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Recipe: Insta Pot Lentil Soup

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Ingredients:  

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil  

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced  

  • 4 medium carrots, diced  

  • 3 stalks celery, diced  

  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme  

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt  

  • ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika  

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper  

  • 1 ½ cups French green lentils  

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)  

  • 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes, diced (15 ounces)  

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 ounces)  

  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth  

  • Fresh parsley for serving, chopped  

  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, optional  

  • Crusty bread, optional  

Instructions:   

Drizzle the oil into the pot. Set to sauté. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and stir. Continue to cook the onion, stirring often, until it is very soft, beginning to lightly brown and break down, about 8 minutes.  

Dice carrots and celery and add to the pot. Sauté until the carrots and celery are barely soft, about 2 minutes. Bundle the thyme sprigs together to make them easier to pull out later. Add salt, smoked paprika and pepper.  

Add the lentils and garlic to the pot and stir to coat them in the spices. Let cook 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.  

Cover and seal the instant pot. Set to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow the cooker to release pressure naturally. This will take about 10 to 15 additional minutes.  

Open the lid and stir the soup. Remove the thyme stems, leaving the leaves in the soup. If the soup is too thick for your liking, thin with a bit of water or additional stock until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.   

Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley, Parmesan cheese and bread for dipping.  

Nutritional information:  

  • Serving size: 1 ½  cups  
  • Number of servings: 6   
  • Calories per serving: 236   
  • Total fat: 12 g  
  • Saturated fat: 5 g  
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg  
  • Sodium: 516 mg  
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g  
  • Fiber: 16 g  
  • Sugar: 10 g  
  • Protein: 36 g  

Storage:

Place leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze for up to three months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. 

Approved by:  
Maurine Maneely  
Genesis Registered Dietitian 

Find more recipes at genesishcs.org/eatwell. 

lentil soup

Learn how to make this delicious lentil soup with an insta pot.

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Three Sneaky Ways to Add Protein to Your Diet if You Don’t like Meat

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Protein. You know you need it, but if you don’t like meat or are opposed to eating it, it might feel like your options are limited. After all, you can only dip apples in peanut butter so many times before it starts to get old. It’s tempting to ignore, but protein is crucial for a healthy diet. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, protein can help you heal more quickly, support healthy weight loss and lower your blood pressure. 

If the thought of a big juicy steak doesn’t make you salivate, don’t worry. Whether you’re on a plant-based diet or can’t bear another bite of greasy ground beef, here are a few delicious ways to get more protein into your diet.  

1. Add snacks to your rotation     

Have you ever grabbed a snack to appease your grumbling stomach, only to still feel hungry? According to the National Library of Medicine, a protein-rich diet can help you feel fuller longer. Fend off the midday munchies with one of these snacks. 

  • Keep sunflower or pumpkin seeds, edamame or string cheese on hand for a quick pick-me-up. 

  • Cottage cheese is a protein powerhouse. It’s a great snack on its own or with fruit. 

2. Swap an ingredient in one of your go-to meals with a protein-rich alternative    

If an ingredient isn’t crucial to the structure of the meal, try switching it out with a protein-fueled substitute. Experiment to find the best fit for your dish. It might take some trial and error, but it will be worth it in the long run. 

  • Switch up your spaghetti dinner by using whole-grain pasta. If you don’t like the taste of whole- grain noodles, try chickpea pasta instead. Both are protein-rich options. 

  • Is plain Greek yogurt too bitter for you on its own? Try using it in place of sour cream. You probably won’t notice the difference during your next taco night.  

  • Making a rice dish?  Use quinoa or lentils as the base. 

3. Boost your favorite meals by adding protein 

Adding protein to a meal doesn’t have to mean adding a piece of grilled chicken to your plate. Adding an extra ingredient (or two) can enhance the flavor of your meal while making it healthier. You never know, you might find a new way to prepare your favorite dish. 

  • Next time you pour yourself a bowl of cereal, toss in some cashews or peanuts for an extra crunch and boost of protein. 

  • Love ramen? Add an egg, mushrooms or high-protein vegetables like cooked spinach or peas to your noodles. 

three sneaky ways to add protein to your diet if you don’t like meat

Whether you’re on a plant-based diet or can’t bear another bite of greasy ground beef, here are a few delicious ways to get more protein into your diet.  

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Genesis Coshocton Medical Center

Submitted by emily.griffin on

The new 60,000-square-foot center brings together 200+ employees, including the region’s best physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, multi-skilled technicians, technologists, therapists, and other clinical and support staff.  

