The Dynamic Duo of Mercy Physician Group

The patients of Mercy Physician Group surgeons say it best when they recount their experiences of highly skilled care and compassionate service by their physicians.

"He was professional and congenial."

That's how Lee Mitchell, Oskaloosa, Kan., characterized her experience with general surgeon, Earl Snyder, M.D. Lee was in Independence visiting her family over the Thanksgiving holiday last year when unfortunately her son, Joshua, 13, was attacked by a dog. He was immediately rushed to the Mercy Emergency Room, where Dr. Snyder was waiting to calm the family and treat Joshua. Ms. Mitchell recalls how Dr. Snyder addressed the situation with deep concern and compassion.

"He was very assured while still professional," she said.

As a result of the attack, a good portion of Joshua's lip was missing. Dr. Snyder was concerned for young Josh, and explained to the family that some corrective surgery may be necessary at a later date. As it turns out, however, the doctor's initial repair proved successful and sufficient, and Ms. Mitchell reports he provided the family an abundant amount of information on how to care for the wound in order for it to heal properly. Ms. Mitchell recently wrote back to Dr. Snyder to report Joshua's scarring is minimal and the structural shape of his lip is close to the original appearance. No corrective surgery was needed!

Ellen Kettleman, Independence, recounts a similar experience of compassionate service with another of Mercy's surgeons, Richenda Herren, M.D.

"We recommend Dr. Herren to anybody who asks us about a good surgeon," Ms. Kettleman said, noting that she and her brother, David Kettleman, have both been patients of Dr. Herren.

David came to Mercy for a double hernia operation last fall. He reports Dr. Herren explained everything about his surgery, told him what she was going to do and why. Mr. Kettleman explained that lives in the country and needs his strength to do his work. With the help of Dr. Herren, he is now doing well, has regained his strength and is back to work.

The comments from Ms. Mitchell and the Kettlemans are typical of the praise we hear routinely about our MHSK surgeons. Dealing with patients and families in times of trauma, critical illness and vulnerability, the steady hand and cool head of a surgeon are the keys to positive outcomes.

Finely tuned skills complemented by years of experience and genuine concern for patients make Snyder and Herren quite the "dynamic duo" - the preferred providers of surgical services in Independence.

A practicing general surgeon since 1974, Earl Snyder, M.D., F.A.C.S. (Fellow, American College of Surgeons), joined the group in January 2001, relocating from Lebanon, Pa., where he had served with Lebanon Surgical Associates since 1977. He completed his undergraduate study and received his medical degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa., and completed his surgical internship and residency at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, Pa.

He is certified by the American Board of Surgery, and is a member of the American Medical Association and the Kansas Medical Society.

As a general surgeon, Dr. Snyder is experienced in a wide range of general surgical procedures, including colonoscopy, and he has a special interest in laparascopic (scope) procedures.

Richenda Herren, M.D., F.A.C.S. came to Independence in November 1994 from the Decatur, Ill., area, where she had practiced general surgery for two years. An Oklahoma native, she received her undergraduate education at Oklahoma University in Norman and continued her medical training at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center in Oklahoma City. She completed her surgery residency at the Chicago Medical School. She joined the Mercy Physician Group last December.

A board certified general surgeon, Herren is a member of the American Medical Association and the Association of Women Surgeons.

Surgeries at Mercy range from Colonoscopy to Lap-Appendectomy to Mastectomy and much more. For more information on the surgical services offered by the Mercy Physician Group, please call 620-332-3280 for a listing of surgical procedures.