Holy Cross Medical Center is the central hub for health care in north-central New Mexico. Our hospital and clinics are home to over 80 physicians, covering a variety of ever-expanding specialties that include internal medicine, wound care, dermatology, OB/GYN, orthopedics, general surgery, urology and a fully-staffed emergency department.
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James Kiser, CEO of Holy Cross Medical Center would like to share a message about some of the effects of the recent federal budget changes. You can view the video by clicking on the following links or you can read the transcript below.
From James Kiser:
I want to speak directly to our community about the recent federal budget bill—known as the Big Beautiful Bill—and what it means for Taos.
This legislation introduces major changes to Medicaid eligibility, which could result in many New Mexicans—including some right here in Taos—losing coverage.
At Holy Cross, a large portion of our patients rely on Medicaid. If people lose that coverage, it places financial pressure on the hospital—but more importantly, it puts access to care at risk for those who need it most.
We remain focused on our mission to care for this community. That’s why we’re here to help you stay informed and prepared as these changes unfold in the coming years.
Our Benefit Navigation Team is here to offer free, personalized support to help you sign up for—and keep—your health insurance. If you have questions, don’t wait. Reach out. You’ll find contact details in the video description.
We want you to know our team is preparing for the coming changes and we remain steadfast on growing and improving care for our region. This is your hospital and despite these headwinds, we’re optimistic for the future.
Holy Cross continues to offer more services than most hospitals our size—and we’re proud of the exceptional team that makes that possible. Our doctors, nurses, and staff are deeply committed to Taos. I’m incredibly impressed with the care they deliver every day.
If you want to support local healthcare, get your care right here in Taos.
We’ve been here since 1936. And we’re here to stay.
Holy Cross Medical Center is proud to announce the arrival of Dr. Robert Leland, MD, a nationally recognized expert in orthopedic foot and ankle surgery, as part of a newly launched orthopedic program. Through a strategic partnership with inReach Healthcare, this initiative will bring a variety of orthopedic specialists to Taos, expanding access to expert surgical care and enhancing local treatment options.
Dr. Leland, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, is dual fellowship trained in foot and ankle reconstructive surgery and orthopedic trauma. With over two decades of clinical experience and a strong record of innovation—including being among the first surgeons in the United States to perform total ankle replacements—Dr. Leland is now seeing patients in Taos. He specializes in complex foot and ankle conditions, including total ankle replacement and bunion correction. In addition to foot and ankle care, he also treats general orthopedic trauma.
Dr. Leland earned his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center. He further specialized through fellowship training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and the University Carl Gustav Carus in Dresden, Germany.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Leland served as Chief of Foot and Ankle Surgery at Wayne State University and Chief of Orthopedics at the VA Medical Center in Detroit, where he was twice honored as Teacher of the Year. He currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedics at the University of Colorado.
Dr. Leland is passionate about patient education and shared decision-making.
“My goal is to make sure patients fully understand their condition and all of their treatment options,” Dr. Leland said. “That way, they’re empowered to make the best choices for their lifestyle and long-term health.”
On joining the Taos medical community, Dr. Leland added, “I’m honored to help bring specialized orthopedic care to a community as vibrant and unique as Taos. Being able to deliver advanced foot and ankle treatments close to where patients live makes a meaningful impact.”
“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Leland as part of this expansion of local orthopedic care,” said Sue Romansky, Chief of Ancillary and Physician Services at Holy Cross. “His experience and commitment to excellence align with our mission to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for patients right here in Taos.”
A referral is required to schedule an appointment. Learn more by calling (575) 737-3422
The team at Holy Cross Women’s Health Institute is excited to welcome OB/GYN, Dr. Cydney Siggins, who joined the staff in April of 2025. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Siggins brings a wealth of experience and a deeply personal approach to women’s health care, here in Taos.