The Genesis Coshocton Medical Center offers:  

Emergency Department open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week  

  • 10 patient rooms  

  • Specialized rooms for major medical resuscitation and behavioral health needs  

  • Genesis Community Ambulance Service medical transport  

Outpatient Surgery  

  • 9 pre/post rooms, 2 surgical suites and 1 minor procedure room  

  • Surgeries and procedures: examples include orthopedics and orthopedic sports medicine; podiatry, ENT, urogynecology, OB/GYN, endoscopy and general surgery  

Overnight Observation Unit 

  • 10 patient rooms  

Imaging 

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging   

  • Computed Tomography (CT) scans 

  • X-ray   

  • 3D Mammography   

  • Ultrasound  

Laboratory for patient testing such as blood draws open 24/7  

  • Cardiac diagnostics such as echocardiograms, stress tests, vascular ultrasound, EKGs, Holter monitors and cardiac computed tomography scans (CTs)  

  • Respiratory therapy, including pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gases   

  • Physical, occupational and speech therapies  

  • Medical offices for physician specialists: 

    • Surgeons
    • General and Invasive Cardiologists
    • Gastroenterologists
    • Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists 

High-quality healthcare throughout Coshocton  

In addition to the Coshocton Medical Center, Genesis offers other healthcare services in the Coshocton area, including:  

• Primary Care, 410 Main Street, Suite A & 23599 Airport Road  

• Orthopedics, 23599 Airport Road  

• Urogynecology, 23599 Airport Road  

• OB/GYN, 23599 Airport Road  

• Podiatry, 23599 Airport Road  

• Occupational Health, 23599 Airport Road  

Celebrating the opening  

Before the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center officially opened its doors, multiple events were held to celebrate what this new healthcare facility means to the residents of Coshocton and surrounding counties.  

Here is the look at the festivities:

GCMC Family Fun Day

Family Fun Day

Community members of all ages toured the new facility on Saturday, March 18. They met their future caregivers, viewed new diagnostic and treatment equipment, and enjoyed refreshments and a door prize drawing. 

Ribbon-cutting ceremony

Genesis board and team members and Coshocton community leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 16. 

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
GCMC LiveWell

The new 60,000-square-foot center brings together 200+ employees, including the region’s best physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, multi-skilled technicians, technologists, therapists, and other clinical and support staff.  

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Restored: Muscle Cars and Torn Muscles

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Taking a worn-down, broken muscle car and transforming it into a flashy fresh ride takes time, skills and finances, but John Rusinko and his wife Haddi say it’s worth it. They spend retirement side by side, saving vintage vehicles from rusty fates by restoring them into gorgeous, roaring rides. 

Last year, John’s attention broadened from restoring muscle cars to restoring muscle when he was thrown from his lawn mower after sliding down a steep hill on his property.  

“I believe that’s when I hurt my hamstring,” he said. “A month later, I went hunting and fell.” 

For the next several months, John lived with a sharp, stabbing pain. An MRI revealed a partially torn hamstring muscle. Despite steroid injections and physical therapy, the pain remained. Then he met Brenton Bohlig, M.D., a Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist at Genesis Orthopedic Sports Medicine, who recommended a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. 

Brenton Bohlig, M.D.

Brenton Bohlig, M.D.
Fellowship-trained and Board-certified
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist
Genesis Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Accelerate healing by fueling up  

PRP treatments use the patient’s blood cells to accelerate healing. To create the platelet-rich plasma, a sample of whole blood is usually drawn from the arm and then placed into a device called a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins until the platelets separate and become concentrated within the blood’s plasma. This platelet-dense precious plasma can fuel and accelerate healing when injected directly into an injured area.  

“Using platelet-rich plasma harnesses the body’s natural healing ability,” said Dr. Bohlig. The injection utilizes the patient’s blood as the activating agent, so patients sidestep adverse reactions that may come with medications or foreign substances. 

“It’s a more natural way. Harnessing the proteins and growth factors that promote healing lets your body do what it’s meant to do. We simply direct where the healing takes place. It’s wonderful to see how this treatment benefits people with partially torn tendons and ligaments,” Dr. Bohlig said. 

PRP injections deliver results 

On the day of the injection, Dr. Bohlig told John not to anticipate results for about six weeks. John waited patiently, and relief came right on cue. 

“Within the seventh week, I was walking fine. Before, it felt like someone had stuck a knife in me and never pulled it out, but after those six weeks, I had no pain. All because of my blood,” he said. “No medications, no therapy, just my blood.” 

