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Dr. Stephen Balise, General Surgeon, Joins the Team at Holy Cross Surgical Specialties

Holy Cross Surgical Specialties is thrilled to welcome Dr. Stephen Balise to Taos. Dr. Balise is   a highly skilled general surgeon and joins the team with a deep commitment to patient care, a passion for his craft, and a strong sense of community.

Dr. Stephen Balise was raised in rural Massachusetts, where he grew up with an older sister, an older brother, and a twin brother. His parents were both blue-collar workers. His father worked in tthe used car business and his mother was a middle school teacher. Their commitment to their careers instilled in him the importance of family and hard work. Dr. Balise attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, which allowed him to stay close to his family and share his college experience with both of his brothers, a connection that remains strong to this day.

This strong foundation of family and community has undoubtedly shaped Dr. Balise’s approach to medicine. “Growing up in a close-knit family taught me the importance of connection, which I try to bring into my work with patients. I believe establishing a relationship with not just the patient, but their entire family, is a crucial part of achieving a successful outcome,” he shares.

Dr. Balise’s journey into medicine was catalyzed by a profound personal loss. While a freshman in college, he lost one of his best friends, a tragedy that left him feeling helpless. “That experience solidified my decision to pursue medicine,” he explains.

“I never wanted to feel that helpless again, but more importantly, I wanted to be able to help the families of my future patients from experiencing that type of loss.”

This deep sense of empathy and drive to make a difference has carried Dr. Balise through his medical training and into his career as a surgeon. His dedication to patient care is evident in his approach to surgery, where he prioritizes effective and safe operations while maintaining open communication with patients and their families.

Dr. Balise brings a wealth of expertise to Holy Cross Surgical Specialties, with a focus on procedures such as gallbladder surgeries, hernia repairs, and colonoscopies. He is particularly excited about the opportunity to grow the hospital’s surgical robotics practice. In October 2024, Holy Cross Hospital will be installing a state-of-the-art da Vinci 5 surgical robot – a tool with which Dr. Balise is fully trained and excited to use. “The da Vinci system allows for minimally invasive surgeries with incredible precision and control. This can lead to faster recovery and better outcomes for patients, it’s really incredible to have this technology right here in Taos” he notes.

While Dr. Balise’s journey to Taos was somewhat serendipitous, he felt an immediate connection to the community. “Before I visited for my interview, I knew very little about Taos. But within hours of arriving in Taos, I felt at home,” he recalls.

“After my interview, my brother called to ask how it went, and I simply said, ‘I think you’ll be visiting me in Taos next year if they’ll have me.”

Beyond his professional life, Dr. Balise is looking forward to exploring his new home. He enjoys reading, following Boston sports, and he’s also excited about taking up skiing again, which he hasn’t pursued in years but is eager to revisit in the beautiful Taos mountains.

Dr. Balise’s family remains in Massachusetts, with his parents staying close to his sister and her family in Toronto. However, his brothers are not too far away, residing in Colorado and California, and he jokes that he’s already working on convincing them to move to Taos.

As Dr. Balise settles into his new role at Holy Cross Surgical Specialties, he is eager to contribute to the health and well-being of the Taos community. His combination of expertise, empathy, and enthusiasm makes him a valuable addition to the team.

For more information, visit TaosSurgery.org

Continued Momentum at Your Local Hospital

In 1936, local patron of the arts and philanthropist, Mabel Dodge Luhan, donated a house on La Posta Road that became the first location of Holy Cross Hospital. Today, Holy Cross Hospital is an 89,000 square-foot, not-for-profit, Critical Access Hospital located off Weimer Road, with a local governing board that includes both physicians and community members. More than a hospital, it is now Holy Cross Medical Center — a family of great care that includes a network of clinics, practitioners, and programs that strive to meet the healthcare needs of our community.

We hope you’ll take a few minutes to learn about some of the exciting new developments and progress that is being made at Holy Cross.

