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Reflecting on a Year of Milestones

From welcoming new practitioners and adding new service offerings to breaking ground on a new clinic location, there’s been a lot to celebrate and be grateful for at Coryell Health this year. As we look back on 2025, we’re especially grateful for our patients, physicians and staff who made it all possible.

We asked our physicians and staff to reflect on their favorite memories from 2025, and their answers reflect the dedication and teamwork that make Coryell Health special.

In March, we celebrated the grand openings of both our McGregor clinic and Copperas Cove clinic alongside the cities’ respective chambers of commerce with ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

“I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the McGregor community for the past year. From providing sports physicals to McGregor ISD students to hosting our walk-in flu shot clinic, every moment reminds me why I love practicing medicine and bringing high-quality, accessible care to folks.”
– Dr. Colby Cessnun, MD

“The Copperas Cove clinic has quickly become a hub for local families, including many from Fort Cavazos. Knowing that we’re making healthcare more accessible for the military families and neighbors I see each day makes this milestone very rewarding.”
– Dawn Pessa, MSN, FNP-BC

Those weren’t the only milestones ribbon-cutting ceremonies marked this year!

“One of my favorite moments from 2025 was breaking ground on our new Waco clinic. Seeing the vision we’ve worked on for months finally start to take shape reminded me why we do this work: to bring more patient-centered, comprehensive care to the people in our community.” – Clinton Black, Chief Operations Officer

“After 10 years in private practice, I joined Coryell Health because I wanted to be part of something bigger and part of a team that could reach more people in our community. This year, joining this team and seeing the Waco clinic expand to include physical therapy was so exciting.” – Dr. Jacob Brindle, PT, DPT

Dr. Brindle wasn’t the only practitioner who joined Coryell Health this year. In 2025, Coryell Health welcomed five other physicians!

“One of my favorite moments of 2025 was joining Coryell Health and helping bring urology services to the Gatesville community. It’s been very rewarding to help patients get the treatment they need close to home.” – Dr. David Pinkstaff, MD

“Joining Coryell Health’s Gatesville team this year has been such a wonderful experience. I’ve loved getting to know patients, their families and becoming part of a community that values strong relationships and compassionate care.” – Dr. Jesse Cover, MD

“Becoming part of Coryell Health this year has been such a meaningful step in my career. I collaborate with such skilled providers in podiatric medicine and wound care, and we’re able to make a real difference for patients with complex needs.” – Dr. Vanessa English, DPM, FACFAS, DABPM

“What drew me to Coryell Health was their commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate care close to home. Every day, I have the chance to walk with patients through all stages of life. That sense of community and continuity is what makes this work so special.” – Dr. Amy Chung, MD

“From day one at Coryell Health, I’ve felt welcomed by both the patients and the team. It’s been especially rewarding to care for families in Waco and Gatesville, and to be a part of a healthcare system that truly prioritizes access and compassion.” – Dr. Shrey Goel, MD

In addition to welcoming new physicians, our teams have been hard at work and are being recognized for the high level of care they provide.

“The Advanced Wound Center receiving a clinical distinction award was definitely a highlight of this year. This recognition really reflects the hard work and dedication our staff puts into caring for every patient. It’s rewarding to see how our teamwork helps people heal and improves their quality of life.” – Amy Bass, APRN, FNP-C

“Receiving a grant through the Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Program, allowing us to provide specialized dementia care for all of our RehabLiving team members, is an incredible step forward for our team and the residents we serve. We’re all so grateful for the opportunity to enhance the care we provide to residents and their families.” – Maranda May, LNFA

“Looking back on this past year, one moment that stands out to me is our EMS department being recognized by the American Heart Association for our commitment to quality care for heart attacks and strokes in Gatesville. The recognition is an honor, but what it really represents is our commitment to the people we serve every day.” – Daniel Lay, Coryell Health EMS Director

We also appreciated the opportunity to give back to our community.

“This year’s Food for Families fundraiser reminded me why I’m so proud to be a part of Coryell Health. Seeing our staff raise more than $22,000 for the Gatesville Care Center is a moment I’ll always cherish. It was a reminder of who we are as a team: generous, compassionate and deeply rooted in this community.” – Carly Latham, Coryell Health Director of Marketing

As we close out 2025, our hearts are full of gratitude for our patients who trust us with their care, for our physicians and staff for their dedication to supporting our patients, and for the communities that we serve. We were honored to receive the 75-Year Member Tenure Award from the Texas Hospital Association this year, marking seven and a half decades of service.

