Southwest Health System has filled three staff positions at Southwest Memorial Hospital, including a surgeon, a family physician and an information officer, according to a news release.
Dr. Abbas Raza Hamdani Syed has joined Southwest Medical Group surgery team. He will be practicing at the Medical Office Building with the specialty care suite on the main campus in Cortez.
“We welcome Dr. Syed. He brings a wealth of experience and passion for patient care,” said Jeanette Filpi, Interim CEO for SHS, in the release.
Syed is an experienced board-certified general surgeon practicing since 2002.
He completed his residency at the Medical Center of Independence in Independence, Missouri, and received his medical degree in 2001 from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Westbury, N.Y. He is certified with the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons and the American Osteopathic Association.
“I like operating and taking care of my patients. I find face-to-face interaction with patients, patient education, and disease prevention most rewarding,” said Syed in the release.
He moved to Cortez for the mild climate, hiking and cross-country skiing. Syed also enjoys web surfing, spending time with his wife, and talking to his sons who are still in college.
Dr. Jacob Anderson has also joined Southwest Medical Group Primary Care clinic on the main Cortez campus.
Filpi said Anderson has a “compassionate style that is integral for quality family care.”
Anderson is a board-certified family practice physician. He completed his residency at Southern Colorado Family Medicine in Pueblo and received his medical degree in 2018 from Virginia Commonwealth University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
In a news release, Anderson stated: “I am most inspired when working with patients who make positive changes towards their health. I enjoy seeing transformations toward healing. I find learning from patients and their diverse perspectives culturally, personally, and spiritually to be the most interesting. The complexity of primary care constantly challenges me, and it keeps me on my toes.”
He appreciates the diverse community and scenery of the Four Corners, and is happy to serve in a rural community. Some of his hobbies include hiking at McPhee Reservoir and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. He also enjoys mountain biking and rock climbing in the San Juan Mountains.
Chuck Krupa has been appointed as the permanent chief communications officer and public information officer for Southwest Health System.
Krupa came on board 2018 with over 10 years of experience, as well as a graduate certificate in Healthcare Information Technology Management. Since joining the team, he has rounded out his education by completing his Master’s in Business Administration from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
“This appointment provides the opportunity to align current and long-term initiatives with technology and business development. Chuck’s knowledge and leadership will help ensure that Southwest Health System provides the most efficient and safe information technology platform for today as well as future endeavors,” said Filpi in a news release.
Krupa will oversee the organization’s technology and marketing teams, provide operational direction, manage delivery of technologies, and release of information to the public.
“Over the last ten years, I have developed a passion for leadership,” Krupa stated in the release. “Utilizing relationships as a foundation, I find great pleasure in helping others find the best version of themselves. I also enjoy the difficulty and variability related to technological platforms that aid in our ability to provide consistent and safe healthcare to our community.”
He enjoys the outdoors and the diverse community that offers a sense of belonging. He lives with his wife and two boys.