Board Update

In May, the Holy Cross Board of Directors voted to add a 13th seat that is committed to include representation from our indigenous population, and the Board of Directors recently reviewed a new round of applicants to fill four vacant seats on the Hospital Board. Two members were re-elected for their positions and two new Board members were elected, Andrew Chavez and Eileen Lujan. The current Board members include Holy Cross Medical Center staff and individuals that represent different regions of our community: Abe Balsamo, Board Member; Andrew Chavez, Board Member; Robyn Chavez, Board Member; Lucille Gallegos-Jaramillo, Board Vice-Chair; Carl Gilmore, Board Member; Trinidad de Jesus Arguello, Board Member; Eileen Lujan, Board Member; Cristina Martinez, Board Secretary; Donald Mooney, Board Treasurer; Jonathan Moran, DO, Board Member; Paul Sands, Board Chairman; Peter Selzer, MD, Board Member; Chris Stagg, Board Member.

Staffing Update

As the Team Taos campaign continues, Holy Cross remains vigilant in hiring long-term local employees to fill open positions and continues to work towards reducing the number of traveling workers. Since the campaign began, 34 full-time nurses have been successfully recruited, surpassing the initial goal of 25. The campaign has reduced the number of traveling workers from 112 down to 28, and the number of traveling nurses has been reduced from 48 to 14. Over the last year the Holy Cross team has grown from 460 to 520 employees. Reducing travelers has resulted in a savings of about $3.8 million of traveling contract labor expenses for fiscal year 2024 from 2023.

On the physician recruitment front Holy Cross is excited to welcome three new physicians to our team. Dr. Krist, Pediatrician, joined the Taos Clinic for Children & Youth on July 8th, Dr. Balise, General Surgeon, starts September 3rd, and Dr. Scott, Pediatrician starts October 10th.

Future Development 

Senator Bobby Gonzales was instrumental in getting $15 million added to the state budget that is earmarked to support expansion of healthcare services in Taos County by Holy Cross. In 2023 a county-wide survey showed that the number-one health concern for locals was access to primary care. In response to these findings, Holy Cross plans to allocate that funding towards a new building at the main hospital campus that will help expand primary care, and serve as a new home to the now off-site Holy Cross clinics, departments and programs. Like the current hospital building, the new building will be owned by Taos County. Medical construction requires careful design and planning, and while the initial planning has begun, the construction and development will take time. 

Foundation

Holy Cross has hired Helen Forte as the new Interim Foundation Planner. Helen will work to revive the Holy Cross Foundation and lay the groundwork for this initiative. The Foundation will interface with our community partners and identify resources at the local, state and federal levels. The Foundation’s goal will be to secure donations and grants, and focus on projects that can support the long-term financial health of our hospital, clinics, and programs. In the past, Holy Cross had a Foundation dedicated to this mission, but under previous administrations, the foundation was dissolved. The new Holy Cross Foundation will offer a great opportunity to support the financial stability of the organization, while also engaging with the community and discovering new ways to serve our population and expand service lines. Holy Cross Hospital remains a member of the Taos Community Foundation and looks forward to continued collaboration.

Free Programs

Holy Cross Medical Center continues to offer free support to the community through six distinct programs.

• The Benefit Navigation program (575-751-8939) helps individuals access healthcare benefits, health insurance and resources.
• Taos Cancer Support Services (575-751-8927) provides non-medical care and support for those affected by cancer.
• The First Steps program (575-751-5764) offers home visiting and parenting support for new families.
• The Taos Alive Coalition (575-737-8404) focuses on substance abuse prevention and promoting healthy lifestyles.
• The Children’s Trust Fund (575-751-8904) aids in early childhood development and offers parenting classes.
• ROAMS (Rural OB Access & Maternal Services, roamsnm.org) helps improve access to maternal and prenatal care for women in rural areas of northern New Mexico.

