Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic Expands Access to General Surgery with Dr. Jessica Pries

Collaboration with The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus brings specialty care closer to home

ELLINWOOD, Kan. — Jessica Pries, MD, a general surgeon with The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus, is now seeing patients at Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic. Dr. Pries will be in Ellinwood two days each month, expanding local access to surgical care for residents of Ellinwood and surrounding communities.

The arrangement brings the two hospitals together to support access to specialty care in central Kansas while making use of Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic’s surgical facilities and equipment.

“Expanding access to surgical care starts with understanding what our community needs and working together to meet those needs,” said Troy Moore, CEO of Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic. “By working with The University of Kansas Health System, we can bring Dr. Pries’ expertise closer to our patients and make greater use of the surgical suite and equipment our community has invested in.”

Dr. Pries is a board-certified, fellowship-trained general surgeon with advanced training in minimally invasive surgery. A central Kansas native who grew up in a small town, she brings a personal connection to the rural communities she serves.

“This is a pivotal time in transforming health care in rural communities and it starts with hospitals working together around the needs of patients. The health system is proud to partner with Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic to ensure access to specialty care is available close to home. Dr. Pries seeing general surgery patients at both hospitals will ensure that patients have the care they need, where they need it, while building a sustainable partnership that benefits both communities,” said John Worden, CEO of The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus.

Dr. Pries earned her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita. She completed her general surgery residency at Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, followed by fellowship training in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery at the University of Missouri.

“For patients and families, having specialty care available locally can mean less travel and more support close to home,” Moore said. “Dr. Pries’ central Kansas roots make this a meaningful connection, and we look forward to welcoming her to Ellinwood.”

For information about Dr. Pries’ services at Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic or to schedule an appointment, call 620-564-2548