Thank you to everyone who helped make 2025 such a special year for Coryell Health, and for your ongoing support every year.

5 Ways to Help Keep Your Brain Healthy

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and cognitive decline severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Although there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s disease yet, there are ways to help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. In honor of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, here are five ways to help keep your mind healthy.

Tip #1: Preserve Your Hearing

Damaged hair cells don’t grow back, so if you’re experiencing hearing loss, it’s essential to preserve what hearing you do have. Hearing aids improve cognitive function and may help slow the onset of dementia.

Dr. Brindley provides hearing aid fittings, baseline hearing evaluations and treatment for tinnitus (ringing in the ears) at Coryell Health’s Gatesville clinic in Building 1. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brindley, call (254) 865-2166.

Tip #2: Look After Your Heart

To quote the American Heart Association, “what’s good for the heart is good for the brain.” In 2022, the American Heart Association reported that coronary heart disease led to a 40% increased risk of dementia, cognitive impairment or general cognitive decline.

“Your heart directly affects your cognitive functioning,” says Coryell Health cardiologist Dr. Brian Walton. “A healthy heart allows oxygen and nutrients to flow to your brain. Risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors for both heart disease and dementia.”

To help manage these risk factors for both cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease, Coryell Health recommends:

• Exercising at least 2.5 hours a week
• Maintaining a diet of fish, poultry, vegetables, fruit, nuts, beans and whole grains
• Consuming little to no red meat, sweets, butter and sugary drinks
• Quitting smoking

To schedule an appointment with a Coryell Health cardiologist, call (254) 865-2166.

Tip #3: Avoid Head Trauma

If you sustain a traumatic brain injury, it may increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, and approximately one in four Americans aged 65 and over reports a fall each year.

Fall-proofing your home by clearing clutter from the floor, improving your home’s lighting and securing or removing loose rugs can help decrease your risk of falling. Get your vision checked regularly and discuss any side effects from your medications with your doctor to also help prevent a traumatic brain injury and dementia.

Other ways to decrease the risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury include:

• Always wearing a helmet and other protective gear when riding a bike, skateboarding, skiing or participating in a contact sport
• Always wearing a seatbelt
• Regularly maintaining your vehicle

Tip #4: Stay Social

“Socializing engages the brain and promotes better cognition,” says Dr. Diedra Wuenschel, Coryell Health family medicine physician and Coryell County medical authority. “It strengthens your neural pathways to fight off cognitive decline. It also stimulates the parts of your brain associated with attention, memory and problem solving.”

According to Harvard Health, studies show that older adults who regularly socialize have a better working memory, processing speed and verbal fluency than those who don’t regularly socialize.

It can be intimidating, but here are a few easy ways to be more social:

• Call or FaceTime friends and family members
• Get to know your neighbors
• Join a club
• Volunteer within your community

Tip #5: Keep Your Mind Sharp

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, staying mentally active can help better shield you against injury or brain disease and may help lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

“When you use your brain in new and challenging ways, it can help build new connections between your brain cells,” Dr. Diedra Wuenschel says. “Even if it’s just doing the daily Wordle or crossword, engaging your brain for just a few minutes each day can help.”

“In my experience, the residents in our care who have family visiting regularly or who participate in our daily activities tend to retain more information and maintain clearer memories. I’ve also seen that spending time with people they were close to—especially longtime friends—often gives residents a noticeable cognitive boost,” said Coryell Health RehabLiving at the Meadows Administrator Maranda May, LNFA.

Here are a few more easy ways to help engage your brain:

• Trying a new art form
• Playing an instrument
• Learning a new language
• Playing strategy games

Caring for your brain is one of the best investments you can make for your and your family’s future. By sticking to simple habits like the five listed above, you can improve your cognitive functioning and strengthen your brain over time.

If you have a loved one currently living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, Coryell Health’s RehabLiving at the Meadows provides compassionate, personalized memory care in a supportive environment. Thanks to a recent grant, we’ll also be providing specialized dementia care training for every member of our RehabLiving team. Call (254) 404-2500 to learn more about RehabLiving at the Meadows and our memory care program.

Meet the Doctors

Dr. Ashley Brindley is an audiologist with over 10 years of experience who earned her associate degree from Victoria College. She then earned her bachelor’s degree and her Doctor of Audiology from the University of North Texas. Dr. Brindley completed her residency at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System. Certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Dr. Brindley is also a member of the Texas Academy of Audiology and a fellow in the American Academy of Audiology. When she’s not helping patients, Dr. Brindley enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering in her community.

