People visit and live in the desert for many reasons: weather, quality of life, sun, golf, and for many retirees, the reputation of Eisenhower Health is a huge component. Named after Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower—the 34th president of the United States from 1953 to 1961, and area resident after retirement—Eisenhower Health is a community hospital. A military man, deficit hawk and Republican, one of his more famous quotes from an inaugural address is, “A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.” In that vein, Eisenhower Health supplies top-notch health care to the many retirees and the area’s ever-diversifying demographics.
Eisenhower Health has been a leader in health care for the Coachella Valley since opening in 1971. For 50 years, the medical center—the Valley’s only nonprofit health system—has grown in size, scope and stature, adding services, capabilities and facilities to anticipate and meet the needs of the expanding population it serves. Today, Eisenhower’s reputation extends far beyond state-of-the-art hospital care, to research, outpatient care and a source of wellness for the community.
Philip Patel, MD, President, Desert Cardiology Consultants has worked at Eisenhower for 20 years. Hailing from the midwest, with studies in the Bay Area, the Mayo Clinic in MN and Boston, he was recruited to the desert and has been here ever since.
“Eisenhower Health is unique, offering high quality service from high caliber-trained physicians in all fields,” Dr. Patel said. “The level of care the patients can receive here is analogous to care they would be receiving at any other major medical center.”
In 2021, Eisenhower Health launched a new capital campaign for the construction of its new Eisenhower Cardiovascular Institute. The $200 million campaign will provide funding for the Cardiac and Vascular Pavilion expansion, including three Catheterization Labs, two Electrophysiology Labs and two Hybrid Interventional Surgery Suites. Also, three Procedural Suites to expand Preoperative and Post anesthesia Care, and an expansion of the unit to include 32 beds. The Cardiovascular Institute building will include a four-story, 75,000-square-foot building for cardiovascular physicians, diagnostics and treatments. The new Renker Wellness Center for Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation will create 10,000 square feet of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services in a new location on the Eisenhower campus. Joseph W. Wilson, MD, Board Certified in Cardiothoracic Surgery and Director of the Smilow Heart Center at Eisenhower Health, with more than 30 years practicing in the Valley, is thrilled to be a part of the launch of the top notch unified setting for patient care and research.
“This new Cardiovascular Institute will allow physicians and health care providers to accomplish these goals under one roof, in a unified setting — a center for our patients to be evaluated in a collaborative group setting, improving access to more efficient care,” Dr. Wilson said.
Eisenhower is the only hospital in the area providing many life-changing procedures and treatments, including transcatheter aortic valve replacements. For many who may be too old or too sick for some of the more invasive surgeries and procedures, the high tech facilities, technology and multidisciplinary teams offer hope for a vibrant future. The new Eisenhower Cardiovascular Institute is slated to open in the near future.
Lee Rice, a Public Information Officer for the hospital, described how so many older folks who move to the area are often pretty active at 70 and 80 years old. She spoke of one patient who had severe heart disease and could barely walk 10 feet. He was meant to go on hospice the next week when he labored to his doctor visit. Following a transformative Eisenhower cardiovascular procedure, he was walking two miles a day within weeks.
Respected and cherished by many, it’s important to trumpet the successes of such an esteemed medical facility. Often, one does not take time to research or investigate the wealth of medical services offered until it is needed. A patient’s time of need for emergent or urgent care is not the time to start researching options.
U.S. News and World Report rates Eisenhower Health as High Performing in Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement, with orthopedics being a well respected specialty. There are specialists for just about every bone in your body. Eisenhower provides gold standard care in Oncology and Neuroscience, with primary care, urgent care centers, multi-specialty health centers and specialized programs across the valley. Comprehensive health care support is available, from education and prevention to diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. With Men‘s Health, Women’s Health, LGBTQ services, HIV care and much more, the advanced and personalized care is unparalleled in the Coachella Valley. Alan Williamson, MD, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer, Eisenhower Health, and Board Certified Vascular Surgeon is a 32-year veteran at the hospital.
“Eisenhower is a unique institution: a community-based teaching health system, with university-caliber physicians and staff providing truly cutting-edge health care right here in our community,” Dr. Williamson said. “And the desert lifestyle cannot be beat! Great physical beauty, outdoor activities and dining under the stars, all with a warmer ‘village’ attitude.”
For many residents of the area, the goal is to thrive, not just survive. There is a deep understanding that if you are fortunate to have so much, you realize what matters most is your health. The three doctors interviewed concur that the desert lifestyle not only offers a great quality of life and work environment, but inspires a different kind of patient. A hallmark of desert living, Dr. Wilson cherishes the commitment to health and wellness in the area.
“Since the day I first started in the desert, I have been amazed at the engagement of our patients in their own care, the knowledge base they bring, and the informed questions they ask — open discussions of the health issues — more than I ever saw where I trained,” Dr. Wilson said.
Bob and Dolores Hope donated the original 80 acres and the legacy of donation continues. There is a potent “Circle of Stars,” a group of active female philanthropists who focus on constantly upgrading and improving equipment and facilities. There is also a robust recruitment of nurses, which is challenging given the current Covid crisis and shortage of RNs.
“Eisenhower’s administration and Board, along with our awesome donors, make it possible for our clinicians to have the tools they need to deliver truly outstanding, cutting-edge care that one does not find in many non-academic centers anywhere in the country,” Dr. Williamson said. “And our Magnet-designated nursing team provides excellent personal care to our patients.”
The team approach to patient care and the investment in staff makes Eisenhower a magnet hospital; a boon in a time of staffing shortages, burnout and an ongoing public health crisis. It doesn't hurt that this facility is located in one of the most coveted locales in the country. Eisenhower is able to attract top-level doctors, surgeons and staff, and there are currently more than 78 clinical trials taking place, a sign of the caliber of care and prominent research.
In a region that prides itself on healthy living and healthy aging, Eisenhower Health has been and continues to be a vital resource in the Valley.
