hays State University (FHSU), Dr. Walstrom oversees the health and well-being of the university’s student athletes, who outnumber those at any other college in Kansas. His responsibilities extend to leading a team of 13 HaysMed athletic trainers from local high schools and FHSU, ensuring comprehensive care for athletes across the region.

Recently, Dr. Walstrom accepted the prestigious role of chair of the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee for the Kansas State High School Athletic Association (KSHSAA). This committee is instrumental in shaping policies and recommendations for high school athletics in Kansas. Under Dr. Walstrom’s leadership, the committee has tackled critical issues such as concussion protocols and over-training in youth sports.

Concussion protocols have become a focal point across all levels of sports, from professional leagues to youth athletics. Dr. Walstrom’s committee is dedicated to updating the Return to Play guidelines, ensuring that athletes recover safely and effectively. The committee comprises a diverse group of professionals, including athletic trainers, physicians, administrators, coaches, school nurses, and clinical psychologists, all working together to enhance athlete safety.

Over-training in youth sports has gained attention in recent years due to the increasing number of injuries among young athletes. Dr. Walstrom’s committee is addressing this issue by implementing new guidelines, which will be available in digital format in the spring and paper copies in the fall for all Kansas high schools. This initiative aims to provide accessible and practical resources to prevent over-training and promote healthy athletic development.

Another significant focus for Dr. Walstrom and his committee is the improvement of Pre-Participation Physical Examinations (PPEs), commonly known as sports physicals. Traditionally, these physicals are required to be completed between May 1st and the start of the school year in August, creating a time crunch for both providers and families. Dr. Walstrom is advocating for an extended timeframe to make the process more convenient and family-friendly while maintaining the highest standards of athlete safety.

Dr. Walstrom’s contributions to sports medicine extend beyond his clinical duties. His leadership and commitment to advancing health and safety protocols for athletes have made a lasting impact on the community. Through his work at HaysMed and his involvement with KSHSAA, Dr. Walstrom continues to champion the well-being of athletes, ensuring they receive the best possible care and support.

For more information or to request an appointment, please visit HaysMed Sports Medicine and Performance.

HaysMed is honored to collaborate with Midwest Transplant Network and Saving Sight to save and improve lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation. We are excited to celebrate #NationalDonateLifeMonth throughout April.

To learn more about this event and National Donate Life Month, please click here.

Many HaysMed departments play a vital role in the organ and tissue donation process. To show our appreciation, our team delivered freshly baked cookies throughout the hospital today! Featured in photos:

Heidi, HaysMed Vascular Access, Key Contact
Karen, HaysMed Hospice Supervisor
Bailey, HaysMed ICU RN
Ashley, HaysMed PCU RN
Nikki, Hospital Services Coordinator at Midwest Transplant Network
HaysMed Security Protective Services
HaysMed Respiratory Therapy
HaysMed ICU
HaysMed Health Information Management Department
HaysMed Admissions

HaysMed is setting a new standard in cardiac care with the opening of its Hybrid Operating Room (OR), which blends the capabilities of a cardiac catheterization lab (Cath Lab) and a traditional OR to address conditions previously treatable only with open-heart surgery. The Hybrid OR combines a cardiac surgical operating room with an advanced diagnostic imaging suite. This state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in Kansas, including Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita, featuring X-ray equipment with advanced capabilities, including one-slice CT imaging.

Eddie Herrman, President and CEO of HaysMed, expressed his pride in this significant achievement: “We are incredibly proud to be the first in the state of Kansas to establish a Hybrid OR with such advanced technology and C-arm imaging capability. This groundbreaking facility represents a major milestone in our commitment to providing the highest quality of cardiac care. It allows us to offer innovative procedures with greater precision and efficiency, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and setting a new standard for healthcare in our region.”

Dr. Niranjan Seshadri, one of HaysMed’s esteemed cardiologists, provided a tour of the state-of-the-art OR, stating, “This Hybrid OR represents a monumental leap in our ability to provide comprehensive cardiac care. The integration of advanced imaging and surgical capabilities in one room allows us to perform complex procedures with greater precision and efficiency, ultimately improving patient outcomes.”

HaysMed interventional cardiologist, Dr. Niranjan Seshadri, provided a tour of the state-of-the-art Hybrid OR.

State-of-the-Art Facility

Over 4,400 square feet were renovated inside the DeBakey Heart Institute at HaysMed to create this Hybrid OR space. For reference, a basketball court is 4,700 square feet. Spaces moved or renovated include relocating and updating the HaysMed Echocardiogram, EKG, and Nuclear Medicine offices and clinic, Hybrid OR control room, locker room and lounges for Cath Lab and surgery teams.

The Hybrid OR is a significant investment toward ensuring HaysMed continues offering innovative tools and procedures. This achievement is made possible by generous financial support from local and regional donors dedicated to advancing local healthcare.

The process began in 2018, with the HaysMed Foundation implementing plans to supplement the cost of the project. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant increase in construction material and labor costs, temporarily halting the project. Upon resumption, it has taken approximately 12 months of dedicated work to reach the current stage. Notably, the roof had to be removed, and a special crane was utilized to deliver the truss and framework for the X-ray equipment and booms. The room also features lead-lined walls to help absorb the imaging scans for precise scanning during the cases.

