UCHealth Cardiology clinic adds new providers

Aug. 26, 2014

Contact: Kim Vecchio, [email protected], 970-213-7113

University of Colorado Health welcomes cardiologists Drs. Lance Richards and Weston Whittington, and cardiothoracic surgery nurse practitioner Jill Hinkle.

Dr. Richards, Dr. Whittington and Hinkle join one of the largest heart programs in the state with more cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons and electrophysiologists than any other program. Additionally, UCHealth Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery serves patients throughout northern Colorado, southern Wyoming and Nebraska.

Dr. Richards is board-certified in internal medicine and completed his fellowship in cardiology and residency in internal medicine at MetroHealth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich. Dr. Richards earned his medical degree from Michigan State University. He begins seeing patients Sept. 2 at the Fort Collins clinic, 2121 E. Harmony Road, Suite 100.

“I focus on my patients’ specific needs and providing evidence-based care,” said Richards. “I also feel my role as a cardiologist is education, prevention and modeling how to live a healthy lifestyle.”

Dr. Whittington starts seeing patients Thursday in Fort Collins, Loveland, Yuma, Laramie, Wyo., and Scottsbluff, Neb. He is board-certified in internal medicine and completed his fellowship in cardiology and residency in internal medicine at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix. Dr. Whittington earned his medical degree from Oregon Health and Sciences University.

“I look forward to settling into this community,” said Whittington. “I feel that I can really get to know and engage my patients to provide more individualized care.”

Hinkle focuses on developing a partnership with her patients and families to provide the best care as each situation is unique.

“I’ve wanted to help people and make a difference as a nurse since I was six years old,” said Hinkle. “I enjoy educating and supporting my patients and their families through their journey.”

Hinkle started seeing patients Aug. 4 in Loveland. She has more than 16 years of experience in patient care and earned her master’s degree in acute care/family nurse practitioner at Colorado State University in Pueblo.

For more information about heart care provided through University of Colorado Health or to schedule an appointment, visit uchealth.org or call 970-221-1000.


About UCHealth

UCHealth is a Front Range health system that delivers the highest quality patient care with the highest quality patient experience. University of Colorado Health combines Memorial Hospital, Poudre Valley Hospital,Medical Center of the Rockies, University of Colorado Hospital and a network of more than 40 medical clinics into one organization dedicated to health and providing unmatched patient care in the Rocky Mountain West. Separately, these institutions can continue providing superior care to patients and service to the communities they serve. Together, they push the boundaries of medicine, attracting more research funding, hosting more clinical trials and improving health through innovation.