Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis was named the Best Regional Hospital in Memphis and the No. 2 hospital in Tennessee. Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson was named the Best Regional Hospital in Mississippi and Jackson; and Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto in Southaven, Mississippi, was recognized for the first time as a Best Regional Hospital, making the list just behind Mississippi Baptist Medical Center for the No. 2 spot in Mississippi and the No. 3 spot in metro Memphis.

In addition to its Best Regional Hospital designation, Baptist Memphis earned High Performing ratings in 15 procedures and conditions: heart bypass surgery; back surgery; hip fracture; colon cancer surgery; lung cancer surgery; ear, nose and throat surgery; leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma; heart failure; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); heart attack; diabetes; kidney failure; pneumonia; heart arrhythmia and stroke.

Mississippi Baptist Medical Center earned High Performing ratings in nine procedures and conditions: abdominal aortic aneurysm repair; colon cancer surgery; prostate cancer surgery; gynecological cancer surgery; leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma; heart failure; diabetes; kidney failure and stroke.

Baptist DeSoto earned High Performing ratings in eight procedures and conditions: colon cancer surgery; heart failure; COPD; heart attack; diabetes; kidney failure; pneumonia and stroke.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi, earned High Performing ratings in six procedures and conditions: hip fracture; COPD; heart attack; diabetes; kidney failure and pneumonia.

NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro, Arkansas, earned High Performing ratings in three conditions: diabetes, kidney failure and pneumonia.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County in New Albany, Mississippi, and Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton in Covington, Tennessee, each earned a High Performing rating for pneumonia.

The annual U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings are designed to help patients make informed decisions about where to receive care for complex health conditions and common procedures. Hospitals are evaluated using objective measures, such as patient outcomes and experience, staffing and other quality metrics. For more information about the 2026-2027 Best Hospitals rankings and methodology, visit the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals website.

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, insurance, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

Baptist Memorial Health Care is one of the country’s largest not-for-profit health care systems and the largest provider of Medicaid in the region. Consistently ranking among the top integrated health care networks in the country, Baptist Memorial comprises 25 affiliate hospitals in West Tennessee, North and Central Mississippi and East Arkansas; a freestanding emergency department; more than 7,000 affiliated physicians; Baptist Medical Group, a multispecialty physician group with more than 1,500 providers in 50 specialties; Baptist Cancer Center; home, hospice and psychiatric care; walk-in and urgent care clinics; a network of surgery, rehabilitation and other outpatient centers; and an education system that includes Baptist Health Sciences University and a college of osteopathic medicine. Baptist employs more than 24,000 people, and in fiscal year 2024 contributed more than $388 million in community benefit and uncompensated care to the communities it serves. For more information, please visit www.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

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Baptist DeSoto received these awards for its commitment to ensuring people experiencing strokes receive timely, appropriate treatment and for its ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for people with heart failure. 

“Baptist DeSoto is committed to delivering high-quality care by following the latest evidence-based treatment guidelines,” said Brian Hogan, CEO and administrator of Baptist DeSoto. “Get With The Guidelines helps our care teams put proven science into practice every day. Research shows this approach can support better recovery, with the ultimate goal of helping more people in DeSoto County and surrounding areas live longer, healthier lives.” 

Each year, participating hospitals qualify for award recognition by demonstrating sustained performance in delivering quality care for patients with heart failure. 

“We are proud to recognize the leadership and dedicated care teams at Baptist DeSoto for their strong commitment to improving care for people living with heart failure,” said Sabra Lewsey, M.D., MPH, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Heart Failure System of Care Advisory Group. “Hospitals that participate in Get With The Guidelines — Heart Failure, a 20-year flagship quality improvement program, often achieve better patient outcomes, including fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — benefitting patients, families, communities and health care systems alike.” 

Baptist DeSoto also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll/Elite Award for reducing the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy. 

“We are proud to recognize Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto in its commitment to caring for people experiencing strokes,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, including greater likelihood of being discharged home, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a meaningful benefit for health care systems, families and communities.”   

In addition, Baptist DeSoto received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to heart disease or stroke.

Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 18 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. U.S. News & World Report recognized the hospital as a Best Regional Hospital in the metro-Memphis area and Mississippi for 2026–2027, the American Heart Association acknowledged the hospital for cardiac and stroke care, and the American College of Cardiology named the hospital a HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in 2025. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

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WHAT: Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto will host a free community outreach and trauma injury prevention event in collaboration with the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi Trauma Care System Foundation. Health care professionals, first responders, other emergency medical community organizations and the community are invited to the two-hour event to learn how to protect themselves from common injuries, access local resources, participate in demonstrations and connect with other leaders on safety, emergency preparedness and injury prevention. There will be giveaways, interactive educational opportunities and door prizes.    

WHEN: Friday, July 31
             10 a.m. to noon

WHERE: Northwest Mississippi Community College 
               Ranger Center 
               1210 Church Road W. 
               Southaven, MS 38671

BACKGROUND: Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. U.S. News & World Report recognized the hospital as a high-performing hospital in six specialties for 2025–2026, the American Heart Association acknowledged the hospital for cardiac and stroke care, and the American College of Cardiology named the hospital a HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in 2025. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

INTERVIEW/PHOTOGRAPHY OPPORTUNITIES:     

• Christina Batton, Quality Improvement Manager, Baptist DeSoto
• Matt Edwards, Director of Trauma Systems, Mississippi Trauma Care System Foundation  
• Attendees 

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“We were excited to welcome new and expecting parents to Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto’s annual baby fair,” said Lori Porter, nurse manager of Baptist DeSoto’s mother-baby unit. “We have an excellent maternity staff at Baptist DeSoto who are committed to helping moms in our community have a safe and memorable experience, from delivery to recovery. It is truly our honor to support and care for moms and help them navigate one of the most exciting times in their lives.”

During the baby fair, mothers, fathers and other caregivers received healthy pregnancy tips and learned about car seat and seat belt safety, infant CPR and breastfeeding and lactation support services and more from nurses, obstetricians, pediatricians and other child health experts. Attendees connected with more than 35 maternity and childhood support vendors, toured the Women’s Pavilion, took photos, picked up giveaways and won prizes during the three-hour event.  The baby fair gave new parents the opportunity to talk to physicians and nurses to help answer questions about what to expect during pregnancy and delivery.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. The hospital was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital in six specialties for 2025–2026, the American Heart Association for cardiac and stroke care and the American College of Cardiology as a HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in 2025. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

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WHAT: Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto will host a free community baby fair. Nurses, obstetricians, pediatricians and other child health experts will be on hand to share information and answer questions about car seat and seat belt safety, healthy pregnancy, infant CPR and breastfeeding and lactation support services, among other topics. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour Baptist DeSoto’s Women’s Pavillion, including the obstetrical emergency department. There will be a photo booth, giveaways, educational materials and door prizes. 

WHEN: Saturday, May 2 
              10 a.m.–1 p.m. 

WHERE: Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto, Main Floor, Outpatient Waiting Area 
               7601 Southcrest Pkwy.
               Southaven, MS 38671

BACKGROUND: Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. U.S. News & World Report recognized the hospital as a high-performing hospital in six specialties for 2025–2026, the American Heart Association acknowledged the hospital for cardiac and stroke care, and the American College of Cardiology named the hospital a HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in 2025. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

INTERVIEW/PHOTOGRAPHY OPPORTUNITIES:     

• Lori Porter, Mother-Baby Unit Nurse Manager, Baptist DeSoto
• Attendees 
   

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Tinesha Floyd was ecstatic to welcome her new baby girl Naiari Floyd, who weighed in at 6 pounds, 9.5 ounces.

“It is always a blessing to welcome the first baby of the year at Baptist DeSoto,” said Brian Hogan, CEO and administrator. “It fills us with hope and excitement for the year ahead. Congratulations to the family!” 

The hospital presented the family with gifts for the baby, including a baby bathtub filled with diapers, towels and bath essentials.

Baptist DeSoto has a level 2 nursery and provides enhanced care and treatment for newborns with special needs.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. The hospital was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital in six specialties for 2025–2026, the American Heart Association for cardiac and stroke care and the American College of Cardiology as a HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in 2025. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

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WHAT: Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto will present gifts for 76 children in foster care to DeSoto County Child Protective Services. This represents the most children Baptist DeSoto has “adopted” for Christmas since working with Desoto County Child Protective Services in the past 25 years. During the presentation, Baptist DeSoto’s Worship Choir will sing Christmas carols around the Christmas tree in the hospital’s main lobby. After the ceremony, Baptist DeSoto staff and DeSoto County Emergency Services personnel will load the gifts in a truck to be distributed later this month.

