Mercy Cedar Rapids

02/17/2026

Did you know that GLP-1 medications can be used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke? Cardiologist Rohan Penmetcha, DO, shares how recent studies show that GLP-1 medications can be used outside of weight loss to help with heart health, quieting addictive thoughts, and more. Learn more about heart health and GLP-1 medications at www.mercyheartcenter.org/heart/staying-healthy/glp-1-medications--heart-health/.

02/17/2026

Sign up to receive a baby gift from Mercy!

If you or someone you know is expecting, we'd love to help you celebrate with a small, handmade gift. Just complete the form at www.mercycare.org/gift so we know where to send it.

Congratulations on your upcoming bundle of joy!

Celebrate your upcoming bundle of joy with a small, handmade gift from Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, IA.

02/16/2026

Spinal Surgery Milestone!
Mercy neurosurgeons Dr. Darin Smith and Dr. Steven Schopick recently celebrated 400 robotic spinal fusion cases — a major achievement in advancing spine care for our community. Spinal fusion can help relieve pain, restore stability, and protect nerves for patients living with conditions like degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, scoliosis, fractures, and nerve irritation. Using the Mazor™ robotic guidance system, surgeons create a personalized 3D surgical plan based on each patient’s unique anatomy. During the procedure, the technology helps guide instruments with added precision while the surgeon remains in full control.

For patients, that may mean:
✔️ Smaller incisions
✔️ Less blood loss
✔️ Shorter hospital stays
✔️ Greater confidence in surgical accuracy

Learn more about Mercy’s Mazor robotic surgery by visiting https://www.mercycare.org/services/neurosurgery/spinal-fusion-surgery/

02/16/2026

Welcome to the world, baby Evelyn!

02/14/2026

Healthy hearts make the best valentines.

This Valentine's Day, take a moment to show your heart some love—it's the one that's always there for you. From checking your numbers, managing stress, and lowering your salt intake, small habits can make big differences.

02/13/2026

Congratulations to Respiratory Therapist Stuart, who recently received a Mercy Touch Award!

Stuart’s nominator shared that Stuart took extra care and time to connect with a patient’s family during a recent visit.

"This was such a kind gesture that we know meant so much … during such a stressful time," the nominator wrote. "Truly an example of The Mercy Touch. Thank you so much, Stuart!"

Agreed! Thank you, Stuart, for noticing and attending to the needs of the families we serve, in addition to their loved ones!

02/12/2026

It’s still National Heart Month, and this week is EKG Tech Week!

EKG Techs play a critical role in patient care. From timely diagnostics and coordination of care to providing calming reassurance to patients, their work directly supports patient outcomes.

Thank you to all our outstanding EKG Techs for all that you do to provide The Mercy Touch to patients!

02/12/2026

Welcome to the world, baby Till!

02/11/2026

Heart care that’s all in one place? That just makes sense.

At the Jewel & Jim Plumb Heart Center, you’ll find heart specialists, imaging, lab services and coordinated care together under one roof—all provided with The Mercy Touch.

It’s American Heart Month, so now’s the perfect time to know your numbers and take the next step. Learn more: www.mercycare.org/heart

02/11/2026

This week is National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week. Celebrated alongside American Heart Month, Cardiac Rehabilitation Week is a chance to highlight the important role that cardiac rehab plays in helping patients recover from cardiac events.

Mercy's cardiac rehab team helps patients regain strength following a cardiac event through nutrition and low intensity exercise. Patients may start their personalized exercise program at Mercy’s state-of-the-art Cardiac Rehabilitation Gym, located in the Plumb Heart Center. The space was designed with recovering patients in mind and allows staff to continually monitor patients, even if they are utilizing the indoor/outdoor track.

Thank you to the cardiac rehab team for all that you do! Learn more about cardiac rehab at Mercy: www.mercycare.org/cardiac-rehab

02/11/2026

Mercy is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Malas, MBA, CPA, as its new executive vice president & chief financial officer (CFO). He will officially join Mercy on March 30, 2026.

Malas’ professional career spans 30 years and includes extensive experience guiding complex healthcare organizations through financial stewardship and transformation. Read more at: www.mercycare.org/malas

02/10/2026

Mercy is the only cardiology program in Cedar Rapids utilizing drug-coated balloons to treat recurrent coronary artery disease.

Used for the first time at Mercy in February 2025, drug-coated balloons allow cardiologists to open a narrowed artery and deliver medication directly where it's needed without leaving a permanent implant behind.

“When it comes to treating recurrent coronary artery disease, treatment options are important,” said Ryan Hollenbeck, MD, FACC, FSCAI. “Drug-coated balloons give our team another way to tailor care to the individual patient.”

Learn more about coronary artery disease and treatment options at the Plumb Heart Center at: mercycare.org/coronary-artery-disease