Welcome SAMGI
Dr. Glen Koh, SAMGI Chief Medical Officer
Kaweah Health launched a new partnership with Surgical Affiliates Management Group Inc. (SAMGI) on February 1, marking a significant milestone in the hospital's commitment to acute care excellence.
The Sacramento-based group now provides 24/7 trauma and emergency general surgery coverage, bringing a robust staffing model that includes two surgeons on-site for 14 hours daily with APP support. One surgeon focuses exclusively on trauma care while the other handles emergency general surgery and inpatient consultations. Overnight coverage includes two providers at all times, with a third trauma surgeon available when needed.
Dr. Glenn Koh, SAMGI Chief Medical Officer, said that Kaweah Health and SAMGI share similar principles, with a focus on excellent clinical service and compassionate care.
“Our surgeons deliver top quality care in nearly 80 programs nationwide, attesting to the high levels of trust and community engagement we have built,” Dr. Koh said.
Several familiar faces are part of the SAMGI team. Dr. Vincent Kirkpatrick, previously with IQ Surgical Associates, continues his work at Kaweah Health under the new partnership. The team also welcomes Dr. Kevin Cowan, a Kaweah Health general surgery residency graduate who has established an elective surgical practice with Dr. Kyle Potts and will now also take SAMGI shifts.
From a leadership perspective, Dr. John Hong assumes the role of Program Director for the General Surgery Residency Program, bringing extensive GME experience. Dr. Kirkpatrick continues as Associate Program Director, ensuring program stability and continuity. Dr. Gary Collins serves as Medical Director for the Trauma Program.
For patients and referring physicians, the consultation process remains unchanged. When surgical services are needed in the ED or for inpatients, the on-call physician will respond as always—now through SAMGI. The group's outpatient clinic at 202 W. Willow Ave, Suite 305 will handle follow-up visits for hospital patients.
“Our surgeons will be part of the Kaweah Health and Visalia community, as clinicians, teachers, and neighbors,” Dr. Koh said.
The transition also marks a new chapter for IQ Surgical Associates, which provided 11 years of dedicated service to Kaweah Health. IQ will continue serving the community through an elective surgery practice in Visalia under the name Legacy Surgical Group.