Da Vinci 5 Surgical Robot

Holy Cross Hospital is scheduled to receive a new state-of-the-art Da Vinci 5 surgical robot this fall. A very generous local donor has contributed funds to cover a large portion of the cost of acquiring this device. Through robotic assistance this highly advanced tool will enhance surgeries, offering the potential for reduced procedure times and better outcomes for patients. This Da Vinci robot is also vital for surgeon recruitment – most surgeons in residency, those entering the workforce, and many that are already practicing are trained on this technology and expect their facility to have a surgical robot. Holy Cross is beginning construction on the operating room that will house the Da Vinci unit, which is scheduled to arrive in October. Holy Cross Hospital is likely to be one of the first hospitals in the nation to receive the newest version of the Da Vinci robot in the fall.

Electronic Health Records (Information Systems)

Holy Cross has made a commitment to its staff and to the community to implement a new, modern, robust Electronic Health Records (EHR) system. The process of selecting the best possible platform for the facility is ongoing and the selection and integration will likely continue through 2025. The coming upgrade will offer improved customer service to patients, simplifying things such as reviewing test results, bill payment, physician referrals, and will better communicate with other local health record systems. Upgrading the EHR will enhance data-driven clinical decisions, and offer real time efficiency metrics. In the long-run this upgrade will help improve the overall financial stability of Holy Cross by streamlining internal processes, communication, and billing procedures. 

New Pediatrician Joins Taos Clinic for Children & Youth and Holy Cross Medical Center

Holy Cross Medical Center welcomes Dr. Keith Krist, a highly experienced pediatrician, to the Taos Clinic for Children and Youth. Dr. Krist will be joining the team beginning in July.

Dr. Krist brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to pediatric care. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile in 1997 and completed his pediatric residency there in 2000. In 2018, he furthered his education with a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. He is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, ensuring his commitment to the highest standards of pediatric care.

I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I spent most of my formative years,” Dr. Krist shared. His journey into medicine was a fulfilling one, marked by a diverse background. “We moved around with the nuclear industry because my dad was a nuclear physicist. We lived in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and then suburban Washington, D.C. After graduating high school, I pursued a degree in finance and economics but ultimately decided to follow my childhood aspiration of becoming a physician.”

Dr. Krist’s dedication to pediatric care is evident in his approach. “I love helping ease parental anxiety,” he explains. “There’s a lot of information out there, and helping parents understand it and raise healthy children is just a blessing. I’m grateful to get to do that while practicing good medicine and helping our most vulnerable grow into self-actualized adults.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Krist has taken on various roles, including administrative work. “I was the vice-chair of the medical staff at North Mississippi Health Services  and would have become the chairperson had I stayed. I also love animal assisted therapy and have a Rhodesian Ridgeback who works with me as a therapy-assisting animal for anxious children or those who have difficulty communicating. Therapy assisted animals can greatly help reserved children open up.”

Dr. Krist’s relationship with his patients and their parents is collaborative. “I like to share information and ensure there is a consensus about how to move forward. Collaborative health is how I describe my approach.”

Beyond his professional life, Dr. Krist has a deep love for the natural beauty and community spirit of Taos.

I love working in small communities. Nothing compares to the connection you feel with your patients. Other than my job, I was drawn to Taos because of the nature, the history, the arts, and everything that makes this place unique. I’m grateful to have found it, and I think my interests and this place meld perfectly.”

In his free time, Dr. Krist enjoys hiking, skiing, photography, gardening, and playing the guitar. He recently discovered pickleball and finds joy in spending time on the trail with his dog.

Dr. Krist has also made significant contributions to pediatric care, such as chairing and implementing a successful ‘Safe Sleep’ initiative in Mississippi. This initiative focused on educating providers and patients about safe sleep habits for infants, addressing the high rate of sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUIDs) in the region.

The Taos Clinic for Children and Youth is thrilled to have Dr. Krist join their team. His extensive experience, compassionate care, and commitment to the community make him a valuable addition to Holy Cross Medical Center.