Dr. Brian Walton is a board certified interventional cardiologist with over 20 years of experience in general cardiology, interventional cardiology and vascular medicine. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Kansas. Dr. Walton has served as the director of cardiovascular imaging and experimental therapeutics at the Texas Heart Institute (THI) and the associate editor of the THI Journal. He is also a member of the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.

Dr. Diedra Wuenschel is a board certified family medicine physician who also serves as the medical authority for Coryell County, the medical director for Coryell Health’s Gatesville and Mills County clinics, the medical director for Coryell Health’s RehabLiving at the Meadows and the elected chief of medical staff for Coryell Health. When she’s not helping patients in Gatesville or Mills County, Dr. Wuenschel enjoys spending time with her husband and children on their farm, helping out at their family-owned restaurant and singing.

Resources

• What is Alzheimer’s Disease? (Alzheimer’s Association)
• Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Prevented? (Alzheimer’s Association)
• Hearing Loss and the Dementia Connection (Johns Hopkins University)
• Hearing Aids May Slow Dementia Onset (Johns Hopkins University)
• Heart Health is Brain Health (American Brain Foundation)
• What’s Good for the Heart is Good for the Brain (American Heart Association)
• Traumatic Brain Injury (Alzheimer’s Association)
• Traumatic Brain Injury and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Shared Neurovascular Hypothesis (National Institutes of Health)
• Get Back Your Social Life to Boost Thinking, Memory, and Health (Harvard Health)
• Challenge Your Mind (Alzheimer’s Association)

Get a shot now to protect you and your family throughout the holiday season

As the state heads further into respiratory virus season, the Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging everyone to add flu shots to their Thanksgiving shopping lists. Doses of flu vaccine are widely available at public health clinics, doctor’s offices and pharmacies across Texas.

Cooler weather, holiday gatherings and added travel increase the risk that respiratory viruses like influenza will spread, so public health officials recommend everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated as soon as possible. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to reach peak immunity, so the sooner people get a shot, the sooner they will be protected during the holidays.

“It is especially important for older adults, very young children, people with chronic health conditions and pregnant women to get protection from the flu,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH. “People in those higher risk groups are more likely to get seriously sick if they do get the flu, and some will inevitably need to be hospitalized and even die from their infections.”

Coryell County Health Authority, Dr. Diedra Wuenschel, family medicine physician and Medical Director of Coryell Health Medical Clinic, echoed the importance of timely vaccination. “Getting your flu shot now is one of the simplest ways to safeguard your health and your loved ones before the busy holiday season,” said Dr. Wuenschel. “By vaccinating early, you’re helping protect not only yourself but also the most vulnerable members of our community.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that influenza caused at least 600,000 hospitalizations in the United States and tens of thousands of deaths last flu season. A 2010 study put the average economic cost of seasonal flu at more than $87 billion a year, or roughly $131 billion adjusted for inflation.

Flu symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, sore throat, cough, fatigue and chills and can last a week or longer. Antiviral drugs available by prescription can make the illness milder and shorter if started within 48 hours of symptoms beginning.

Flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu talk, sneeze or cough. People can also get the flu if they touch a surface or object with live virus on it and then touch their mouth, nose or eyes. While the vaccine is the best protection, people can also help stop the flu by covering coughs and sneezes, washing their hands frequently and staying home when sick.

You can contact your doctor, local health department or pharmacy to learn where you can get your flu shot. Monitor the effects of various respiratory viruses statewide and in your region with the Texas Respiratory Illness Interactive Dashboard. For more information about influenza and how to protect against it, visit texasflu.org.

Meet Two of Our New Family Medicine Physicians

Coryell Health is proud to welcome two new family medicine physicians to our Waco clinic and our Gatesville clinic in Building 2: Dr. Amy Chung and Dr. Shrey Goel! Learn about their backgrounds, what inspired them to pursue family medicine and more in their interviews below. 

Dr. Amy Chung, MD

Family Medicine

 

Tell us about your background.

I grew up in California, but I moved to Texas to attend Texas A&M for both college and medical school (whoop!). Then, I went to Waco Family Medicine for residency, where I served as chief resident. I’ve been in practice for about three years now.

 

Where are you practicing for Coryell Health?

I’ll be practicing at the Waco clinic and the Gatesville clinic in Building 2.

 

What made you want to go into family medicine?

During my second year of medical school, one of my mentors was a family medicine physician. In our first visits together, she actually had a whole family come in, from the children to the grandparents. I loved the concept of being able to learn about the whole family and provide continuing care throughout their whole lives.

