Maverick County loses second Physician in a month

By: Jose G. Landa
An Exclusive Eagle Pass Business Journal News Story/Copyright 2013

Maverick County suffered another loss of the medical services of a physician within a month. Earlier in January of 2013, internationally reknowned Cardiologist, Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa, announced the closing of his Eagle Pass office located at the Maverick County Hospital District medical building at 3406 Bob Rogers Drive due to the increased risks involved in traveling between Laredo and Eagle Pass as a result of the Eagle Ford Shale oil and gas boom in South Texas. Now, Eagle Pass surgeon, Dr. Jose Antonio Maeda, announced his resignation from the Maverick County Hospital District’s Physician Specialty Group effective February 15, 2013, announced Elcira Bares, Chief Executive Officer of the Maverick County Hospital District.

The loss of Drs. Cigarroa and Maeda’s medical services from an already underserved health community is tragic and devastating to local cardiology and surgery patients. Maverick County has a shortage of over 40 physicians, especially specialists, to service the growing demands and needs of a growing community. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Maverick County has over 54,000 residents.

All Maverick County medical institutions are continuously attempting to recruit more doctors to practice in the community, including Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center, Maverick County Hospital District, United Medical Centers, and the Maverick County Medical Society.