For more information about the Taos Clinic for Children and Youth, visit www.taospeds.org

Taos Clinic for Children & Youth
1393 Weimer Rd., Taos, NM 87571
(575) 758-8651

Local Program Empowers Individuals to Manage Their Diabetes

In the landscape of American healthcare, the prevalence of diabetes looms large, affecting millions of lives and presenting significant challenges to individuals and communities alike. New Mexico faces considerable challenges in this regard, as highlighted by data from the New Mexico Department of Health, indicating a steady increase in the age-adjusted prevalence of diagnosed diabetes over the past decade. This prevalence has risen from 9.6% to 11.2% from 2011 through 2020. This trend highlights the need for comprehensive diabetes management and education programs to support individuals affected by this chronic condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes remains a pressing public health concern, with over 38.4 million adults in the United States living with the condition. The impact of diabetes extends far beyond its initial diagnosis, often intertwining with a myriad of coexisting conditions and complications that further exacerbate its toll on individuals’ health and well-being. As we navigate the complexities of diabetes management and care, it becomes increasingly evident that holistic approaches are needed to address the multifaceted needs of those affected by this chronic condition. Holy Cross Medical Center has been taking on the challenge in our region by providing local support for those affected by diabetes. 

Led by a dedicated team of care providers, the Diabetes Management and Nutrition Department at Holy Cross Medical Center is committed to empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to manage their diabetes effectively. From education and support to personalized interventions, the department strives to improve the health and well-being of every patient it serves.

Angela Torres is the Clinical Coordinator and Department Manager, she has been leading the team since 2021. The program has been accredited since June 1, 2001 and was led by Susan Kargula until she retired. Angela graduated from Penasco High School and moved to Albuquerque where she completed her PharmD at the University of New Mexico. She later moved to New York City and completed a residency. She returned to Taos to raise her family and discovered the need for her services in Diabetes Management.

“Considering the high rates of diabetes in New Mexico, I felt the need to shift my career path and specialize in diabetes care.”

– Angela Torres

Under the careful guidance of Dr. Niel Friedman, Medical Director of the program, Angela and her team offer a diverse range of services. Alex Troncoso is a registered dietitian, Jennifer Brock is a registered nurse and Lori Ann Cortez is the administrative assistant that keeps the department running, and Kelsey Chmil works at Holy Cross Hospital as the inpatient dietitian and diabetes educator.

Torres emphasizes the compassionate approach of the Diabetes Management team, “Not only are they passionate about what they do, but they empathize to help develop the skills needed for self management. I feel so lucky to have them on my team.” 

At the core of the department’s mission is a commitment to personalized care. Through compassionate assessment of each patient’s health, family history, and lifestyle factors, the team creates tailored care plans designed to meet individual needs. Whether someone is living with pre-diabetes, gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes, or type 2 diabetes, the department offers comprehensive support and guidance every step of the way.

One of the key services offered is nutrition counseling. Holy Cross currently has two registered dietitians offering patients personalized guidance on healthy eating habits and meal planning. Kelsey Chmil and Alex Troncos play a pivotal role in guiding patients towards healthier lifestyles. With a focus on education and empowerment, patients learn how different foods affect their blood sugar levels and how to make healthier choices for long-term wellness.

In addition to nutrition counseling, the department offers a range of interventions aimed at improving blood glucose management. From strategies to increase physical activity to the latest in medical interventions, glucose-monitoring technology and insulin pumps patients have access to a comprehensive array of resources designed to support their health journey. Additionally, the department offers inpatient education coverage for individuals newly diagnosed with type 1. 

Beyond clinical services, the department fosters community engagement through initiatives like the Dexcom Pro group class, Diabetes Type 1 support group, ADA Camp 180 for kids, and collaborations with local schools. The Dexcom Pro group is an interactive session that provides patients with valuable insights into the factors influencing blood sugar levels and fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants. By empowering patients with knowledge and self-awareness, the department seeks to promote long-term health and wellness within the community.

As Angela reflects on the department’s impact, she underscores their commitment to personalized care and community support. “We want this community, as well as the surrounding area, to know we are available to help tailor a specific plan to meet individual needs,” she shares warmly. It’s this unwavering dedication to serving the diverse needs of the community that sets Holy Cross’ Diabetes Management and Nutrition Department apart.

