Methodist Hospitals celebrates new Specialty Center and CareFirst Immediate Care relocation in Schererville with ribbon-cutting ceremony

On Tuesday, September 30, Methodist Hospitals came together with the Schererville Chamber of Commerce, Crossroads Chamber, and the Saint John Chamber of Commerce to celebrate a ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring the new Specialty Center and a relocation of the CareFirst Immediate Care location for Methodist Hospital in Schererville.

Matt Doyle, president and CEO of Methodist Hospitals, understands the importance of this facility in allowing patients to be treated in the best way possible. He trusts his team of doctors to handle any situation that gets thrown in their direction.

“We’re proud to unveil this new facility, where we can offer convenient access to a range of specialty care,” Doyle said. “Cardiologist Dr. Jovil Kannampuzha and Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. Siddarth Kakodkar are here for patients with arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and other heart problems. Dr. Amna Ijaz is an endocrinologist treating patients with diabetes, thyroid disorders, and a range of metabolic conditions. Dr. Bryan Robins is a general surgeon with special expertise in colorectal surgery.”

John Lowenstine, vice chairman of the board at Methodist Hospitals, has seen the impact that their facilities have had in other communities. He believes this expansion means everything for the people of Schererville.

“We’ve made our presence felt in other communities such as Merrillville and Gary,” Lowenstine said. “This way, we’ll be able to reach out and take care of more folks than we were able to before. We’re bringing in top-notch physicians and health care for our patients.”

Kakodkar is excited for this new Specialty Center and CareFirst Methodist Hospitals facility relocation. As a specialist in atrial fibrillation, he’s looking forward to this opportunity for the hospital to expand its footprint.

“It’s important for us to just get our voice out there,” Kakodkar said. “Regardless of a patient’s insurance or whatever their situation might be, we’re here to take care of them. We have multiple clinics in Northwest Indiana, but this facility is now one of the most well-designed ones that we have.”

As an endocrinologist, Ijaz believes this facility is not only more spacious but also has a lot of potential.

“There’s definitely a need for something like this here,” Ijaz said. “We had people come up to us saying, ‘Oh, so you’re an endocrinologist? I need an endocrinologist.’ I’m very excited to be able to fill that void. I am also fresh out of fellowship, so that’s even more exciting for me.”

Robin Arvanitis, president of the Schererville Chamber of Commerce and vice president of the Schererville Town Council, provided a warm welcome to the Methodist Hospitals family with the introduction of this clinic.

“It’s such a wonderful thing to have a reputable business like this in town,” Arvanitis said. “I’m truly happy to see that this new venture in town will make medical care and testing available to our residents, should they need it.”

Schererville is one of the largest communities in Northwest Indiana. This is why Methodist Hospitals was motivated to provide easy access to specialty and immediate care to the community.

“We have built a modern space here with convenient parking, and the facility is staffed by an experienced and caring team,” Doyle said. “We believe that the environment we have created in this new center will enhance our patients’ and families’ experience of the excellent care we provide.”

Reverend David Neville Jr., Director of Mission Services and Spiritual Care at Methodist Hospitals, performed a prayer at the beginning and end of the program. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, food and drinks were provided to everyone in attendance.

For more information on Methodist Hospitals, you can visit methodisthospitals.org.