What’s your philosophy regarding practicing medicine & treating patients?

We can read textbooks and learn good medicine all we want, but it really comes down to learning about the patient, their lifestyle and their goals. Without getting to know the patient, we can practice medicine, but it won’t be the most effective treatment.

What are the most common issues you treat?

In family medicine, I get a little bit of everything and cater to patients of all ages. I see acute and chronic conditions, mental health struggles and even end-of-life discussions.

Dr. Shrey Goel, MD

Family Medicine

 

Tell us about your background.

I was born in the Canadian city of Winnipeg, Manitoba. As a child, I moved to the United States and have lived in a few different states, but I completed my medical school training at the University of Arizona in Tucson. After medical school, I came to Waco, where I underwent residency training at Waco Family Medicine. During residency, I had the privilege of serving as one of the chief residents for the program with my colleague and friend, Dr. Amy Chung.

Where are you practicing for Coryell Health?

I’ll be practicing at the Waco clinic and the Gatesville clinic in Building 2.

What made you want to go into family medicine?

Throughout my education and career after my undergraduate studies, I had several really significant mentors in my life who happened to be family medicine doctors. I feel like I just kept receiving the message that family medicine was the path for me. When I entered medical school, I was pretty set on pursuing family medicine, and I kept having experiences that affirmed that choice.

What’s your philosophy regarding practicing medicine & treating patients?

My overall philosophy can be summed up by a very common phrase we use in medicine: “shared decision-making.” To me, it represents learning with and from your patients. Patients have a lot going on in their lives that affects the efficacy of different treatment plans, so I try to learn about their lives, the barriers and challenges they face that might affect treatment plans and come to the best decision with them about medical management.

What are the most common issues you treat?

The most common conditions I deal with are chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes and coronary artery disease. I also treat acute complaints, musculoskeletal aches and pains and joint problems. The process of treating a painful joint involves really understanding which part of the joint is hurting, and that requires conversation, keeping track of medical history and a relationship over time to understand and find the right treatment option. I’m really passionate about caring for all ages, whether it’s babies, adolescents, adults or older adults.

Call (254) 248-6401 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Amy Chung or Dr. Shrey Goel at our Waco clinic and Gatesville clinic in Building 2 today.

It’s official: Coryell Health is opening a NEW clinic on the corner of Harris Creek Road and Highway 84 in Waco in late 2026! The Coryell Health team is excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve more Central Texans through this new location. Stay tuned for more updates!

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Maximum Pain Relief

You shouldn’t have to drive hours away for the orthopedic care you need. At Coryell Health, our expert team combines cutting-edge medical technology with a personalized touch to perform minimally invasive joint reconstruction surgery, orthopedic spine surgery, robot-assisted total knee replacement surgery, hip replacement surgery and more.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic joint pain or a recent surgery, Coryell Health is here to help you recover quickly with minimal disruption to your life. Click on the sections below to learn more about our minimally invasive surgical offerings.

Table of Contents

• Joint Reconstruction
• Orthopedic Spine Surgery
• Robot-Assisted Total Knee Replacement Surgery
• Hip Replacement Surgery

Joint Reconstruction

How Does Joint Reconstruction Work?

Joint reconstruction restores and repairs your joint’s function through a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Dr. Lance Ellis will make small incisions near the affected area and use a camera to view the inside of the affected joint. He’ll then trim cartilage and other soft tissues and remove any bone spurs. The procedure will help increase a stiff joint’s range of motion by relieving pressure from tight ligaments. If you’d like to start the conversation about joint reconstruction surgery with our team, give us a call at (254) 483-KNEE.

How Long is the Recovery Time After Joint Reconstruction?

Joint reconstruction surgery recovery time varies depending on the specific joint being operated on and individual patient factors. Generally, you can expect to resume light manual tasks within a few weeks, and it may take 12-14 weeks to resume more strenuous activities.

How Soon Will I Notice Benefits from Joint Reconstruction?

Within the first few weeks following your procedure, you should notice significant improvements in your mobility and reduced levels of pain. Participating in physical therapy following the surgery also promotes healing and works to restore function.

Is Joint Reconstruction Covered By Insurance?

Please call (254) 865-8251 for any questions you may have about insurance and joint reconstruction surgery. Click here to see Coryell Health’s list of accepted insurance.

Orthopedic Spine Surgery

How Does Orthopedic Spine Surgery Work?

Dr. Ellis and his team specialize in minimally invasive spine surgery, which means smaller incisions, no damage to muscles and tissue near your spine, better results and a shorter recovery time compared to traditional spine surgery. If you’d like to start the conversation about orthopedic spine surgery with our team, give us a call at (254) 483-KNEE.

