Cody Regional Health Expands Heart Care with New Cardiologist and Enhanced Cardiac Rehabilitation Services

Dr. Daniel Dries brings more than two decades of cardiology expertise to Cody Regional Health, helping expand access to high-quality heart care for families across Cody and the Big Horn Basin. His arrival supports CRH’s investment in enhanced Cardiac Rehabilitation space and services, strengthening local, close-to-home cardiovascular care.

Cody Regional Health is expanding heart care across the Big Horn Basin with the arrival of cardiologist Daniel L. Dries, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.C., and the renovation and expansion of its growing Cardiac Rehabilitation program.

Together, these investments reflect Cody Regional Health’s commitment to strengthening care across different stages of a patient’s heart-health journey, from prevention and management of cardiovascular disease to specialized cardiology services and medically monitored rehabilitation close to home.

Experienced Cardiologist Expands Access to Specialty Care

Dr. Dries joins Cody Regional Health with more than 20 years of experience in cardiology and academic medicine. He brings extensive experience in general cardiology, cardiovascular disease prevention and caring for patients with complex heart conditions. He is board-certified in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology.

“We are incredibly proud to bring full-time cardiology services to the Big Horn Basin. In a rural community where access to cardiology care can be limited or require significant travel, having a full time cardiologist locally is a meaningful step forward for our patients and families, said Hannah McRae Chief Executive Officer of Cody Regional Health. With adults 65 and older representing one of the fastest growing segments of our population, the need for accessible cardiovascular care will only continue to grow. This investment strengthens our ability to provide timely, compassionate, high quality care close to home and reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the communities we serve.”

Dr. Dries focuses on general and preventive cardiology, helping patients manage risk factors such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, and diabetes. His care centers on strong relationships built through listening, education, and shared decision-making.
 

“I want every patient to know that when they are with me, they are my number one priority,” Dr. Dries said. “I want them to feel heard, to have their questions answered and to know that we are making decisions about their care together.”

Dr. Dries attended the University of Notre Dame before earning his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Colorado in Denver, followed by additional medical training in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Boston. Growing up in a small community of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, Dr. Dries was drawn to Cody’s strong sense of community, love of the outdoors, and its welcoming, neighborly spirit.
 

Enhanced Cardiac Rehabilitation Space Supports Recovery

In addition to expanding access to cardiology expertise, Cody Regional Health is increasing its capacity to help patients recover, rebuild strength and manage their heart health following certain cardiac conditions and procedures.

CRH is completing a renovation and expansion of its Cardiac Rehabilitation space after doubling the number of classes offered over the past two years in response to growing patient needs. The new space provides greater privacy for patient assessments, additional exercise options and room for the program to continue growing.

“Cardiac rehabilitation is about much more than exercise. It is about helping patients regain confidence, understand their health and develop habits that can support them well beyond their time in the program,” said Cardiopulmonary Department Director Holly Cross. “This new space gives our team an environment that better supports the individualized care we want every patient to receive.”

The renovated space includes a dedicated area for private initial patient assessments, allowing staff to have more personalized and confidential conversations with patients as they begin the program. The expansion also allows CRH to enhance current exercise options and introduce group exercise sessions in a medically monitored and supportive environment. Improvements include new flooring, paint and ceiling enhancements, along with updated exercise equipment.

Cardiac Rehabilitation at Cody Regional Health is a 12-week program combining education and exercise for individuals with heart-related conditions. Classes are led by an AACVPR-certified registered nurse.

“These investments are connected by a larger goal: strengthening heart care for the people who live throughout our region,” said Keith Ungrund, Chief Clinical Officer at Cody Regional Health. “Whether someone is working to understand and manage cardiovascular risk, needs ongoing cardiology care or is rebuilding strength through cardiac rehabilitation, we want patients to have access to knowledgeable teams and compassionate support as close to home as possible.”

Dr. Dries’ arrival will also serve as the beginning of a broader effort by Cody Regional Health to increase community awareness and education around heart health, prevention, cardiovascular risk factors, heart failure and the cardiology services available locally. The organization plans to continue sharing educational resources and information about how patients and referring providers can connect with Cody Regional Health Cardiology.

Patients interested in learning more about Dr. Dries, Cody Regional Health Cardiology or Cardiac Rehabilitation can visit the Cody Regional Health website or contact Cody Regional Health for appointment and referral information.