TriStar Summit Medical Center

12/17/2025

Did you know?

Heart attack symptoms in women often present differently than in men—and they’re easier to overlook.

Dr. Kristen Kerr shares how a heart attack may present differently in women than in men.

Watch for these warning signs:

Shortness of breath
Pain in the back or upper abdomen
Nausea
Unusual fatigue

Find expert, compassionate care for what you need at CentennialHeart.com - because every heartbeat matters.

12/17/2025

Have you ever struggled to fall asleep after a big meal or woken up in the middle of the night with an upset stomach? If so, you’ve felt the connection between your gut and . They’re linked through the “gut-sleep axis” – a two-way relationship where poor sleep can disrupt digestion and gut issues can disturb your rest. Learn more and get tips to improve both your and your sleep: https://bit.ly/3KMsXA1

12/16/2025

We are thrilled to welcome the newest members of the TriStar Summit Medical Center team!

We are excited to have a new group of colleagues joining us this week. Their arrival is exciting for our facility and we couldn’t be happier to have them join our TriStar Summit family. Each one of our new colleagues brings unique talents, skills, and experiences that will strengthen our commitment to delivering exceptional care and service to our community.

We are excited to see the positive impact each will have on our mission and achieving great things together. Welcome—we’re excited for the journey ahead!

12/15/2025

Today, TriStar Summit Medical Center donned scrubs to honor and celebrate the remarkable legacy of Sammie Mosier, Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive for HCA Healthcare.

Sammie was a steadfast advocate for nurses—leading with passion to advance career pathways, elevate standards, and create opportunities for colleagues to grow into compassionate, patient-centered caregivers.

Her influence has left a lasting mark on all of us at HCA. Through her example of teamwork, empathy, and selfless leadership, Sammie shaped and mentored countless journeys. Her advocacy will continue to resonate across our organization for years to come.

We are all better for having known Sammie. While we publicly acknowledge her extraordinary impact, we will honor her legacy every day by living our shared mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.

Please join us in keeping Sammie’s family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

12/12/2025

Heart health starts with knowledge.

We were honored to have Dr. Getu Assefa, an interventional cardiologist at TriStar Summit, lead an engaging cardiovascular health presentation at Del Webb today.

Dr. Assefa is part Centennial Heart, a group of cardiologists at TriStar Summit, a group working collaboratively to provide patients with compassionate care that improves the quality of life.

Joined by our cardiovascular director, Karen, and the cardiovascular coordinator, Marci, the three shared valuable insights on preventing heart disease, recognizing warning signs, and making lifestyle choices that support a healthy heart.

Dr. Assefa’s presentation focused on hypertension, which is one of the easiest ways to help manage heart health long term.

“You often can’t see hypertension,” he said, “but it is one factor that can do a lot of damage to the body, including the heart. It is often one of the easiest way and best ways you can manage your risk of a heart attack is by controlling it.”

Other simple tips that Dr. Assefa provided to slow the risk of heart disease were:
✅ Stop smoking
✅ Eating a healthy, plant-based diet and reducing sodium intake
✅ Get moderate physical activity 2-3 times a week
✅ Reduce alcohol intake
✅ Maintain a healthy weight

Dr. Assefa also talked about the importance of regularly checking your blood pressure, knowing your cholesterol levels. Another thing he advocates for: knowing and listening to the signs of your body.

“You know better than anyone if something feels off in your body,” he told the group. “If you do, trust your instinct and get it checked out by a medical professional.”

His expertise and passion for patient education remind us that proactive care can make all the difference.

💙 Thank you, Dr. Assefa, for empowering our community to take charge of their heart health!

12/11/2025

Meet Kaya, one of our incredible ER nurses at TriStar Summit.

Kaya joined us this summer after graduating, and she’s already making a big impact in the emergency department. She thrives in the fast-paced environment because she knows she’s never alone—her team is always there to support her.

“I love working with my team in the ED,” Kaya says. “I feel so supported and together, I see how big of a difference an ER nurse can have on someone’s life.”

Every day, Kaya embodies our mission to care for and improve human life. Even in the busiest moments, she takes time to listen and advocate for her patients, ensuring their needs are met with compassion and respect.

“I try to take time with each patient,” she explains. “Even if it’s a brief interaction, there’s always room to hear them and advocate for them.”

Her passion reminds us that healthcare isn’t just about treatment—it’s about compassion, connection, and truly hearing those we serve.

💙 Thank you, Kaya, for making a difference every day.

