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                      Home/About Us/Newsroom/Primary Care Continues to Grow in Laredo

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                      Primary Care Continues to Grow in Laredo

                      1/26/2023

                      Access to primary care is growing in the Laredo-Webb County region, thanks to Laredo Medical Center affiliate Primary Care Associates of Laredo, which is now home to seven family medicine physicians.

                      All of the providers are members of the Medical Staff at Laredo Medical Center with a combined total of more than 75 years of experience in family medicine.

                      “Having a long-term relationship with a primary care provider keeps you healthier and lowers medical costs,” said Jorge Leal, FACHE, CEO of Laredo Medical Center. “Going from one family medicine physician to 7 family medicine physicians in three years is a major win for Laredo and surrounding communities. We are pleased to broaden people’s options for primary care, and we continue to look into extending our reach further.”

                      Jacob A. Kallsen, M.D., is the newest primary care provider to join the team in September 2022. He received his undergraduate education at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK, and his medical education at the University of Texas, McGovern Medical School in Houston. He completed his residency as part of the Laredo Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program, Class of 2022. Dr. Kallsen has a special interest in preventive medicine for the pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations, ages 5 and up.

                      Yanick A. Ekortarh, M.D., is also new to the team, coming onboard in August 2022. He received his medical education at Universidad Iberoamericana School of Medicine in the Dominican Republic. He completed his residency at Bella Vista Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Dr. Ekortarh has a special interest in preventive care for patients ages 5 and up, including the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, and women’s health.

                      Cory Fernandes, D.O., has been with the team since July 2022. He received his undergraduate education at the University of California, Davis and his medical education at Touro University Nevada, College of Osteopathic Medicine in Henderson. He completed his residency as part of the first class of the Laredo Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program in 2021. Dr. Fernandes has a special interest in sports and muscular skeletal injuries, as well as preventive medicine for ages 4 and up.

                      Miguel Villarino, M.D., has been a team member since October 2021. He received his medical education at the Universidad Autónoma Baja California in Mexicali, Mexico before completing his residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He has a special interest in well-child care for ages 4 and up, and the management of chronic conditions.

                      Jesus I. Aguirre-Burgos, M.D., has been with the team since October 2021. He received his medical education at the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon in Monterrey, Mexico and worked as a staff physician in Laredo and Eagle Pass before setting up his private practice in Laredo in 2004. His special interests are in the management of acute and chronic medical conditions for ages 10 and up.

                      Christopher B. Tchou, D.O., who joined the team in September 2021, comes to Laredo from Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk, College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tennessee. He is part of the first class of the Laredo Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program, and has a special interest in providing wellness and preventive care to ages 10 and up. This includes the management of chronic conditions and Pap smear procedures for women.

                      Richard Bang, M.D., has been a member of the team since 2018. He received his education and training at Stanford University, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center/Parkland Hospital. He has a special interest in management of obesity in adults and children, low testosterone, Attention Deficit Disorder, anxiety, and depression for ages 6 and up.

                      Primary Care Associates of Laredo can be found at three convenient locations across town. At LMC North, 7210 McPherson Road (956 796-4990), Dr. Bang, Dr. Aguirre-Burgos and Dr. Tchou are located in Suite, 220. There are two clinics at LMC South, 4151 Jaime Zapata Highway (956 729-9738). Dr. Villarino is located in Suite 205, and Dr. Ekortarh is in Suite 101-B. Our newest clinic, located at 1119 Fenwick Drive (956 441-0646), Suite 204, is home to Dr. Fernandes and Dr. Kallsen.

                      For more information or to schedule an appointment online, visit LaredoPhysicianAssociates.com. Most insurance plans are welcome.

                      The physicians are employed by Regional Employee Assistance Program d/b/a Primary Care Associates of Laredo.

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                      Laredo Medical Center

                      • 1700 East Saunders St
                      • Laredo, TX 78041
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