Surgical Associates joining St. Charles fold
Surgical Associates of the Cascades will become employed by St. Charles Medical Group on Jan. 1.
The group includes Drs. Jack Hartley, John Land and George Tsai — who have collectively practiced general surgery in Central Oregon for more than 50 years — and Dr. Ngocthuy “Thuy” Hughes, of Cascade Obesity and General Surgery. They have dedicated their practice to providing the most technologically advanced, minimally invasive procedures to patients.
“Our group of surgeons is excited about this new stage in surgical care,” said Dr. Hartley. “We are now able to work in a more cohesive manner with our primary care providers and other sub-specialists, providing a truly seamless health care experience for our patients.”
With the addition of SAC, St. Charles Medical Group will grow to 93 employed providers. Its surgical group — which now includes Dr. David Carne in Prineville — will grow to five.
“We’re thrilled to build on an already close partnership with SAC,” said Dr. Jeff Absalon, St. Charles’ chief physician executive. “It is a highly respected group that has a long track record of providing outstanding care.”
SAC surgeons operate at St. Charles’ Bend and Redmond hospitals and, as of last October, at Mountain View Hospital as well.
“Joining the health system will enhance coordination of care, which is beneficial for patients,” said Dr. Land. “When physicians and hospitals work together, we’re able to provide the highest quality of care for our community. This kind of collaboration is going to help move forward much needed changes in health care.”