How Long is the Recovery Time After Orthopedic Spine Surgery?

The recovery time following orthopedic spine surgery varies depending on the cause of your symptoms and individual patient factors. For the first few weeks following your procedure, you should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting.

How Soon Will I Notice Benefits from Orthopedic Spine Surgery?

Due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, you may experience improved mobility and pain relief within a few days to a couple of weeks after your surgery. Dr. Ellis may recommend physical therapy to help improve your strength, mobility and flexibility.

Is Orthopedic Spine Surgery Covered By Insurance?

Please call (254) 865-8251 for any questions you may have about insurance and orthopedic spine surgery. Click here to see Coryell Health’s list of accepted insurance.

Robot-Assisted Total Knee Replacement Surgery

How Does Robot-Assisted Total Knee Replacement Surgery Work?

As part of our commitment to caring for patients using the latest medical technology, Coryell Health was the first Central Texas healthcare provider to begin using robot-assisted orthopedic technology to perform total knee replacement surgery. The ROSA® (Robotic Surgical Assistant) Knee System assists in performing total knee replacement surgery by providing information on how your soft tissue is responding and performing precise bone removal to restore your knee safely and with pinpoint accuracy. The ROSA provides your surgical team with data throughout the procedure, allowing them to tailor the placement of your implant to your unique anatomy. If you’d like to start the conversation about robot-assisted total knee replacement surgery with our team, give us a call at (254) 483-KNEE.

How Long is the Recovery Time After Robot-Assisted Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

Following your procedure, recovery time varies from patient to patient, but most patients return to light activity within three to four weeks. Dr. Ellis will advise you on when you can return to certain activities.

How Soon Will I Notice Benefits from Robot-Assisted Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

“These are the patients who usually hug me and talk about how great their life is and how different it is,” Dr. Ellis says. “One patient told me about a hike he went on with his two daughters that had several steep inclines that he couldn’t have done two months ago.” Many patients experience pain relief and improved mobility within a few weeks following their surgery.

Is Robot-Assisted Total Knee Replacement Surgery Covered By Insurance?

Please call (254) 865-8251 for any questions you may have about insurance and robot-assisted total knee replacement surgery. Click here to see Coryell Health’s list of accepted insurance.

Hip Replacement Surgery

How Does Hip Replacement Surgery Work?

Coryell Health’s orthopedic surgery team specializes in minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. During this procedure, one or more small incisions are made to reduce pain and improve recovery time. Your surgeon will cut the damaged bone and minimal tissue surrounding your hip to insert the precisely fitted implant. If you’d like to start the conversation about hip replacement surgery with our team, give us a call at (254) 483-KNEE.

How Long is the Recovery Time After Hip Replacement Surgery?

Although everyone’s body responds differently to hip replacement surgery, a full recovery typically takes a few weeks to several months, along with regular physical therapy.

How Soon Will I Notice Benefits from Hip Replacement Surgery?

Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility within the first few weeks following hip replacement surgery.

Is Hip Replacement Surgery Covered By Insurance?

Please call (254) 865-8251 for any questions you may have about insurance and hip replacement surgery. Click here to see Coryell Health’s list of accepted insurance.

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Lance Ellis is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. A native Texan, Dr. Ellis earned his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and earned his doctorate of osteopathic medicine from the Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He then completed his residency training and served as chief resident at Mercy Health — St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Ellis completed both a spine surgery fellowship at the Texas Back Institute in Plano and an orthopedic trauma fellowship at the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. His specialties include joint reconstruction, orthopedic spine surgery, minimally invasive treatments for bone and joint pain, hip replacement and robot-assisted total knee replacement surgery.

If joint pain or spinal issues are holding you back, it may be time to consider a minimally invasive solution. Get back to feeling your best with help from Dr. Ellis and the rest of Coryell Health’s surgical team! Call (254) 483-KNEE to explore your options and start your road to recovery today.

Meet Dr. Amy Chung, one of our newest family medicine physicians at our Waco clinic on Franklin Avenue and our Gatesville clinic in Building 2! Board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and fluent in Korean, Dr. Chung treats patients of all ages and specializes in preventative medicine, acute and chronic conditions, palliative care and mental health care. She loves family medicine because of the ability to provide continuity of care and create meaningful relationships with entire families. When Dr. Chung isn’t helping patients, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods and spending quality time with her family, friends and dogs. Call (254) 248-6401 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Chung today.