Public Relations / Marketing Officer

David Bruzzese
Office: 970.764.3910
Cell: 970.749.9517

For Immediate Release
Aug 28, 2009

Third kidney specialist joins Mercy Regional Medical Center

Durango, CO - Kidney disease specialist Darren Schmidt, M.D., recently joined the medical staff at Mercy Regional Medical Center and is now seeing patients at Durango Nephrology Associates, a hospital-owned clinic.

"We're proud to welcome Dr. Schmidt to Mercy. He is a talented provider and a welcome addition to the Durango medical community," said Kirk Dignum, CEO of Mercy Regional Medical Center. "He is joining a very skilled group and his arrival allows us to care for many more people in the region who are suffering from kidney disorders," added Dignum. Durango Nephrology Associates opened in 2004 and employs kidney disease specialists Elizabeth Helms, M.D., and Mark Saddler, M.D.

Schmidt provides care for patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and other kidney disorders. Particular areas of interest include chronic and acute dialysis.

Schmidt attended medical school at Louisiana State University and completed his nephrology fellowship at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Before joining Durango Nephrology Associates, he was a clinical nephrologist and member of the faculty at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine.

Schmidt is married and has three daughters. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.

Durango Nephrology Associates is located in the Mercy Medical Plaza in Durango at 1010 Three Springs Blvd., suite 255. Appointments may be scheduled by calling (970) 764-3825.

Mercy Regional Medical Center is is a full-service, acute care hospital. As a not-for-profit medical hospital and member of Catholic Health Initiatives, Mercy is committed to improving the health and wellness of the communities it serves. See www.mercydurango.org for more information.

Catholic Health Initiatives is a national nonprofit health organization with headquarters in Denver. The faith-based system includes 77 hospitals; 40 long-term care, assisted- and residential-living facilities; and two community health-services organizations in 20 states. Catholic Health Initiatives ranks as the nation's second-largest Catholic health care system. See www.catholichealthinitiatives.org for more information.

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