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 11
             9:45 a.m. 

WHERE: Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto main lobby   
               7601 Southcrest Pkwy.
               Southaven, MS 38671

BACKGROUND: Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. The hospital was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital in six specialties for 2025–2026, the American Heart Association for cardiac and stroke care and the American College of Cardiology as a HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in 2025. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

INTERVIEW/PHOTOGRAPHY OPPORTUNITIES:     

• Brian Hogan, CEO and administrator, Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto
• Latricia Moore, wellbeing service area manager, DeSoto Child Protective Services
   

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This achievement demonstrates Baptist DeSoto’s commitment to providing high-quality care for DeSoto County residents who suffer from sleep problems.

“Being recognized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for 15 consecutive years is a testament to our team’s commitment to providing exceptional care to our community,” said Dr. Istvan D. Wollak, director of the Baptist Desoto Sleep Disorders Center. “I am proud of this team for continuously providing superior diagnostic services and treatment to patients so they can get the care they need close to home and live healthier lives.”

The AASM is a medical society for physicians, researchers and other health care professionals in the field of sleep medicine and is the national accrediting body for sleep disorders centers. AASM-accredited sleep disorders centers provide diagnostic and therapeutic care for people who have problems related to sleep and alertness. Sleep disorders include obstructive sleep apnea, chronic insomnia, restless legs syndrome and narcolepsy.

To receive and maintain accreditation for a five-year period, a sleep disorders center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by AASM. These standards address core areas, such as personnel, facility and equipment, policies and procedures, data acquisition, patient care and quality assurance. Additionally, the sleep disorders center’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.

AASM accredited a sleep disorders center for the first time in 1977, and today there are more than 2,300 AASM-accredited sleep disorders centers across the country.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. The hospital was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital in six specialties for 2025–2026, the American Heart Association for cardiac and stroke care and the American College of Cardiology as a HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in 2025. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

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The Comprehensive Quality Model is a value-based performance framework that prioritizes patient safety, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, effective health information management and improved patient outcomes. Baptist DeSoto earned a top performing spot for Plan All-Cause Readmissions during Blue Cross & Blue Shield’s third annual Quality Forum.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle in Columbus took the top spot in three of the seven award categories — Overall Top CQM, Sepsis Management and Cardiac Care.

Thirty-one Mississippi hospitals participated in the CQM program, demonstrating improvements in patient care statewide. According to Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, trend data indicates hospitals are improving in the management of sepsis care, maternity care and cardiac care.

“The Comprehensive Quality Model is guiding us towards better healthcare for all Mississippians,” said Dr. Lee Greer, chief medical officer at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, who commended the hospitals’ collective efforts. “We believe every person in Mississippi deserves safe, high-quality and efficient healthcare. The progress we’ve seen so far is a direct result of the collaborative work being done and shared at events like the forum. We are committed to continuing this culture of learning and improvement in the years to come.”

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi is transforming the delivery of healthcare and health for Mississippians through partnerships with providers, employers, members and communities across the state. The Company has earned a position as Mississippi’s health and wellness leader by encouraging wellness through personal engagement and access to quality healthcare. To learn more, visit bcbsms.com. Follow us on Facebook for health and wellness tips. 

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. The hospital was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital in six specialties for 2025–2026, the American Heart Association for cardiac and stroke care and the American College of Cardiology as a HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in 2025. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

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Baptist’s mobile mammography unit will be on site for screenings and providing breast cancer education. Northeast Mississippi Health Care and Mississippi Breast and Cervical Program will help sign up uninsured patients for screenings. Appointments are recommended and can be made by calling 901-227-PINK.

Anyone present will have the opportunity to donate to Baptist Cancer Center’s Patient Assistance Fund to support patients who need financial assistance for medication, home medical devices, transportation and other necessities. Donations of $20 or more will qualify for a coupon card offering discounts to participating stores within Tanger Southaven throughout October.

