Ridgecrest Regional Hospital is thrilled to welcome the newest addition to their healthcare team, UAG Alumni Dr. Robert Schatz

Ridgecrest, CA - Ridgecrest Regional Hospital is thrilled to welcome the newest addition to its healthcare team, Dr. Robert Schatz, a highly experienced and dedicated cardiologist. Dr. Schatz and his wife, Jan Shelton, have recently relocated to the area, bringing with them a wealth of expertise and a passion for serving the community. Dr. Schatz, who has a deep appreciation for both the human heart and the small-town lifestyle, expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter in his career, saying,

"I am very excited to be living and working here! We spent 10 years in the Palm Springs area, so we are used to the heat. And I have served in a lot of rural communities, so we are also used to small towns."

His journey into the field of cardiology was driven by a fascination with the intricacies of the heart, which he considers the "motor of the body." Dr. Schatz's love for movement, kinetics, and mechanics naturally led him to specialize in cardiology. "The heart beats 80,000 to 100,000 times per day. It's just amazing to consider how the heart works," he remarked, emphasizing his enduring passion for his work.

Dr. Schatz's extensive educational background is a testament to his commitment to excellence in medicine. He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Irvine, and continued his studies at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara before achieving his doctorate from the University of Southern California School of Medicine. His medical training includes an internship and residence in internal medicine at USC-Los Angeles County Medical Center, followed by a cardiology fellowship at UC Irvine and Veterans Administration Hospital-Long Beach. Dr. Schatz's dedication to staying at the forefront of his field is evident through his ongoing professional training, encompassing all aspects of non-invasive cardiology, such as stress testing, echocardiography, and pacemaker evaluation.

Throughout his career, Dr. Schatz has served in various medical institutions across California. He has witnessed significant advancements in cardiology tools and technologies, with a notable shift towards artificial intelligence-driven diagnostic approaches. He noted, "I think we are moving from a heuristic form of analysis and diagnostics to a more algorithmic approach because of artificial intelligence." However, he also emphasized that technology alone cannot replace the importance of medical judgment, underlining the enduring necessity of the medical profession.

Dr. Schatz is passionate about educating people on the lifestyle choices that impact heart health. One of his favorite recommendations for maintaining a healthy heart is taking leisurely walks outdoors. He stated, "That's such a freeing activity — and one of the best forms of exercise you can get. It's good for your heart and mind."

Additionally, during the pandemic, Dr. Schatz discovered a new hobby that not only brings him joy but also benefits his spirit and body—playing the harmonica. He practices daily and finds it to be a wonderful instrument that simultaneously enhances his breathing and airflow.

While Dr. Schatz may not be performing at Open Mic Night any time soon, he is excited to see new patients and extend his expertise to the Ridgecrest community. If you wish to schedule an appointment with him, please contact 760-499-3277. Jim Suver, CEO of Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, expressed his warm welcome, saying,

"We are happy to welcome Dr. Schatz and his wife to town. Recruiting quality healthcare providers remains our top priority, and we are pleased that Dr. Schatz has made the decision to serve our patients and community."

The arrival of Dr. Robert Schatz promises to be a significant asset to Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, providing top-notch cardiac care and a genuine commitment to improving the health and well-being of the local community.

This original article was published by The Daily Independent. Read the original article here.