Cardiovascular Institute of the South

Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is celebrating five years of providing expert cardiovascular care in the Meridian community this year. CIS was founded in Houma, Louisiana 38 years ago by Dr. Craig Walker who recognized that cardiovascular disease death rates were extremely high in the area. His vision was to make an impact on the overall health of small communities. Since then, CIS has become a world-leader in preventing, detecting and treating cardiovascular disease with a mission to provide the highest quality cardiovascular care available. This mission has led CIS to expand clinics in multiple regions such as Meridian.

CIS is able to offer exceptional care with experienced cardiologists close to home. The physician team at the CIS Meridian clinic includes Drs. Wes Bennett, Tim Boyd, L. Shea Hailey, Scott Joransen, Thomas Plavac, E. Michael Purvis, Jennifer Rodriguez, Dale Touchstone, and Zaid Altheeb.

“The cardiologists at CIS Meridian are proud to have been delivering care to the patients in our community for many years. Our nine interventional cardiologists are dedicated to the delivery of high quality cardiac care,” said Dr. Wes Bennett, interventional cardiologist at CIS Meridian.

Since its inception, CIS has pioneered “firsts” in the industry and is considered an innovator in the field of cardiovascular treatment options. CIS was part of the first peripheral stent trial in 1988 and the first coronary stent trial in 1989. CIS has also contributed significantly to the advancement and development of non-surgical treatments for cardiovascular disease, with a special focus also on peripheral artery disease in the legs. These interventional procedures are minimally-invasive, involving a much lower risk for our patients and less recovery time than surgery. Additionally, CIS cardiologists have created a nationally-recognized structural heart program, an advanced clinical research program, and the largest peripheral vascular educational conference in the country. CIS also established a first-of-its-kind Virtual Care Center offering patients 24/7 access to their care team.

CIS has grown to become a world-renowned practice with 22 locations in Louisiana and Mississippi, 80 physicians, 1,075 team members, and 10 telecardiology sites. CIS’s most recent venture expands its reach into Chicago with a management partnership with Midwest Cardiovascular Institute.

To schedule an appointment at CIS in Meridian, call 601-282-8980 or visit www.cardio.com.

Cardiovascular Institute of the South
4909 Great River Dr., Meridian, MS