“I’ve always thrived in science, enjoyed helping others, and felt most at home working with my hands,” says Dr. Siggins. “Obstetrics and gynecology is a perfect fit for me – it combines hands-on procedural work with the opportunity to build long-term relationships, caring for patients and their families from adolescence through childbearing and into menopause.”
Her approach to medicine centers around thoughtful listening and individualized care. “My top priority is to ensure my patients feel safe, heard, and comfortable,” she says. “I take a patient-centered approach to care, meaning that I focus on your specific concerns, and strive to address them thoroughly while answering any questions you may have. Often, a single concern is best understood in the context of your overall health, so I take a comprehensive approach to gynecologic care. This includes reviewing your full obstetric and gynecologic history at nearly every visit, so I am able to provide the most informed and complete care possible.”
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Siggins brings advanced surgical training to Holy Cross Hospital, offering minimally invasive procedures using the da Vinci 5 surgical robot at Holy Cross Hospital. This technology enables her to perform complex gynecologic surgeries such as hysterectomies, ovarian cyst removals, and procedures involving the ovaries or fallopian tubes with enhanced precision and the potential for faster recovery times. These surgeries are available right here in Taos, allowing patients to stay local and heal at home, close to the support of family and friends.
Dr. Siggins is also passionate about expanding how care is delivered. “I’ve had the opportunity to lead group prenatal care in the past and loved it,” she shares. “We are exploring the possibility of bringing this model to the Taos community! It’s a unique community-based approach to obstetrical care that fosters connection, education, and support among expectant families.” This service would be offered along with ongoing Prepared Childbirth classes that are hosted by the Labor and Delivery department at Holy Cross. You can learn more about the classes at HolyCrossMedicalCenter.org.
When asked about her new colleagues, Dr. Siggins had nothing but praise. “I’m thrilled to join the team at WHI. I think together we can continue growing a strong practice to serve Taos and the surrounding communities. Every team member I’ve met at Holy Cross has been so welcoming and kind. I’m grateful to be here and feel lucky to be a part of such a dedicated and compassionate group.”
Her move to Taos was as much about family as it was about profession. “My husband, Thomas, was raised in Alamosa. We have always envisioned a childhood for our kids in the Upper Rio Grande like the one he had. When the opportunity to join Holy Cross and WHI became available, it felt like all of the pieces were falling into place. Our two children love being outside and have already taken to Spring in Taos with open arms and bare feet! We also have a red-heeler who is very active and cannot wait to get out on the trails.”
Outside of work, Dr. Siggins is often found outdoors with her family. “We love spending time outside hiking and are really looking forward to spending time in the water this summer. I love ceramics, yoga, and am looking forward to trail running again! My husband is a backcountry skier & snowboarder, so I’m looking forward to joining him on the slopes next season.”
Some of her most impactful moments in medicine come from walking beside families. “I’ve had the privilege of caring for women during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, including the loss of a baby at any stage.” she says.
“I’ve built relationships with these patients who have trusted me with their care through these losses and again during subsequent pregnancies. Being present to deliver their next children and watch those children grow is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s an honor to be welcomed into such a vulnerable space with the families I serve.”
Holy Cross Women’s Health Institute provides comprehensive care for women at every stage of life—from adolescence through menopause. Their team of skilled providers offers a wide range of services, including prenatal care, gynecologic surgery, wellness visits, and family planning, all delivered with compassion and a focus on long-term relationships. They are proud to welcome Dr. Cydney Siggins to the team as they continue to expand access to high-quality women’s health care in Taos. For more information, visit www.TaosWomensHealth.org.
April is Occupational Therapy (OT) Month to recognize a field that helps people of all ages regain independence, function, and quality of life. At Holy Cross Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, OT isn’t just a profession, it’s a calling, especially for certified hand therapists like Lisa Crabtree Edmonds and Barbara Lewis, who bring expert care to our community.
While physical therapy focuses on improving mobility, strength, and balance, occupational therapy centers on helping people participate in meaningful daily activities. That might mean learning to dress oneself after a stroke, improving hand strength after surgery, or adapting workspaces to reduce pain and injury.
