Dr. Ricardo G. Cigarroa closes Eagle Pass cardiology office due to Eagle Ford Shale traffic risks
By: Jose G. Landa
Eagle Pass Business Journal
The Eagle Ford Shale increased traffic dangers and accidents have caused Maverick Count;y residents the loss of internationally reknowned cardiologist, Dr. Ricardo G. Cigarroa, services at his Eagle Pass, Texas medical offices located at the Maverick County Hospital District at 3406 Bob Rogers Drive effective January of 2013.
Dr. Cigarroa wrote a letter to Ms. Elcira Bares, Chief Executive Officer of the Maverick County Hospital District, dated January 3, 2013, wherein he advises the Maverick County Hospital District that “due to the Eagle Ford exploration, Highway 83 has become extremely dangerous; as a result, I have decided to stop going to Eagle Pass as of January 2013. It has been a great pleasure and privilege to serve your community.”
Dr. Cigarroa used to commute from Laredo, Texas to Eagle Pass on a weekly basis on Highway 83 for the past 15 years to provide much needed Cardiology services to Maverick County and surrounding area patients. “Dr. Cigarroa’s closing of his Eagle Pass Cardiology office is a great loss to Maverick County and Middle Rio Grande region cardiology patients,” said Ricardo E. Calderon, Maverick County Hospital District Board of Director. “The Eagle Ford Shale oil and gas boom has significantly increased the number of accidents, particularly fatal accidents, and the dangers of traveling within the state and county highways. Traveling from Laredo to Eagle Pass and vice-versa on Highway 83 as well as Highway 277 has unfortunately claimed the lives of more than 20 persons in 2012,” said Calderon.
Although Dr. Cigarroa is closing his Eagle Pass office, he is available to continue consulting any of his Eagle Pass cardiology patients at his Cigarroa Heart & Vascular Institute in Laredo, Texas. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cigarroa at his Laredo office, patients may call (956) 725-1228.
The Maverick County Hospital District recently retained the Cardiology services of Dr. James Galizia who has a full-time medical office in Eagle Pass at 3406 Bob Rogers Drive. Any cardiology patient interested in consulting with Dr. Galizia may call his office at (830) 757-4900 to schedule an appointment.
