A Message from Michael A. Cruz, President & CEO | BSA Health System
On behalf of BSA Health System, it is a privilege to partner with you in delivering exceptional care to patients across our region. We deeply value the trust you place in us as we work together to fulfill our mission: to provide quality healthcare in Christian love, service and dignity.
As we look toward the new year, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on several milestones from 2025 that highlight our ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare for the communities we serve.
Introducing the OB Hospitalist Group at BSA Health System
In February, we launched the OB Hospitalist Group, dedicated to providing exceptional care for pregnant women and newborns. Our hospital-based OB/GYN physicians are available around the clock to ensure timely, expert care.
- 24/7 Obstetric Emergency Care (OBED)
Through this program, BSA also operates a 24/7 Obstetric Emergency Department, where board-certified OB hospitalists are always on-site and ready to respond to urgent maternal and newborn needs — from elevated blood pressure to surgical interventions.
Advancing Care Through Innovation: Mako Robotic Surgery
BSA Health System expanded its commitment to innovation with the introduction of Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery. This technology enables surgeons to perform hip and knee replacements with greater precision, leading to improved alignment, less pain, faster recovery, and a more natural-feeling joint.
Comprehensive Lung Cancer Detection & Treatment
This year, BSA Harrington Cancer Center strengthened its comprehensive lung program with the launch of the Eon Lung Nodule Program, which uses AI to identify, track, and manage lung nodules for earlier diagnosis. A multidisciplinary team — including radiology, pulmonology, thoracic surgery, nurse navigation, and primary care — supports each patient from detection through follow-up.
Complementing this, our Low-Dose CT (LDCT) Lung Screening program helps detect lung cancer at its most treatable stage, supported by personalized risk assessments and long-term care coordination.
We also celebrated a major milestone — the completion of our 100th Ion robotic-assisted lung biopsy by Michael Bibler, D.O. This minimally invasive procedure allows for precise tissue sampling of hard-to-reach nodules, helping patients receive answers faster.
Together, Eon, LDCT, and Ion are transforming early detection and keeping high-quality care close to home.
National Recognition for Stroke Care
For the seventh consecutive year, BSA received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®–Stroke Gold Plus award for excellence in stroke care. We also earned Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll recognition for delivering rapid, evidence-based treatment when every second counts.
500th TAVR Procedure
BSA celebrated the completion of its 500th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure this year — a remarkable milestone for the first and only TAVR program in the Texas Panhandle. This less-invasive, life-saving treatment continues to transform cardiac care for our region.
ECMO Program Launch
In October, BSA launched a new ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) program, providing advanced life support for patients with severe heart or lung failure. This capability ensures patients can receive the highest level of critical care without leaving Amarillo — keeping families together when it matters most.
Miles for Mammos 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk
This October, BSA Harrington Breast Center proudly hosted the first-ever Miles for Mammos 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. Team members, patients, families and community partners came together to honor survivors, remember loved ones, and raise awareness for early detection. This inaugural event marked the start of a new BSA tradition rooted in compassion and community spirit.
Thank you, Amarillo!
BSA Health System and our joint ventures have been named Best of Amarillo in six categories, including Best Hospital, Best Emergency Room and Best Urgent Care, and recognized as a top three finalist in three additional categories. We are grateful for the trust our community places in us each day. At BSA, we remain dedicated to providing quality healthcare with Christian love, service and dignity — and we’re proud that our mission continues to make a meaningful difference in the Texas Panhandle.
New Rehabilitation Hospital in Amarillo
BSA Health System, in partnership with Encompass Health, has opened the BSA Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of Amarillo—a 50-bed, state-of-the-art inpatient rehabilitation facility at 7950 Wallace Boulevard. This milestone more than doubles the region’s capacity for inpatient rehab care. With BSA’s inpatient rehabilitation unit transitioned to the new facility, BSA Hospital will be adding additional acute care beds, further expanding access to acute care for our growing community.
Expanding Access to Specialized Care
BSA Health System continued to grow in 2025, welcoming new providers and specialties to meet the needs of our community.
- Rance Boren, MD, a board-certified neurologist with more than 20 years of experience in hospital-based neurology, joined BSA as our first Neurohospitalist.
- Imene Boumaza, MD, triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, and Critical Care Medicine, joined BSA Amarillo Diagnostic Clinic as our newest Pulmonologist.
Regional Collaboration with Rural Community Partners
BSA continues to strengthen partnerships with rural hospitals and clinics across the Panhandle through monthly rural calls and quarterly case management meetings. These collaborations foster open communication, improve care transitions, and enhance access to specialty and post-acute services — ensuring patients in surrounding communities experience seamless, connected care.
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly grateful for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we will continue to advance healthcare in 2026 and beyond — ensuring our patients receive the highest quality care, guided by compassion and excellence, right here at home.
Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Michael A. Cruz
President & CEO | BSA Health System