The Mason City Clinic is excited to welcome Dr. Kenneth Walsh, a highly skilled vascular surgeon who brings extensive experience in treating arterial and venous diseases. In a recent episode of the Mason City Clinic Podcast, Dr. Walsh sat down with host Carol Gifford to discuss his background, expertise, and how he plans to serve the North Iowa community.
Dr. Walsh’s journey to vascular surgery began in the Northeast, where he completed his medical education and surgical training.
“I was born and raised on Long Island in New York,” Dr. Walsh shared. “I did medical school and residency and fellowship up in the Northeast, and then I had a job that I was at in Columbus, Georgia, for a few years, and then I moved on to come to Mason City.”
His medical training includes:
Dr. Walsh knew early in his medical education that surgery was his calling. “I got an opportunity to shadow a plastic surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon before medical school, so I already had an interest in surgery. During my general surgery residency, I spent a lot of time in vascular procedures and realized that was the best fit for me.”
Vascular disease affects the arteries and veins outside of the heart, leading to conditions such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), carotid artery disease, aneurysms, and venous disorders.
“Vascular disease has a lot of different components,” Dr. Walsh explained. “One of the common things we treat is peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is similar to coronary artery disease but affects the legs. We also treat carotid artery disease, which can lead to stroke, and various venous diseases, including varicose veins and blood clots.”
As North Iowa’s only full-time vascular surgeon, Dr. Walsh provides both minimally invasive and traditional open surgeries to treat vascular conditions.
“We do both open and endovascular procedures,” he explained. “For the legs, we perform angiograms, similar to a heart catheterization, to open up blockages with balloons and stents. These are usually same-day procedures and very well tolerated.”
Other treatments include:
Dr. Walsh recognized a critical need for vascular care in North Iowa and was drawn to the opportunity to make a real impact.
“There was a very big need here,” he said. “One of the vascular surgeons retired, and patients were telling us how hard it was to find local care. Some were traveling over an hour and a half for vascular treatment.”
By joining Mason City Clinic, Dr. Walsh ensures that patients no longer have to leave the area for specialized vascular care.
Dr. Walsh emphasizes that early intervention and lifestyle choices play a key role in preventing vascular disease from worsening.
“The basics are important,” he said. “Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and controlling risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking can help slow down vascular disease.”
For those who are concerned about their vascular health, Dr. Walsh encourages regular check-ups. Pain when walking, leg swelling, varicose veins, or a history of stroke may be warning signs of vascular disease.
Beyond treating patients, Dr. Walsh is excited about becoming part of the North Iowa community.
“When I was here visiting, I saw there’s a lake nearby, and I’m excited to explore that in the summer,” he said. “I also played ice hockey, so I might get back into that.”
As Mason City Clinic’s new vascular expert, Dr. Walsh is ready to serve patients across the region, offering state-of-the-art care close to home.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Kenneth Walsh
If you or a loved one is experiencing leg pain, varicose veins, or circulation issues, contact Mason City Clinic to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kenneth Walsh.
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your first choice for all your family’s specialty healthcare needs.
250 S. Crescent Drive, Mason City, IA 50401
Tel: 641.494.5200
Toll Free: 800-622-1411
Fax: 641.494.5403