A Country Doctor's Vision

The vision of a local ambulatory surgery facility began with the humble aspirations of a local family doctor twenty years ago. Today, he is enjoying retirement but stays in touch with our progress. He is remembered as one of the Board of Directors for the first surgery center in Effingham, Illinois. While reviewing patient surveys, his pride is silent testimony to what he already knew nearly a decade before: that his community would truly benefit from a "home town" out-patient surgery center.

It began about twenty-two years ago, when newly recruited physicians created a demand for operating room time that was already at a premium. Additionally, the trend of outpatient surgery as a viable health care alternative was gaining momentum. The concept of an ambulatory surgery center seemed the most fruitful; more operating rooms run more efficiently. When approached, the hospital representatives did not have any long range plans to increase their number of operating rooms and declined the opportunity of a joint venture to build a freestanding facility.

As a result, Effingham Medical Properties, Ltd. was established in March of 1992. It was comprised of fourteen physicians spanning most specialties. Most were local physicians who had a genuine concern for maintaining a high standard of healthcare for southern Illinois. Dedication, research, and faith finally materialized into a streamlined 6500 square foot freestanding facility for outpatient care.

State licensure was awarded in December of 1994. Medicare certification was received in February 1995. Joint Commission Accreditation November, 1996.

July 1, 2001 - Effingham Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Center was purchased by Effingham Surgical Partners, LLC. The center became known as Effingham Ambulatory Surgery Center.

December, 2005 – The surgery center completed a 10,900 square foot addition with three new operating room, a spacious Post-op area and remodeled the pre-op to accommodate patient privacy.

 

The Effingham Ambulatory Surgery Center is Owned By      [top]

Ruben Boyajian, M.D. Nash Naam, M.D.
James Graham, D.P.M. David Nayak, M.D.
Kelly Haller, M.D. Robert Petty, M.D.
SurgCenter Development Michael Schultheis, M.D.
John Kay, M.D. Jay Swanson, D.D.S., M.D.
Lisa Kowalski, M.D. Jeffrey Whightsel, M.D.
Lawrence Leventhal, M.D. Kevin Malone, M.D.
Joseph Spraul, M.D. Patrick Stewart, M.D.
James Flaig, D.O.  

 

The Effingham Ambulatory Surgery Center Hours      [top]

Business Hours: Monday thru Friday 8:30am - 5:00 PM

Clinical Hours: Monday thru Friday 6:00am - 6:00 PM