Baptist Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care close to home throughout Baptist Memorial Health Care’s tristate area of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. Taking an interdisciplinary approach to patient care, Baptist Cancer Center offers treatment, research, support services, community education and the area's first genetic counseling and testing program for cancer. Baptist Cancer Center also has the Mid-South's only adult myelosuppression unit and is one of 45 National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program grant locations across the country offering leading-edge clinical trials. In 2018, Baptist Cancer Center was awarded a second $9 million research grant under NCORP to continue to build its clinical trials infrastructure across the Mid-South. In 2020, Baptist Memorial Health Care launched the Mid-South Miracle, a multifaceted initiative aimed at reducing lung cancer deaths in the Mid-South 25% by 2030. For more information, please visit baptistcancercenter.com, or follow us on Facebook at @baptistcancercenter.

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Baptist DeSoto is hiring pharmacy technicians I and II and will offer a $3,000 sign-on bonus to qualifying candidates.

Candidates can register for the event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pharmacy-technician-hiring-event-at-baptist-desoto-tickets-1640984802719.  

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. The hospital was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital in six specialties for 2025–2026, the American Heart Association for cardiac and stroke care and the American College of Cardiology as a HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in 2025. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

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“Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is committed to providing excellent care for our community by implementing best practices, adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely and proper care for heart attacks and strokes,” said Brian Hogan, CEO and administrator of Baptist DeSoto. “Our teams put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which helps us ensure more people in our service area experience longer, healthier lives.”

The two achievement awards include American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure Bronze with Target: Heart Failure Optimal and Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. These awards recognize Baptist DeSoto for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke.

Baptist DeSoto is one of only 323 hospitals nationwide to receive the Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2025. The award recognizes Baptist DeSoto’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that the hospital has reached the aggressive goal of treating patients to standard levels of care outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.

Earlier this year, Baptist DeSoto became the first hospital in Mississippi to earn the HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence. That means the hospital successfully achieved four ACC cardiovascular accreditations in the areas of chest pain, heart failure, catheterization lab and electrophysiology lab.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. The hospital was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital in six specialties for 2025–2026, the American Heart Association for cardiac and stroke care and the American College of Cardiology as a HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in 2025. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

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Baptist DeSoto is the first hospital in Mississippi to receive this recognition, which highlights the hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional cardiovascular care and consistently achieving outstanding patient outcomes.

“Earning the HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence validates our staff’s dedication to providing the highest quality of care to our community,” said Brian Hogan, CEO and administrator. “This achievement reflects the hard work and expertise of our entire heart and vascular team.”

To earn this distinction, Baptist Desoto successfully achieved four ACC cardiovascular accreditations in the areas of chest pain, heart failure, catheterization lab and electrophysiology lab. These accreditations reflect the hospital’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards in cardiovascular treatment, diagnosis and patient-centered care.

Baptist Desoto also actively participates in multiple National Cardiovascular Data Registry programs, consistently ranking in the highest percentiles among hospitals of comparable size. The hospital’s participation in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Registry further demonstrates its commitment to benchmarking performance and continuously improving patient outcomes.

The ACC, a leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health, establishes standards for cardiovascular care and offers comprehensive accreditation services to ensure hospitals provide high-quality, evidence-based care.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. The hospital was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital in six specialties for 2024–2025, the American Heart Association for cardiac and stroke care, and Premier Inc. with the 2021 Premier QUEST Hero Award. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

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“It felt like the hospital was calling my name,” said Small, “and I began asking myself why I never went to nursing school.”

So she pivoted. She returned home to DeSoto County and enrolled in nursing school at 29 years old, working part-time at a bank while taking classes. She graduated in December 2016 and began her nursing career at Baptist Memorial Health Care just two weeks later.

Small began her nursing career as a labor and delivery nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto. She spent much of that time working in the obstetrics emergency department.

“I really thought I didn’t want to work in labor and delivery,” she laughed. “I remember crying on my first day of clinicals because I didn’t want to go, but after just one day, I was hooked.”

In January 2022, she began working as an educator. Today, she’s an advanced nurse clinician, which means she’s the unit educator over the OB emergency department, labor and delivery, level II nursery and the mother/baby unit. She oversees ongoing education, certifications, licensures and is a general resource for doctors and nurses. She’s also an Epic “super user,” meaning she’s undergone comprehensive training to educate others about Baptist OneCare MyChart, the electronic health record system powered by Epic’s software.