For those seeking guidance and support in managing diabetes and improving their nutrition, Holy Cross Medical Center’s Diabetes Management and Nutrition Department is here for the community. With a compassionate team of professionals and a comprehensive array of services, they are committed to nurturing health and wellness in our region. A referral is necessary to receive care, but Lori Ann is happy to help you understand your options. Call (575) 751-5769 or learn more at https://holycrossmedicalcenter.org/locations/holy-cross-hospital/diabetes-management/

Hospital Auxiliary Supports and Strengthens Healthcare in our Community

For decades, the Holy Cross Hospital Auxiliary has been a steadfast pillar in the local healthcare community, embodying the spirit of service and compassion. Founded on principles of altruism and community support, the Auxiliary has played a vital role in supporting the hospital’s mission to provide excellent care to the community.

Today, the Holy Cross Hospital Auxiliary members handle a variety of responsibilities. They volunteer to greet patients, staff the outpatient surgery desk, assist in the kitchen, operate the hospital Gift Shop, and create cards to celebrate each employee’s birthday. 

At the heart of the Auxiliary’s mission lies a dedication to enhancing patient care and comfort. Through fundraising initiatives and volunteer efforts, the Auxiliary has consistently worked to help ensure that the hospital meets the evolving needs of its patients and staff. Money raised in the volunteer-run Gift Shop enables the Auxiliary to help the hospital purchase equipment that can improve patient care. Over the last two years, the Auxiliary went above and beyond by donating over $45,000 to replace the floors in the hospital lobby and hallways.

“The Holy Cross Hospital Auxiliary’s generosity in replacing our floors is truly remarkable,” said James Kiser, CEO of Holy Cross Medical Center. “Their dedication to enhancing our patients’ experience and improving our facility is inspiring. We extend our sincere thanks to the Auxiliary members for making a tangible difference in our hospital and community!”

The hospital Auxiliary holds a profound conviction in the importance of community service. They understand that by supporting the hospital and its patients, they are actively contributing to the well-being of the community, embodying the spirit of giving back.

Auxiliary President Mercy Lucero reflected, “I began working at Holy Cross Hospital in 1967. I used to work in the operating room, and the Auxiliary members were incredibly helpful in various ways, allowing the medical staff to focus on patient care. As I neared the end of my career, I thought, “I want to continue this legacy, so I joined the Auxiliary to give back and support the hospital and its patients.”

Auxiliary member and Holy Cross Board of Directors Auxiliary Representative, Cristina Martinez, said “I joined the auxiliary to give back to the community. I’m retired and it’s just fun. When we are crafting or when we spend time together being of service, we call it our therapy.”

As the demands on healthcare continue to grow, the need for dedicated Auxiliary volunteers remains vital. While the current volunteers exemplify tireless dedication and selflessness, expanding their ranks would ensure even greater support for patients and staff alike. Every new volunteer brings a unique set of skills and perspectives, enriching the collective effort to enhance patient care and strengthen community connections.

Sylvia Torres has spent 20 years volunteering as an Auxiliary member. When asked what she would say to encourage others to volunteer, she replied, “Just come and join us. You’ll find different times in the day that you can work, and different roles that suit your talents. It’s a beautiful thing. And there are a lot of perks with it. For the women in the Auxiliary, the hospital gives a free mammogram once a year. We get our lunch for free in the cafeteria and we get 20% off in the gift shop. There are a lot of little perks that come with the role.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Auxiliary or volunteering, call (575) 751-5729 or stop by the Holy Cross Hospital Gift Shop.

Team of Taoseñas Lead Recruitment Efforts for Holy Cross Hospital

Holy Cross Medical Center displays not only a commitment to healthcare excellence but also a steadfast dedication to its community. At the heart of this commitment lies the Human Resources (HR) department, a dynamic team of Taoseñas led by Chief Human Resources Officer Vivian Santistevan. With a shared vision of prioritizing local talent and fostering career growth, Vivian and her team are spearheading initiatives that are reshaping the hospital’s workforce and, by extension, strengthening the Taos community.