Guiding patients on the road to recovery 

With his hamstring healed, John returned to living his best life. He remains pain-free more than a year after the PRP injection. He hunts, chops wood and cares for his land. On most days, John uses his restored hamstring to twist and turn around the vehicles he and his wife enjoy restoring.  

For Dr. Bohlig, success stories like John’s fuel his desire to restore people to their best quality of life. “It’s great to see people return after treatment,” he said. “Where there was a grimace on their face from pain with certain movements, there’s now a smile as they show off what they can do. I’m thrilled that we can provide the care they need on the road to recovery.” 

Restored: Muscle Cars and Torn Muscles

Taking a worn-down, broken muscle car and transforming it into a flashy fresh ride takes time, skills and finances, but John Rusinko and his wife Haddi say it’s worth it.

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Portion Control and Power Walking

Submitted by emily.griffin on

A few years ago, Tim Lewis of Coshocton, Ohio, had trouble doing most things. He was morbidly obese, suffered from emphysema and had trouble sleeping. He was constantly out of breath and could barely walk from room to room in his house.  

Tim knew he had to do something about his health because he is a single father to a preteen daughter.  “It was hard for me to go to school and athletic events and fun things she enjoys, like shopping,” he said. “I had to find a way to take better care of myself, so I could take care of her.”  

A Transformation Takes Root

Unfortunately, his health was so poor that Tim suffered two heart attacks in the summer of 2021. After the second heart attack, he had stents put in at Genesis Hospital, which he said helped with his breathing. After his discharge, Tim was worried about recovery. “I knew I needed to eat better and exercise to get back on track, but I didn’t feel like I had the energy to do anything. I felt so fragile,” he said.  

Then he noticed something that turned out to be the key to a complete transformation in his health and life. “I got home and saw that I’d lost 20 pounds during my hospital stay. I was happy about it but couldn’t figure out how it happened.”   

At his first check-up with Christy Zigo, APRN-CNP, Nurse Practitioner at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Group in Coshocton, Tim told her about his fear of not being able to recover fully.  

Zigo took the time to discuss his treatment, recovery plan and the future at length. Reassured about many of his concerns, Tim asked how he could have dropped 20 pounds so quickly.  

“When Tim came to the office, he was motivated to improve his health and unsure how he had made such progress while in the hospital,” said Zigo. “I explained that while in the hospital, Genesis dietitians planned his meals to follow the portion, caloric and nutritional guidelines for his illness. In a nutshell, portion control.” 

Christy Zigo APRN-CNP

Christy Zigo, APRN-CNP
Nurse Practitioner
Genesis Heart & Vascular Group

Half his size and completely whole  

At home, Tim adopted the hospital menu. “Portion control and encouragement from the Genesis nurses and specialists worked wonders for me,” said Tim. He also started walking daily. He was so dedicated to following both regimens that he lost 190 pounds in 13 months. “Walking is my number one hobby now,” he said. He leaves his house every day before noon and walks a few different routes he’s created throughout the city of Coshocton.   

Since he started working with the Genesis Heart and Vascular team, Tim said that everything has improved for himself and his daughter. He feels better, and she is happy to have a more active dad. “I want to tell my story to everyone,” he said. “I am so grateful to Genesis for getting the ball rolling for me.”   

Portion Control and Power Walking

A few years ago, Tim Lewis of Coshocton, Ohio, had trouble doing most things. He was morbidly obese, suffered from emphysema and had trouble sleeping. He was constantly out of breath and could barely walk from room to room in his house.  

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Spotlight on Edmund Kassis, M.D.

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Edmund Kassis, M.D., a Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Thoracic Surgeon, brings both clinical experience and leadership skills to his new position with Genesis HealthCare System.  

In addition to performing surgeries at Genesis Hospital, Dr. Kassis serves as medical director of cardiothoracic surgery within the Genesis Heart & Vascular Group.   

Dr. Kassis specializes in the surgical removal of lung cancer, esophageal cancer and mediastinal tumors. He performs a full range of traditional and minimally invasive procedures, and optimizes patient benefits by frequently utilizing innovative robotic-assisted technologies in the treatment of thoracic cancers.    

“Robotic-assisted technology allows outstanding visualization of the chest,” he said. “The instrumentation is like working with your hands but doesn’t require spreading a patient’s ribs and uses much smaller incisions. Patients who are candidates benefit from shorter hospital stays, less pain and the ability to return to work and normal activities faster.”    

Initially inspired to pursue medicine by family members who passed away from lung cancer, Dr. Kassis aims to help others facing similar diagnoses. He takes a direct approach to educating patients and strives to provide top-quality surgical care. “I always have my patients’ best interests in mind and want them to understand their treatment,” he said.  

