Health Compass Newsletter

By Nicole Williams, COO

A few years ago, the CMH-OHSU Health Cardiology Clinic had just two providers. In 2024, the clinic will grow from our four current providers to six, welcoming two new cardiologists: Tyler Schulz, DO, and Kevin Wei, MD.

In the years since Diana Rinkevich, MD, helped start the clinic in 2010, the clinic has grown immensely. Our providers diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of heart and vascular conditions. Last year, the clinic surpassed 10,000 patient encounters in one year, including nurse visits, EKGs, and cardiac imaging and monitoring.

When patients need more specialized care, our relationship with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland allows for a seamless transition of care between the two hospitals. Each month, we have Khidir Dalouk, MBBS, visit from OHSU to complete specialized procedures that can be done in Astoria. Many of our patients undergo heart surgeries at OHSU and receive follow-up care and cardiac rehabilitation here at
Columbia Memorial Hospital.

As the leading provider of cardiovascular care in the region, expanding with additional providers means we can get patients in more quickly and help more patients with heart conditions. Our mission statement reads, "We help people live their healthiest lives," and this growth in our Cardiology Clinic will help us do more of that.

Walk with the Doc

Over the summer, Diana Rinkevich, MD, cardiologist in the CMH-OHSU Health Cardiology Clinic, led two "Walk with the Doc" events along the Astoria Riverwalk and at Fort Stevens State Park.

Participants were encouraged to reduce their risk of heart disease by joining the walks and exercising at least 30 minutes a day.

Categories: From our CEO,Cardiology