Composed of HR Generalists Amanda Cortez-Romero, Vanessa Garcia, Anna Lucero, Susan Shivas, and, alongside the focused leadership of Vivian Santistevan, the HR department at Holy Cross is a testament to the power of hometown pride and dedication. With the exception of Susan, the entire team was born and raised in Taos County. Susan has been a Taos resident for over thirty years. Each member of the team brings a unique perspective and a deep-rooted commitment to serving their department. Together they infuse their work with a sense of purpose and belonging that is being extended to applicants and employees at Holy Cross.

“A good HR department sets the tone for the organization’s employees. We are the first people new employees meet and we focus on setting a positive tone for their experience as an employee.”

– Vivian Santistevan

Central to the HR department’s mission is the Team Taos campaign, launched in 2023 with a focus on hiring locals and reducing reliance on traveling nurses and doctors. Since its inception, the HR department has yielded remarkable results, with 28 full-time nurses successfully recruited, surpassing the initial goal of 25. The campaign has significantly reduced the number of traveling workers throughout the hospital, from 112 down to 32, and the number of traveling nurses has been reduced from 48 to 24. Traveling workers are critical at any hospital and their work is valued, but hiring long-term employees helps ensure greater stability and continuity of care for patients. Bolstered by Vivian’s leadership, the initiative has expanded beyond nursing to include other crucial areas of the hospital, such as dietary, registration, and clinic positions. Over the last year the Holy Cross workforce has grown from 460 to 520 employees.

“We are really engaged in recruiting local talent. They are here, you can find talent everywhere in this town, you just need to know where. Walk through the hospital and you’ll see locals in every department.” 

– Vivian Santistevan

A retired officer of the US Army, Vivian’s decision to return to Taos speaks to her dedication to serving her community. Beyond her role in HR, Vivian is expanding community outreach efforts at the hospital, recognizing the importance of honoring local heroes. Her initiative to invite all veterans in Taos County to a free lunch at the hospital on Veterans Day exemplifies her commitment to giving back and supporting those who have served their country. Moving forward, the veterans day luncheon will be an annual tradition for Holy Cross Hospital.

At the core of the HR department’s ethos is the belief that people come first, and patients always. This guiding principle informs every aspect of their work, from recruitment and retention to career development and advancement. With plans to expand the team further this year, the department remains committed to filling employment vacancies with long-term employees who have the potential to learn and grow within the organization.

“We are focused on growing our own, we are eager to help our employees advance their careers by supporting their education and professional development.”

– Vivian Santistevan

A shining example of the commitment to grow our own is HR Generalist Amanda Cortez-Romero. While still attending Taos high school, Amanda began her journey at Holy Cross Hospital as a receptionist at the age of 16. Amanda’s career trajectory is a testament to the hospital’s supportive environment and dedication to employee growth. After graduating high school, she advanced from a receptionist to registration clerk, all while pursuing her education at UNM-Taos. 

“After graduating from high school, the hospital leadership was supportive of my further education and was flexible with my time so that I could attend UNM-Taos while still working at the hospital,” said Amanda. Despite briefly leaving Taos to complete her degree, Amanda returned to Holy Cross Hospital, where she was eventually promoted to HR Generalist in 2023. Her story resonates with the hospital’s goal of hiring local talent and fostering career advancement within the community. “We work really well as a team,” said Amanda. “I love working with them all and Vivian is a supportive mentor.”

Holy Cross Medical Center welcomes all skilled and qualified individuals to apply for positions online at HolyCrossMedicalCenter.org/apply or by calling the HR Department at (575) 751-5782

Monthly Video Update

In an effort to help our community understand the changes happening in health care and at the hospital, we will be posting regular updates from the administration at Holy Cross Medical Center to help share information with the public.