St. Mary’s Health Center announces that Allyson Walker, M.D., cardiac and thoracic surgeon, has joined the St. Mary’s Heart Center, effective Feb. 1.

Walker joins the practice of John Crouch, M.D., St. Mary’s longtime cardiac surgeon. In addition to heart surgery, Walker also will perform thoracic surgery, including the lungs, chest and esophagus.

St. Mary’s is ranked among the top 10 percent of U.S. hospitals in providing quality care for heart patients. St. Mary’s is also the only hospital in central Missouri with the highest accredited Chest Pain Center, which means the top standard of care is used the moment a heart attack patient arrives in the emergency department.

For more information about Dr. Walker or the St. Mary’s Heart Center, call (573) 761-7243 or visit LetHealingBegin.com.