When the hospital is short staffed, Small picks up day shifts in the OB emergency department.

“I live nearby, and I wanted to work at Baptist DeSoto so I could serve members of my own community,” she said, “but I’ve stayed here because of my Baptist colleagues. I have this sweet second family here, and I love them dearly. I trust every single person who works here.”

When Small was pregnant, her husband worked nights, and she relied on her Baptist family when she needed help. In fact, Small's colleagues were there to help deliver her baby.

“It was a rough delivery,” she said, “and I was supposed to be at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. I ended up in the emergency room here, and the ladies I work with every day took care of me. As soon as I was admitted, I knew I was going to be fine.”

Baby Charlie was born among his mom’s work family, inheriting a group of 102 Baptist “aunts” who loved him from the start. These women threw a baby shower for Small, visited her on maternity leave, snuggled her baby and joyfully welcomed her back when she returned to work.

“Everything about this job has been a gift from God,” she said. “I could ask anyone for help at any time of day. Labor and delivery is an intense department, and we are like one big, cohesive family. We respect one another and love what we do. I leave work and actually say, ‘I love you’ to my co-workers. How many people can say that about their job?”

Meet Courtney Gray Small

To join the Baptist team, click here.

Dr. Jiang Cui with Stern Cardiovascular implanted the first-ever dual chamber leadless pacemaker system in the metro-Memphis area for patients with slow or irregular heartbeats. The AVEIR DR device is one-tenth the size of traditional pacemakers, allows continuous communication and pacing between two chambers of the heart and can be retrieved and upgraded with new technology.

“Giving North Mississippians access to the most advanced medical treatments and technology for advanced heart care is a priority for Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto,” said Brian Hogan, CEO and administrator of Baptist DeSoto. “Through technology, training and continuous improvement, our heart program rivals any in the Mid-South.” 

Baptist DeSoto’s electrophysiology team recently earned accreditation from the American College of Cardiology for the lab’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who come to the EP lab. EP labs provide care for patients with arrythmias and offer treatments, such as cardiac ablation, pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians and other administrative staff to support efforts for better patient education, improved patient outcomes and more effective and efficient disease control.

Baptist DeSoto performed more than 13,500 heart-related procedures in 2024, with 795 procedures taking place in the EP lab. U.S. News & World Report named Baptist DeSoto a High Performing Hospital for 2024–2025 for congestive heart failure, heart attack and stroke.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. The hospital was recognized by Premier Inc. with the 2021 Premier QUEST Hero Award, U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital in six specialties for 2024–2025, and the American Heart Association for cardiac and stroke care. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

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“The aneurysm basically wrapped around all the nerves in my arm, and I had a very risky surgery to separate all the nerves,” she said. “They told me I might not survive, and if I did, I might never use my right arm again.”

As a young child in the hospital, Carrington felt alone and very scared. Her nurses stepped in to comfort her.

“The nurses explained everything in a way I could understand. I was terrified about surgery, and they helped me through all of it. I also found Jesus during this time, and I realized I wanted to become a nurse because this field is so mission based.”

Carrington’s surgery was a success, and the only lingering side effect is occasional tingling in her arm.

Now 21, she is a recent nursing school graduate and is working toward her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her career at Baptist Memorial Health Care began in May 2022 when she became a personal care assistant at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto.

“I worked in the float pool,” she said, “so I called in to find out where I was needed each shift. I didn’t know what area of nursing I wanted to pursue, and this gave me a chance to see a little bit of everything.”

Carrington remained at Baptist DeSoto for her externship and internships, mostly in the emergency department.

In October 2024, she took on a new role as a registered nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. She’s a member of the mother-baby unit where she cares for postpartum mothers during a very vulnerable time.

“We get mamas and babies two hours after delivery,” she said. “These moms have gone through so much. Giving birth is one of the hardest things women go through, and I love getting to help them through this time, explaining what’s happening and making connections with them.”

Carrington noted many people don’t know what to expect after birth, so this time can be overwhelming for new moms.

