LARNED — A Hays native is the new medical director of the Emergency Department at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) where he is collaborating “with a great team.”

Aaron Pfeifer, MD, became acquainted with the PVCH staff prior to serving in his new capacity because of the hospital’s relationship with HaysMed; he is also medical director of the Emergency Department at that facility.

“The current staff and former Emergency Department medical directors have done a great job caring for the community,” Dr. Pfeifer said. “I hope to reinforce that.

“The staff are knowledgeable and motivated to excel in meeting the community’s healthcare needs,” he continued. “The facilities and equipment at PVCH are top-notch too. I am excited to serve local and area residents in this modern facility.”

In his new role, Dr. Pfeifer’s responsibilities include: supervising healthcare providers; being available for consultation on complex cases; ensuring clinical guidelines and protocols remain up-to-date; and ensuring quality of care by analyzing data and identifying areas for improvement.

“My goal is to fulfill these responsibilities and further expand high-quality emergency care to our region,” Dr. Pfeifer commented. “Since I was born and raised in Hays, I understand that we are sometimes under-served in western Kansas and want to do my part to provide exceptional health care.”

Dr. Pfeifer earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 2010 at Fort Hays State University; post-baccalaureate studies degree at The University of Kansas in 2011; and medical doctor degree in 2015 at the KU School of Medicine in Kansas City.

He performed his emergency medicine residency at Western Michigan Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine at Kalamazoo from 2015-18. Residency titles included chief resident; medical control physician/EMS provider; flight physician; medical simulations lab instructor; and clinical instructor.

From 2008-10, Dr. Pfeifer was an EMT at the Ellis County EMS.

In addition to his other duties at HaysMed, Dr. Pfeifer is the sexual assault nurse examiner medical director.

Dr. Pfeifer and his wife have a son and daughter. “We all enjoy outdoor activities including camping, athletic events, water and snow sports, mountain biking, hunting and fishing.”

Melanie Urban, PVCH administrator, said “Dr. Pfeifer’s extensive background in emergency medicine and leadership illustrates he is a perfect fit for the Emergency Department medical-director position here at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.

“We are so fortunate that our partnership with HaysMed affords us the opportunity for Dr. Pfeifer to lead our professional and compassionate providers in offering excellent care and treatment in the Emergency Department.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; wound care; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. PVCH Family Medicine provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.