“Occupation isn’t just your job,” explains Lisa Crabtree Edmonds, occupational therapist at Holy Cross. “It’s any functional activity. If you’re a child, it might be holding your pencil or paying attention in school. Our goal is to help people get back to their purposeful life meanings.”
Hand therapy is a highly specialized branch of OT that treats everything from tendon and nerve injuries to arthritis and repetitive stress conditions. It’s essential for artists, craftspeople, and musicians—of which Taos has many.
“I help people get back to doing what they love. This is a creative community, and I get to work with musicians, artists, and all kinds of people who rely on their hands to work and express themselves.”
– Lisa Crabtree Edmonds
Lisa and her colleague, Barbara Lewis, are both Certified Hand Therapists—a rare and rigorous credential that requires years of experience and the successful completion of an intensive exam. “Our certification means we provide an extra level of expertise,” Lisa says. “Hand therapy is complex. We don’t just massage hands—we treat tendonitis, fractures, arthritis, and trauma. We’re the only certified hand therapists in Taos, and physicians as far as Santa Fe refer patients to us because of our specialty.”
Tracey Poffenroth-Prato, Director of Holy Cross Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, says having two certified hand therapists in a rural community like Taos is remarkable. “The certification process is incredibly difficult and shows their commitment to healing patients,” she says. “We were thrilled when Barbara decided to join our team. She brings a wealth of experience. In Kansas City, she was seeing 18 or more patients a day. She’s seen and helped a lot of people, and we’re fortunate to have her skills here in Taos.”
Barbara joined Holy Cross in February after moving from Kansas City. “I grew up in a small town, so Taos felt instantly like home,” she says. “I love it here—the pace is slower, the people are kind, and I get to care for my friends and neighbors. I’m here for the long haul.” With 35 years of experience as an occupational therapist and a deep passion for helping people, Barbara brings both skill and heart to the job. “Hands are my passion,” she says. “I love helping people recover from injuries or reduce daily discomfort.”
In addition to hand therapy, both Lisa and Barbara are experienced general occupational therapists. They work with patients experiencing cumulative trauma—everything from computer-related strain to overuse injuries in construction work.
“We help people use their bodies more effectively to avoid long-term damage. Fine motor work is a good example of something we can help with.”
– Barbara Lewis
Their focus is on the upper extremities—hand, wrist, and elbow. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, or trying to get back to playing an instrument pain-free, Lisa and Barbara provide individualized, expert care. “We work closely with many physicians in our region to support patients through recovery,” Lisa says. “It’s rewarding to be part of a team that can provide this level of specialized care right here in our community.”
At its heart, occupational therapy is about returning to the things that give life meaning.
“It’s not just about getting people back to work, It’s about getting you back to your life.”
– Lisa Crabtree Edmonds
A referral is necessary, but the team is here to help. For more information, contact Holy Cross Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation at 575-737-0304 or visit holycrossmedicalcenter.org.
The Holy Cross Board of Trustees is soliciting applications from qualified persons to fill two vacant seats on the Hospital Board. The two vacancies are for four-year terms.
If you are interested in applying, please call Lenora Cisneros at 575-751-5766 or stop by the Holy Cross Hospital Administration Department to pick up an application. You may also access the application below.
Please mail your application, CV, and Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement to:
Lenora Cisneros, Sr. Executive Assistant
1397 Weimer Rd.
Taos, NM 87571
Or send it via email to lcisneros@taoshospital.org.
Applications must be returned by the April 18, 2025 deadline.
Women in Taos now have access to advanced minimally invasive gynecological surgical care thanks to the introduction of the da Vinci 5 Robotic Surgical System at Holy Cross Medical Center. Dr. Casey Smith, an OB/GYN at the Women’s Health Institute, one of Holy Cross’s specialized clinics, is leading the charge in offering minimally invasive surgeries for a variety of gynecological procedures. This state-of-the-art technology, now available locally, eliminates the need for patients to travel long distances to receive high-tech minimally invasive surgeries, allowing patients to recover close to home.