“They might not know I’m going to need to massage their belly every few hours as the uterus contracts, which helps improve blood flow. They don’t realize how painful it will be to get out of bed and go to the bathroom. I help them with these things, and it’s very emotional to be a part of this process. When they light up to see their baby smile for the first time or the baby finally latches during breastfeeding, it’s so exciting to celebrate these moments with them.”

In January 2025, Carrington began additional shifts in the pediatric emergency department at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital.

“I love being with mamas and their babies during such a beautiful time of their lives, but I also miss being there for people during the scary times. The pediatric emergency department gives me a chance to think critically and meet new people all day. It gives me the opportunity to show people the love of Jesus during a difficult time.”

A childhood illness led her down this path, but the mission at Baptist has captured Carrington’s heart.

“Being at Baptist feels like working with my second family,” she said. “I love working in a Christian hospital because I can openly share my faith with coworkers and patients.”

To join the Baptist team, please click here.

Meet Holly Carrington, RN at Baptist Women’s Hospital:

“I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, to be there on their hardest days and share Christ’s light. We all need to be seen and heard, and I wanted to connect with patients and make them feel loved.”

Baptist DeSoto is where Riley’s own family and loved ones turn when they need hospital care, and she is grateful to serve in her community.

“I love that the mission statement is the three-fold ministry of Christ. I feel supported and have a wonderful manager who puts a priority on work-life balance. Working here has provided many opportunities for growth, and I’ve gotten to try different things. This is my community, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

To join the Baptist team, please click here.

Meet Lisa Riley, RN, advanced nurse clinician at Baptist DeSoto.

“This Leapfrog grade is a significant achievement for Baptist DeSoto and our team,” said Brian Hogan, CEO/administrator of Baptist DeSoto. “It reflects the quality of care provided at Baptist DeSoto and demonstrates our entire team’s commitment to patients and excellence. While this is only one example of the care we provide, we are proud of this result and what it tells our community and patients about Baptist DeSoto.”

Baptist DeSoto has earned other awards and recognitions from quality and safety organizations in 2024, including being named a U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospital for 2024-2025 in six categories and receiving the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain — MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2024 for successfully implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients. Baptist DeSoto also earned Cardiac Cath Lab PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus, Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll recognitions.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. 

“Achieving a ‘B’ Hospital Safety Grade is a significant accomplishment for Baptist DeSoto,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It reflects enormous dedication to your patients and their families, and your whole community should be proud. I extend my congratulations to Baptist DeSoto, its leadership, clinicians, staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts to put patients first.” 

Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.  

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog's other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. For more, follow on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram and sign up for their newsletter. 

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. The hospital was recognized by Premier Inc. with the 2021 Premier QUEST Hero Award, U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital, and the American Heart Association for cardiac and stroke care. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

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Baptist DeSoto’s Nurse Excellence Award is an annual recognition led by the hospital’s chief nursing officer for the past 10 years. The 2023 honorees include the following:

•     Nurse Excellence Overall: Kayce Barclay, outpatient services

•     Friend of Nursing: Renee Storment, emergency department

•     Nurse Educator: Courtney Gray, women’s pavilion

•     Nurse Mentor: Eric Chavez, cath lab

•     Nurse Manager: Cindy Eldred, emergency department

•     Rising Star: Hanna Jerome, intensive care unit

•     Sage Nurse: Janet Caldwell, women’s pavilion

•     Nurse Excellence: Non Traditional: Brandon Boozer, gastrointestinal lab

“The Baptist DeSoto Nurse Excellence Award demonstrates the exceptional talent we have at Baptist DeSoto,” said Randy White, chief nursing officer for Baptist DeSoto. “I am grateful for our team of nurses and their commitment to providing outstanding patient care.”

         Get With The Guidelines—Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of stroke and even prevent death.

          “It’s an honor to receive this recognition from the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association,” said Brian Hogan, CEO and administrator of Baptist DeSoto. “Our team is committed to providing quality stroke and heart care for our community.”

           Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

            Baptist Desoto also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Honor Roll Award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Baptist DeSoto for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Dr. Steven Messe, volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 12 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

This accreditation is based on rigorous on-site review of a staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with heart failure through pre-hospital care, early stabilization, acute care, transitional care, clinical quality measures and more.

