FIVE VALLEY BAPTIST DOCTORS NAMED AMONG TOP DOCTORS IN TEXAS IN STATE-WIDE SURVEY

Harlingen, Dec.04, 2007 –- Five doctors on the Medical Staff at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen have been recognized as “Super Doctors” in the December issue of Texas Monthly magazine.

Drs. William McKenna, Allergist-Immunologist; Rick Bassett, Orthopedic Surgeon; Todd Shenkenberg, Oncologist; Eugene Nunnery, Rheumatologist; and J. Leslie Pean, Pulmonologist were named “Texas Super Doctors”™ and identified as top physicians in their respective specialties by more than 37,000 medical professionals across the state of Texas who were asked, “If you needed medical care, which doctor would you choose?”

The state-wide survey was conducted by Key Professional Media, Inc., a national research company for Texas Monthly.

“Dr. McKenna, Dr. Bassett, Dr. Shenkenberg, Dr. Nunnery; and Dr. Pean have cared for and treated thousands of patients in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Jim Wesson, Chief Executive Officer for Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen. “Valley Baptist is pleased to work with such excellent physicians, as we continue with our mission of providing outstanding patient care.”

Dr. McKenna was named a “Super Doctor” for the third time. For more than two decades, Dr. McKenna has treated Valley adults and children with asthma, allergies and other conditions. Dr. McKenna was one of the nation’s early experts on treatment for attacks by Africanized “killer” bees, and helped lead Valley Baptist’s award-winning asthma education programs for Valley children in the 1990’s. More recently, Dr. McKenna became the first physician in the Valley to use a ground-breaking new medication for patients with moderate and severe asthma caused by allergies.

Dr. Bassett is internationally renowned for the joint replacement prostheses he developed for the hips and knees. As Medical Director of Valley Baptist’s Orthopedic Program, he helped propel Valley Baptist to the best rating in Texas for orthopedic services and among the top five percent in the nation, resulting in Valley Baptist being included in a listing of top hospitals in Money Magazine in 2003. The outstanding reputation of Dr. Bassett among local residents and Winter Texans has drawn patients from across the Midwest and Canada to Valley Baptist for joint replacement procedures.

Dr. Shenkenberg is well-known in the Valley for his care and compassion in treating cancer patients. He is a popular speaker and presenter on topics related to cancer, and a perennial supporter and participant in the annual “Relay for Life” to benefit cancer research and programs through the American Cancer Society. Dr. Shenkenberg served as Chief of Staff at Valley Baptist from 2000 to 2002.

Dr. Nunnery is an experienced specialist for those seeking relief from arthritis. He has shared his knowledge with future Valley physicians, serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio’s Regional Academic Health Center in Harlingen. He has also contributed to articles in national publications such as the Journal of Rheumatology.

Dr. Pean is known for his courteous bedside manner and was named “Physician of the Year” at Valley Baptist in 2003. Dr. Pean cares for many of Valley Baptist’s critical care patients – such as those with emphysema, COPD, asthma, and other illnesses. Dr. Pean has also served as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Valley’s medical school, the Regional Academic Health Center, across the street from Valley Baptist.

For more information on the outstanding Valley physicians serving on Valley Baptist’s medical staff, visit www.ValleyBaptist.net.