The da Vinci 5 robotic system acts as a highly sophisticated surgical assistant. While the surgeon is still entirely in control of the procedure, the robot enhances the surgeon’s capabilities by offering improved visualization, increased dexterity, and greater precision. “The da Vinci system is a game-changer,” says Dr. Smith. “It allows us to offer minimally invasive surgeries that often result in less pain and quicker recovery times. Many patients can go home the same day, and patients living in the Taos area can get home and recover without a long commute.”
Dr. Smith uses the da Vinci surgical robot to perform a range of gynecological surgeries, including hysterectomies, oophorectomies (removal of ovaries), salpingectomies (removal of fallopian tubes), and ovarian cystectomies (removal of ovarian cysts). These procedures, traditionally done through larger incisions, can now be performed with the assistance of the da Vinci system, which can mean smaller incisions and can reduce both the physical trauma and the recovery time for patients.
“Having the da Vinci robot here in Taos is a remarkable resource,” Dr. Smith adds. “The system enhances my ability to see and maneuver during surgery. The visualization it offers is unmatched, and its precision is invaluable. The next closest da Vinci system is in Santa Fe, which would require patients to travel for multiple appointments, adding a lot of unnecessary travel and stress. We now offer these services right here in our own community.”
James Kiser, CEO of Holy Cross Medical Center, highlights the significance of having this advanced technology in a rural hospital. “Bringing the da Vinci 5 to Taos is a key part of our ongoing commitment to providing top-quality medical care to the people of Taos. We are fortunate to have an incredible team of physicians and surgeons, and now we’re adding the high-tech tools necessary to offer the same procedures found in much larger institutions.”
The acquisition of the da Vinci system was made possible through the generosity of a local donor, and Kiser expressed deep gratitude for this investment in the community. “We are immensely grateful to the donor who helped make this possible. Their support has allowed us to bring world-class surgical technology to Taos, and the long-term benefit of having the da Vinci system here will be tremendous. We are honored to provide our community with the best possible care, using top-of-the-line equipment.”
The da Vinci 5 system is not only transforming gynecological care in Taos. It’s also being used by Dr. Steven Slikkers and Dr. Stephen Balise, general surgeons at Holy Cross Surgical Specialties, to perform a variety of general surgical procedures. The versatility of the da Vinci 5 makes it a valuable tool across multiple surgical specialties, ensuring that patients in Taos receive cutting-edge care for a wide range of conditions.
For Dr. Smith, this advancement in technology is a welcome addition to her practice. “I love working in Taos, caring for the people in my own community is the most rewarding part of my job. The added benefit is that this area is so beautiful—it offers so many opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature. Now, we can help more patients return to their daily lives and appreciate this amazing place we live in.”
With the da Vinci 5 Robotic Surgical System at Holy Cross Medical Center, the community has greater access to advanced healthcare services, all while staying close to home. This innovative technology underscores the hospital’s mission to continue providing the best quality of care for the region.
Learn more at: TaosWomensHealth.org
Holy Cross Hospital provides emergency treatment to all patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay, 24/7. The hospital’s billing department works with uninsured and low-income individuals to navigate unexpected medical expenses and find financial assistance. Programs like Holy Cross Benefit Navigation, which assisted over 2,000 people in 2024 with health insurance enrollment support, and Holy Cross’ Patient Advocacy further supports individuals through their healthcare journey. To alleviate medical debt, the hospital’s Medical Debt Relief Fund, supported by local donations, helped clear $400,734 of unpaid bills for 342 patients in 2024, turning every $100 donation into $3,333 of debt relief. Holy Cross would like to thank the following 2024 donors:
If you would like to support the efforts of Holy Cross, please email helenfo@taoshospital.org
575-758-8883
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