Health briefs

Cape’s first neurosurgeon dies

Yong Kie Kim, the man who brought neurosurgery to Cape Girardeau, died Jan. 28. He was 81.

Kim began practicing with Saint Francis Medical Center in 1985, and for several years served as the area’s sole neurosurgeon.

“Dr. Kim was one of the pioneers who helped bring Saint Francis and Cape Girardeau into the modern age of surgery,” Thomas Diemer, Saint Francis Healthcare System vice president of quality and patient safety, said in a statement.

“He was a brilliant neurosurgeon,” said David Yingling, chairman of the section of neurosurgery at Saint Francis Medical Center, who served as Kim’s partner for several years. “He worked alone for five or six years and essentially never had any time off because he was always taking care of patients.”

Michael A. Holland

Southeast welcomes Michael Holland

Michael A. Holland has joined the medical staff at Southeast Hospital with a specialty in obstetrics and gynecology.

He earned his bachelor’s in physiology from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and his master’s in biomedical sciences from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois.

He earned his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at University of Missouri Health Care in Columbia, Missouri.

He is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Junior Fellow, and the American Medical Association.

Anuj Sharma

Southeast gains gastroenterologist

Anuj Sharma also became part of Southeast Hospital’s medical staff. with a specialty in gastroenterology.

Sharma earned his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond and completed his residency in internal medicine at Shands Hospital, University of Florida in Gainesville. He also completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis.

He is a member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Gastroenterological Association and American College of Gastroenterology.

Longtime neurologist joins Saint Francis

Randall L. Stahly

Longtime Cape Girardeau neurologist Randall L. Stahly joined the Saint Francis Healthcare System as part of Cape Neurology Specialists.

Stahly earned his medical degree at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, and completed his internship at Flint Osteopathic Hospital in Flint, Michigan.

After serving in emergency medicine for a year in Milwaukee, he completed his neurological residency at St. Louis University. He was named head of neurology at St. Louis County Hospital and served as an assistant clinical professor of neurology at St. Louis University from 1982 to 1986. He was recruited to Cape Girardeau, where he has served ever since.

“Dr. Stahly brings a level of expertise that will help enhance our neurological care at Cape Neurology Specialists,” Steven C. Bjelich, president and CEO of Saint Francis Healthcare System, said in a news release. “His overall experience and knowledge are second to none.”

Southeast adds cardiologist in Dexter

Fernando A. Arzola

Cardiologist Fernando A. Arzola has joined the medical staff at Southeast Hospital.

He will work with Cardiovascular Consultants at the Dexter, Missouri, clinic.

Arzola, who earned his medical degree from Central University of the Caribbean in Cavey, Puerto Rico, completed an internship in internal medicine at St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center in Youngstown, Ohio, and residency and fellowship at University District Hospital in Puerto Rico Medical Center, San Juan.

He served with the U.S. Army Reserve until 1997, when he retired after attaining the rank of major.

He most recently practiced with Crawford Cardiology in Van Buren, Arkansas.