Meet Kelvin. His journey from a professional baseball player to medical assistant in Arkansas Heart’s Intensive Cardiac Rehab program is nothing short of inspiring.

After playing baseball throughout his childhood in the Dominican Republic, he came to the U.S. in 2017 to play on college teams in Texas and as a Mustang at Conway’s Central Baptist College. He then moved to Puerto Rico’s professional team, Tainos.

Wanting to use his 24 years of athletic experience and exercise physiology education to help others, he stepped out of the baseball diamond and into our Strong Hearts Cardiac Rehab team in October 2023 as a medical assistant.

“My baseball skills and determination play an important role in my life in general and in cardiac rehab because the game is more than about baseball,” he says. “There is a lot of dedication and respect for others. I like to be a team player and I use that in my job, too.”

The most rewarding aspect of his career is watching cardiac and bariatric surgery patients reach their health and weight loss goals.

“I like to give encouragement and motivate patients to do their exercises and answer their questions or concerns,” he says. “Seeing them reach their goals and feel much better fills me with satisfaction.”

Our exceptional team members are more than just experts in cardiac care—they are individuals with vibrant lives and passions that extend far beyond the walls of Arkansas Heart. Join us in celebrating and recognizing their dedication to our patients and their personal passions. After all, it’s not just about the hearts we care for; it’s the hearts of those who care