12/10/2025

Celebrating Excellence in Patient Care and Experience 🎉🎉

Meet Sue, one of our extraordinary ER nurses who sets the standard for excellence every day.

Sue was a med surge nurse for over a decade before she spent two years in Iraq, providing compassionate care. That experience helped shift her trajectory. After being there, she knew that she needed to be in the ER, using her nursing skills and calm demeanor to provide care to those seeking emergent medical care. Sue landed at Tristar Summit a little over 4 months ago, joining our ER team and helping to grow and elevate the culture of excellence.

She recognizes that sometimes, coming to the ER can be a scary experience but she always tries to find the little things that will help the patient to be comfortable, understood and to have an amazing patient experience.

Her secret weapon? A smile.

“I honestly think that biggest thing you can do is smile,” she says. “The ER is often busy but you are never too busy to be friendly, smile and show the patient that you truly love your job of taking care of people.”

We appreciate Sue and her dedication to the community that we serve. She provides a lasting impact through her focus on providing exceptional, patient-centered care for those in our ER. 💙

12/10/2025

If you’re not feeling merry and bright this holiday season, you’re not alone. The holidays can be a joyful time, but they can also bring anxiety and emotional strain. Knowing the symptoms of depression can help you recognize when you’re feeling more than seasonal stress.

If you’re struggling with depression, these tips from NAMI may help you manage it better so you can enjoy holiday festivities:

🎯 Be aware of your personal triggers.
✍️ Try journaling or writing a gratitude list to shift your perspective.
📅 Do your best to avoid overscheduling – it’s okay to say no.
🛑 Set boundaries with people who make you feel negative emotions.
🧘 Make time for relaxation, deep breathing or meditation to help ease stress.
🍷 Drink in moderation as alcohol can amplify negative emotions.

Across our broader HCA Healthcare system of care, we are part of an integrated network of mental health and wellness facilities, comprising over 50 inpatient facilities and more than 200 outpatient programs across 15 states. If you’re looking for mental health support, we’re here for you.

If you live in the U.S. and you’re in emotional distress or concerned about a loved one, you can also call or text the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or start a live chat with a crisis counselor at 988Lifeline.org any time, day or night.

12/09/2025

While is an exciting time, your body goes through changes that can lead to back and pelvic pain. The good news? Gentle stretches and regular exercise can help to ease discomfort, improve posture and even reduce your risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. See how you can get started today: https://bit.ly/4oBVx4N

12/08/2025

Chest pain feels different for everyone – it can be a dull ache or a sudden, sharp stabbing sensation. Regardless of how it feels, it’s important to take chest pain seriously. If the discomfort sticks around, it could be a sign of a more serious, potentially life-threatening condition like a heart attack or a blood clot.

Last year across our broader HCA Healthcare network, our emergency rooms saw nearly 838,000 visits related to cardiac complaints. You know your body better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. And if your chest pain is severe or accompanied by any of the symptoms shown here, seek emergency care immediately. Know where to find an emergency room near you: https://bit.ly/4oGX8Xc

12/07/2025

💙 Angels Among Us: Carol’s Story

When Carol Kraemer began feeling faint on her drive home, a terrifying moment turned into a story of compassion and quick action. Thanks to her husband, a Good Samaritan, and the dedicated team, specifically cardiologists Dr. Muhammad Asad and newly arrived Dr. Getu Assefa at TriStar Summit Medical Center, Carol received life-saving care and a pacemaker close to home.

Carol was grateful for her compassionate care that she received at TriStar Summit, mentioning that everyone she came in contact with were angels, aiding on her road to recovery.

Carol says, “They don’t spell job ‘J-O-B,’ they spell it ‘J-O-Y.’” We’re honored to provide care that makes a difference when it matters most.

Read her full story here: https://bit.ly/3XFiedC

A Wilson County woman shares her experience receiving compassionate cardiology care, and the angels who aided her in that journey.

12/06/2025

Today, we are celebrating our two pharmacy residents, Mary Kate and Carolin, who shared their work in our physician’s lounge over the last couple of days with colleagues and providers.

Pharmacy residents play a vital role in patient care—spending a year (or more) gaining advanced clinical training, managing complex medication therapies, and working alongside physicians and nurses to ensure safe, effective treatment plans. Their projects often focus on improving medication safety, optimizing drug use, and enhancing patient outcomes. 💊✨

They've wrapped up one of their projects and are headed to Las Vegas to present, help recruit, and promote TriStar Summit pharmacy resident program.

Visit our website to learn more information about the pharmacy residency program at Summit. https://bit.ly/3KvoYaW