To my valued patients:

It is with great regret I announce that Dakota Cardiovascular, PC, will close effective April 30th 2021 due to family issues and the need for greater flexibility.

2020 brought about unprecedented changes in medicine; it was a complicated year professionally as well as personally. With long consideration, I have made a difficult decision. After 29 years of providing cardiovascular care in Rapid City, I will cease solo practice and work as a locum tenens (fill-in) physician. This change allows me to continue practicing medicine while providing more flexibility and freedom than a solo practice permits.

To ensure that your cardiac care is uninterrupted, it is essential you make arrangements with a new cardiologist at your earliest convenience. Medical records can only be released with a signed permit (enclosed). I hope that the following resources may be helpful to you:

Cardiologists in this area:

North Central Heart/Sioux Falls, SD 605-977-5000

Monument Health/Rapid City, SD 605-755-4300

Campbell County Health/Gillette, WY 307-688-1000

Heart Center of the Rockies/Scottsbluff, NE 308-630-2626

CHI St. Alexius Health Heart and Vascular Center/Bismarck, ND 701-530-7500

Dr. Whitley will try to ensure you have enough medication to last until May 2021. After April 30th, 2021, your primary care provider can assist you in most cases. For the best continuity of care, please make arrangements with a new cardiologist at your earliest convenience.

It has been an honor and privilege serving as your cardiologist. Thank you for the trust and confidence you have placed in me over the years. I will truly miss the in-person patient contact and camaraderie; this has been the most difficult decision of my career, and I wish you well.

With Best Wishes,

Kelly Vaughn-Whitley, MD