HaysMed is the only hospital in the state of Kansas to have this updated technology, including the Philips Azurion image-guided therapy table and cutting-edge X-ray equipment that produces instantaneous images during the procedure. Using this state-of-the-art equipment, HaysMed providers are able to use less contrast while imaging, a benefit for patients with kidney issues.

Community Impact and Support

Jeff Brull, HaysMed Foundation Executive Director, recognized the pivotal role of major contributors: “These investments from the Bickle Family Foundation, Dennis and Patricia Norris Family, J.E. And L.E. Mabee Foundation, Schmidt Foundation, Hadley Foundation, Verlin and Elaine Pfannenstiel, High Plains Farm Credit, and dozens of other contributors represent approximately $4.2M, about half of the total project cost. We’re excited about the expanded services this project represents to the entire region. It benefits our neighbors and friends and it was built by our neighbors and friends right here in rural Kansas.”

Also announced during the ribbon cutting was an endowed memorial gift of $250,000 from the Hadley Foundation in honor of Dr. Paul McRae for the future benefit of cardiac health at the DeBakey Heart Institute. McRae served on the Hadley Regional Medical Center and Hadley Foundation Boards of Directors for a combined 52 years prior to his passing last September.

Eddie Herrman, HaysMed President and CEO at the Hybrid Operating Room grand opening.

Comprehensive Cardiac Care

HaysMed provides comprehensive cardiac care to patients across Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. With the introduction of new technology, the hospital can now enable real-time collaboration, significantly reducing both short and long-term complications. In 2024 alone, our Cath Lab performed over 1,600 procedures. This advancement will further enhance the capabilities of our cardiac and Cath Lab teams, including cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, radiologists, perfusionist, and other specialists.

The HaysMed Hybrid OR’s versatility allows for better surgical planning, reduced patient transfers, and improved outcomes by integrating real-time imaging with complex procedures. Common services performed in a Hybrid OR include a wide range of cardiovascular and endovascular procedures. These services include Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR/TAVI), Hybrid Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), and coronary angioplasty and stenting. The Hybrid OR also facilitates minimally invasive valve replacement, heart valve replacement and repair, watchman, lead extraction, and Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) insertion. Advanced procedures like cardiac and thoracic surgeries, aortic aneurysm repair, and carotid endarterectomy are performed here. Furthermore, combined cases involving the Cath Lab, Electrophysiology Lab, and interventional radiology are seamlessly integrated within this state-of-the-art facility.

Dr. Travis Haneke, HaysMed interventional cardiologist, shared his excitement: ” The new Hybrid OR is a transformative development for our patients in western Kansas and surrounding areas. This advanced facility enables us to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision and safety and improving overall outcomes. Hays Med’s commitment to providing such cutting-edge technology to utilize in patient care was a significant factor in my decision to join HaysMed.”

HaysMed cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr. Jacob Morgan echoed this sentiment: “The organization clearly has an eye on the future of heart health. The Hays community is incredibly fortunate to have this facility in their backyard. It’s an honor to be part of a team that is dedicated to bringing the latest advancements in cardiac care to our region.”

Left to right: Dr. Travis Haneke, HaysMed interventional cardiologist and HaysMed cardiologist and electrophysiologist, Dr. Jacob Morgan featured inside the new Hybrid Operating Room

The entire journey patients take to get to the Hybrid OR is appreciated, including the dedicated efforts of the DeBakey Heart Institute clinic staff, nurses, advanced practice providers, cardiologists, and cardiovascular surgeons.

With this groundbreaking facility, HaysMed is setting a new standard in cardiac and surgical care—bringing the future of medicine to the community and western Kansas today.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and this year’s theme, “Together We Act, United We Change,” emphasizes the critical importance of collective action in addressing and preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. This national campaign, provided by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, aims to enhance public understanding of sexual violence, amplify the voices of survivors, and empower communities to work together to promote safety and well-being.

Understanding Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. Statistics reveal that over 53% of women and over 29% of men have reported experiencing contact sexual violence. These alarming figures highlight the urgent need for education and action to create safer environments for everyone.

Education is the first step to action, empowering our communities to be part of the solution. When workplaces, schools, and communities work together to uphold safety and respect, we make progress in preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.

HaysMed’s Commitment to the Community

At HaysMed, we are dedicated to supporting survivors and enhancing community safety. We are proud to have a team of nine specially trained forensic nurses serving Ellis County and the surrounding communities. These professionals provide compassionate care and essential services to those affected by sexual violence. The HaysMed team provides medical care, counseling, and resources to help individuals heal and regain control of their lives. This collaboration connects our community with advanced services and direct access to cardiologists and advanced practice providers, ensuring comprehensive care close to home.

Trisha Haskell, HaysMed Forensic Program Coordinator said, “At HaysMed, we are dedicated to providing specialized forensic nursing services to support individuals affected by violence. In our rural community, it is essential to offer comprehensive care to people of all ages. We strive to work closely with community partners to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of everyone we serve.”

Throughout April, HaysMed will raise awareness for sexual assault, and we invite you to join us in making a positive impact. “Together We Act, United We Change” is more than a theme—it’s a call to action. By working together, we can address and prevent sexual violence, support survivors, and promote the safety and well-being of everyone in our communities.

Related article: HaysMed Highlight – Forensic SANE Program