When asked about his most rewarding professional moments, Dr. Kassis said they include the satisfaction of an operation well done, seeing patients thriving in the hospital post-surgery and congratulating patients at the five-year mark when they are declared cancer-free.

Outside of work, Dr. Kassis enjoys taking his body to the extreme. Always moving, he has completed multiple Ironman competitions and is training for a 36-hour endurance hike. He also golfs and scuba dives.

Doctor of Medicine:    
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

General Surgery Residency:    
The Johns Hopkins University,
Baltimore, Maryland 
Chief Resident   

Fellowships:    
Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 
Cardiothoracic Surgery, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas   

Board-certified:    
American Board of Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery

 

Edmund Kasis, M.D. LiveWell

Edmund Kassis, M.D., a Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Thoracic Surgeon, brings both clinical experience and leadership skills to his new position with Genesis HealthCare System.  

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A letter from our President and CEO | LiveWell Spring 2023

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Off to a Great Start

In the past month, Fortune Magazine/PINC AI, a healthcare improvement technology company, ranked Genesis as one of America’s top 50 heart hospitals. We also opened the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center. Wow, what a month.  

These milestones are the result of many years of recruiting and supporting the best people,  implementing innovative technology and, most importantly, the support we received from you. You trusted us to care for you when you were in need. Your faith in us made these achievements possible.  

We thank you and applaud the efforts of everyone at Genesis. Their work has and will continue to save lives. According to Fortune Magazine/PINC AI, if all hospitals performed at the top 50 heart hospital level, an additional 7,600 lives could be saved each year nationally.  

With the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center providing local access to high-quality care, more families and neighbors can live longer, healthier and more enjoyable lives.  

New to Genesis Heart & Vascular Group 

We continually invest in technology and recruitment of physicians with the skills, experience and knowledge to advance the care we provide. In this issue, you can learn about our new medical director of thoracic surgery.  

Power restored   

Some patients do not return to life as it was. They improve. In this issue, a Coshocton native tells us how the support of his medical team after he suffered two heart attacks helped him change his life.   

You’ll also meet a patient who benefited from a therapy using platelet-rich plasma. He is pain-free and enjoying his lifelong hobby, restoring vintage cars.  

Community Benefit Report 

Genesis HealthCare System annually provides no- and low-cost services, screenings, classes and events to help our communities get and stay well. These programs, investments and outcomes are reported in the Community Benefit Report, which is included in this special edition of LiveWell. These services are just some of many ways Genesis gives back to our communities every year. 

In good health, 

Matthew Perry signature

 

 

Matthew J. Perry  

President & CEO 

In the past month, Fortune Magazine/PINC AI, a healthcare improvement technology company, ranked Genesis as one of America’s top 50 heart hospitals. We also opened the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center. Wow, what a month.  

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Questions About Arthritis? We have the answers.

The CDC reports that 58.5 million, or 24%, American adults suffer from arthritis. The same study shows that 1 in 10 adults limit their activity due to pain associated with arthritis.  

To help us navigate some basic information about arthritis, we caught up with Nina Couette, D.O., a rheumatologist with the Genesis Medical Group. 

What is arthritis? 

There are many types of arthritis, but the two main types of arthritis include osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. Osteoarthritis, which Dr. Couette describes as degenerative and wear-and-tear arthritis, is the most common. Other kinds of inflammatory arthritis includes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout.  

In osteoarthritis, people experience pain and achiness in joints more toward the end of the day or with a lot of use. With inflammatory arthritis, the pain usually is more severe in the morning with prolonged stiffness lasting hours. People may experience stiffness and soreness in the joints as well, but it tends to get better with activity.  

Since it’s the most common, we will primarily focus on osteoarthritis in this article. Please note that people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis early have a better quality of life. So, if you think you may be experiencing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, schedule a visit with your doctor as soon as possible.  

Underlying causes of osteoarthritis 

There are many causes of osteoarthritis. Some include: 

  • Age  

  • Genetics  

  • Joint Injury or overuse related to work or sports 

  • Obesity 

  • Weak Muscles 

“Arthritis can impact everyone differently,” said Dr. Couette. “Unfortunately, there’s not an easy way to predict who will have severe versus mild osteoarthritis.” 

Managing osteoarthritis symptoms 

The first step to treating your arthritis symptoms is talking with your primary care physician. They may do some testing to determine which kind of arthritis you’re suffering from. Depending on the severity of your arthritis, your doctor may refer you to an arthritis specialist or a rheumatologist like Dr. Couette.   

Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are ways to manage your pain. Your doctor can share both medicated and non-medicated treatment options.  

Non-medicated options: 

  • Exercising 

  • Weight loss 

  • Controlling high blood sugar and high blood pressure 

  • Following a healthy diet  

“We’ve found that osteoarthritis is a disease of the whole joint,” said Dr. Couette. “That includes the bone, the cartilage, the ligaments and the tissues surrounding the joint. It’s important to keep those muscles and ligaments strong. That’s where exercise comes in.” 

As strange as it may sound, moving your body more will help ease your osteoarthritis pain. Added physical activity can eventually lead to weight loss, which also helps alleviate arthritis pain. The Arthritis Foundation found that if you lose 10% of your body weight, arthritis pain decreases by 50%.  

Experts suggest 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Dr. Couette recommends low-impact exercise for patients with arthritis.  

“Things like swimming, cycling or yoga tend to be the best because you’re putting less pressure on your joints,” said Dr. Couette.  

Remember, any amount of movement is helpful. You can learn to move your body through group classes at your community center or local gym. Overall, living a healthy lifestyle can both slow the beginning of your arthritis and help ease your pain.  

Medicated options: 

  • Anti-inflammatories like acetaminophen or ibuprofen 

  • Topical medications 

  • Steroid injections 

  • Joint replacements 

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and topical medications are options for those suffering from the typical aches and pains that come with an arthritis diagnosis. Steroid injections and joint replacements are for those who are no longer able to manage their pain. 

 Don't let arthritic pain hold you back from doing the things you love. Get in touch with your primary care provider to create a treatment plan that’s best for you. 

 

Questions about arthritis? We have the answers.

To help us navigate some basic information about arthritis, we caught up with Nina Couette, D.O., a rheumatologist with the Genesis Medical Group. 

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Genesis is one of America’s top 50 heart hospitals

Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Awarded by Fortune/PINC AI

For more than 70 years, heart disease has taken more American lives than any other illness or injury. That is why Genesis HealthCare System created the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute. It is why we recruit the best heart doctors and invest in the most innovative technology to perform advanced heart procedures.

 

“Achieving this national recognition as one of the top 50 heart hospitals in America is a huge honor for the entire team at Genesis,” said Matt Perry, President and CEO of Genesis HealthCare System. “This level of exceptional care our team provides each patient is the result of many years of building an exceptional team of physicians, nurses and technicians, and implementing the latest, innovative technologies. You trusted us to care for you when you were in need of heart care, and your faith in us made this achievement possible.”

 

When Fortune Magazine/PINC AI, a healthcare improvement technology company, rated hospitals across the United States for 2023, Genesis ranked number seven in the community heart hospital category, the highest community ranking in Ohio.

 

Rankings were based on results for treating patients with a wide range of heart conditions and the cost of that care. According to Fortune Magazine/PINC AI, the winning hospitals achieved the following successes compared to non-winning hospitals: 

  • Significantly higher inpatient survival rates (19.0 to 40.6% higher). 
  • Fewer patients with complications (13.2 to 15.4% fewer complications). 
  • Higher 30-day survival rates for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure (HF) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients (0.4 to 0.9% points higher). 
  • Lower 30-day readmission rates for AMI, HF and CABG patients (0.5 to 1.0% points lower).
  • Average lengths of stay varied between patient groups from 0.6 (AMI, HF, PCI) to 0.8 (CABG) shorter length of stay. 
  • $860 to $5,076 less in total costs per patient case (the smallest dollar-amount difference was for HF, and the largest was for CABG). 
  • Lower average 30-day episode of care payments for AMI and HF ($1,493 and $781 less per episode, respectively). 
  • Patients had a better experience at benchmark hospitals compared to peer hospitals, with a top-box HCAHPS score of 75% versus 70%.

 “The recognition of being one of the top 50 heart hospitals is an outstanding accomplishment,” said Tabitha McKenzie, R.N., BSN, MBA, Director of Genesis Heart & Vascular Services. “The team continues to do a phenomenal job. They are dedicated to bringing the best heart care to our patients and community.”

 

If all hospitals performed at top 50 heart hospital levels, each year there would be more than: 

  • 7,600 lives saved. 
  • 6,700 complication-free heart patients.
  • $1 billion saved. 

According to Fortune Magazine/PINC AI.

 

 

Genesis Heart and Vascular Care

Through every aspect of Genesis Heart & Vascular Services, we are working to build a healthier future for our community. At Genesis, we put our heart into treating yours.

Learn more
Top 50 Heart Hospital 2022

Awarded by Fortune/PINC AI

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