“Baptist DeSoto’s cardiology unit worked hard to earn the American College of Cardiology’s Heart Failure Accreditation,” said Brian Hogan, administrator and CEO of Baptist DeSoto. “I’m proud of their great work and commitment to consistently delivering top-notch heart care.”

Heart failure is a chronic and progressive condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs for blood and oxygen. Hospitals that employ an evidence-based, protocol-driven and systematic approach to managing heart failure have been able to reduce time to treatment and identify and predict high-risk patients while also reducing length-of-stay and hospital readmissions.

“Baptist DeSoto has demonstrated its commitment to providing DeSoto County with excellent heart care,” said Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Baptist DeSoto with Heart Failure Accreditation.”

Hospitals receiving Heart Failure Accreditation from ACC must take part in a multifaceted clinical process that involves completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care and developing an action plan; a rigorous on-site review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the precise care of heart failure patients. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education, improved patient outcomes, and more effective and efficient disease control.

The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its 54,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org.

Elaine Jewell Mason entered the world three months earlier than planned, weighing just 1.25 pounds — and small enough to wear her father’s wedding ring on her ankle. She was born at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women and spent the first six months of her life in the newborn intensive care unit where she received around-the-clock care. Premature babies like Elaine are known as micro preemies because they are born before 28 weeks gestation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, babies born too early — especially before 32 weeks — have higher rates of death and disability. Thanks to advances in modern medicine and new technology, Elaine and other premature babies can survive and continue developing outside their mother’s womb.

Navigating a Complicated Birth

Nothing could prepare Kimlyn Mason for the day she learned her daughter Elaine was coming early. “I knew I was going to have a high-risk pregnancy because I was 35 years old,” said Mason. “But everything was going fine. I had no blood pressure problems and no diabetes or infections. It was a good pregnancy — until I gave birth early.” Mason, a certified surgical technologist, is familiar with labor and delivery. But she didn’t suspect anything was wrong until she finished her usual night shift at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto, where she worked at the time. “I was so tired,” said Mason. “My husband and I were supposed to go to bible study, but I didn't go because I didn't feel well. When he came home, I told him something wasn't right. I went into the bathroom and lost my mucus plug.” During pregnancy, the mucus plug accumulates to seal the cervix and protect the uterus. Losing the mucus plug is a sign that your body is preparing for labor, which may begin soon after or one to two weeks later. Mason and her husband immediately drove to Baptist DeSoto. When they arrived, she was three to four centimeters dilated. Medical staff sent her to Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. “I learned I needed an emergency cesarean section and gave birth that Thursday,” said Mason. “I went home Sunday, but my daughter stayed in the hospital for seven months.” Elaine spent six months at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women, where she underwent surgery to repair a congenital heart defect and laser surgery to prevent blindness. Elaine spent another month at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital due to bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a severe lung disorder that affects premature babies.  

A Bright Future

“Today, Elaine is 14 years old,” said Mason. “She’s a very active child. She wears glasses because she has scar tissue from her eye surgery. She's still in speech therapy. As a baby, she was in physical therapy because she had some developmental delays, such as crawling, walking and talking. Therapists taught her how to sit up, roll over and crawl.” Elaine, Kimlyn, her husband Dwight and their other daughter Elizabeth still attend NICU reunions to visit with doctors, nurses and health care staff who played a vital role in Elaine’s birth and follow-up care. [gallery link="file" columns="2" size="medium" ids="3507,3505"] “I can't even describe the level of care and love Baptist gave us,” said Mason. “The doctors, neonatologists, nurses and respiratory therapists were wonderfully hands-on. They told me Elaine would have good days and bad days. They suggested that I keep a journal, so I could read how her days went. That helped me tremendously. On a scale of 1 to 10, Baptist staff [members] were a 20.” Like Mason, many women give birth to premature babies — and sometimes, doctors don’t know why. More research is needed to understand premature babies and micro preemies. “This experience showed me things happen, and we don't always have answers,” said Mason. “For people who are just starting this journey, I recommend keeping your faith. I relied on my husband, my family and church members. Rely on your faith. Stay grounded. Surround yourself with positive people who have traveled the journey.” Learn more about maternity and childbirth care at Baptist. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.