In a growing town like Pahrump, access to quality healthcare can depend on the dedication of providers who are willing to travel, collaborate, and innovate. Thanks to a robust partnership between Las Vegas Surgery Associates and Desert View Hospital, that access has dramatically expanded—bringing highly specialized surgical care right to the heart of the community.
The relationship began 15 years ago, with a simple yet powerful goal: to make it easier for Pahrump residents to receive the surgeries and procedures they need without the burden of traveling to Las Vegas. “We see patients at our clinic here in town and try to perform as many of their procedures as possible at Desert View Hospital,” explained Mary Casalme, Director of Business Development for Las Vegas Surgery Associates. “It’s about convenience, but it’s also about providing continuity of care in a place patients feel comfortable.”
Las Vegas Surgery Associates, recently rebranded from Las Vegas Surgical Associates, offers a range of procedures including general surgery, colorectal care, and increasingly, vascular services. Their surgeons—Dr. Roy Gan, Dr. Angel Rivera, Dr. Hassan Hashmi, Dr. Jordan Shively, and Dr. Alex Lall—each travel to Pahrump to treat patients at Desert View Hospital and at the clinic located inside the Mountain Valley Physicians Group building next door. These physicians rotate through Monday to Thursday, seeing patients in the morning and performing procedures in the afternoon.
“The most common procedures we’re doing right now include endoscopies, colonoscopies, lipoma removals—what we call ‘lumps and bumps’—hemorrhoid surgeries, and chemo port placements,” explained Carolyn Keene, Operating Room Manager at Desert View Hospital. “And now that our second vascular surgeon has joined the group, we’re also beginning to do procedures like AV fistula, which are important for patients with a dialysis history. We currently do reversals but should be able to implant them soon, as well.”
Each surgeon brings a unique blend of experience, training, and perspective to the practice. Dr. Gan and Dr. Shively are highly regarded for their years of surgical expertise, while Dr. Hashmi, Dr. Rivera, and Dr. Lall bring fresh insight and the most current, fellowship-level training in their specialties. “They’re younger, ambitious, and very committed to growing their practices,” said Casalme. “They’re eager to take on challenging cases and passionate about delivering the highest level of care. This team isn’t winding down—they’re just hitting their stride.”
Their presence in Pahrump is much more than a weekly visit. “They’re physically here,” emphasized Ryan Muccio, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for Desert View Hospital. “Not just performing surgeries, but also meeting with patients, following up after procedures, and even assisting with consultations for inpatient needs if something comes up unexpectedly.”
This commitment to continuity of care extends beyond the clinic doors. “Every patient receives a follow-up call three to seven days after their procedure,” said Keene. “We check how they’re doing, whether they’ve scheduled their follow-up appointment, and help them with anything they need. We stay connected until we know they’re taken care of.”
Patients are typically referred to Las Vegas Surgery Associates by their primary care providers or local urgent care clinics. In some cases, when a patient visits the emergency room and surgical follow-up is needed, the hospital team can help facilitate a referral. “If someone comes in with a condition that requires surgical evaluation, we can make sure they’re connected with the right provider,” said Muccio.
Among the five physicians serving Pahrump, each has earned praise for their bedside manner and personalized approach. “They talk to patients like people,” said Casalme. “No overwhelming medical jargon. Just compassion and clarity.” Surgeons like Dr. Hashmi and Dr. Rivera have developed a reputation for going above and beyond, often making themselves available for follow-up calls, last-minute consultations, and helping patients feel empowered through education.
This growing presence has evolved over time. “When we started, we were only here on Mondays and Wednesdays,” said Casalme. “Now, we’re here Monday through Thursday, and sometimes we have two providers in the clinic on the same day. It’s been a huge step forward.”
Looking ahead, growth is on the horizon. Las Vegas Surgery Associates has recently added two general surgeons and another vascular specialist to its expanding team, with plans to reach 21 surgeons by 2026. At Desert View Hospital, that growth translates into new opportunities for expanding local services. “We’re always evaluating new ways to grow,” said Muccio. “We consider both community need and logistical feasibility, especially when it comes to equipment. If a new piece of equipment can allow a wider range of procedures and serve more patients, we’ll do everything we can to get it.”
Additional specialties may also be on the horizon. “We had a podiatrist for a while, and we’re exploring options to bring that service back,” Muccio added.
Serving Pahrump means more than just adding appointments to a schedule. It means understanding the unique needs of a rural population, many of whom are seniors or individuals with limited transportation options. “Pahrump residents want local care,” said Muccio. “They want to support their town and stay close to home. That’s what this partnership is about.”
Casalme echoed that sentiment. “We serve not just Pahrump, but the surrounding communities too—Amargosa, Beatty, and even some from Tonopah. It’s important we’re here. And we’re proud to be.”
For patients wondering how to access these services, the process is simple: referrals can come from any local provider, urgent care, or the hospital itself. And while most insurances require a referral, the team at Desert View Hospital and Las Vegas Surgery Associates is ready to help patients navigate the process. “We take all major insurances,” said Casalme. “And our financial counselors are here to answer questions and help with payment plans if needed.”
Muccio encourages patients to speak up if they’d prefer to have their surgeries done in Pahrump. “When your doctor refers you out, you can ask for Las Vegas Surgery Associates. You can request to have your procedure done right here. It’s your choice.”
And that choice can make all the difference—for peace of mind, recovery time, and the overall comfort of knowing your surgeon, your hospital, and your care team are just around the corner.
