Blessing Health System and MDH Form Heart Care Partnership

QUINCY, Ill. - Patients in the region served by McDonough District Hospital now have convenient access to advanced heart care provided by cardiologists of the Blessing Health System.

Effective September 10, Drs. Steven Krause, Irving Schwartz and Eliot Nissenbaum, cardiologists, Blessing Physician Services, will see patients at McDonough District Hospital three days a week.

“Blessing Health System has developed a very impressive, comprehensive cardiac program,” said Brian E. Dietz, FACHE, president/chief executive officer, McDonough District Hospital. “McDonough District Hospital is fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the Blessing physicians in growing and expanding our cardiac services for McDonough County and the surrounding area.”

“It is our hope that we will have the opportunity to capitalize on the scope of services and geographic proximity that the Blessing Health System has to offer. In partnership with our medical staff, we look forward with anticipation to expanding our cardiac services coverage to this region with Blessing Health System,” Dietz added.

“Blessing Health System is committed to providing affordable, convenient access to healthcare,” said Maureen Kahn, RN, MHA, MSN, president/chief executive officer, Blessing Health System/Blessing Hospital. “We want to help relieve a bit of the stress and anxiety people experience when facing a healthcare situation by not having them travel long distances to get the healthcare they need.”

“McDonough District Hospital administrators, providers and staff share that commitment, making this partnership to treat our country’s leading cause of mortality– heart disease – strong and vital to improving the health of the communities,” Kahn concluded.

Tests and procedures that can be done at McDonough District Hospital will be performed there. The patient will be referred to Blessing Health System for tests and procedures not available at MDH.

 “Blessing cardiologists have a passion for healing,” said Scott Koelliker, executive vice president, Blessing Physician Services. “Their mission is to bring their life-saving knowledge and skills to people in need. We appreciate the opportunity to work with McDonough District Hospital providers to help make a difference in the lives of people in the northern communities of western Illinois.”

Patients may schedule appointments to see the Blessing cardiologists at MDH by calling Blessing’s Cardiology Department, 217-214-3424. Information regarding Blessing’s heart care can be found on blessinghealth.org.

Meet the cardiologists

Steven Krause, DO, MHA, FACOI, Interventional Cardiology: Dr. Krause is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine with added qualifications in Cardiology and interventional cardiology. He completed a Cardiology Fellowship at Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL; and an Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at St. James Hospital, Olympia Fields, Illinois. Dr. Krause completed an Internal Medicine Residency at Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, and earned his medical degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO.

Irving Schwartz, MD, FACC, Invasive Cardiology:  Dr. Schwartz is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine with added certification in Cardiovascular disease and Lifestyle Medicine. He completed a Cardiology Fellowship and Internal Medicine Residency at Beth Israel Medicine Center, NY. Dr. Schwartz earned his medical degree from State University of New York at Syracuse College of Medicine Syracuse, NY.

Eliot Nissenbaum, DO, FACC, FCCP, Invasive Cardiology: Dr. Nissenbaum is certified in Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.  He completed a Cardiology Fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Catholic Medical Centers of Brooklyn and Queens Division, NY; and an Internal Medicine Residency at Maimonides Medical Center of the SUNY Downstate Health System, Brooklyn, NY.  Dr. Nissenbaum earned his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY.