Clinic Sites In Illinois
Board Certified Physicians
Patient Visits Each Year
Our Vision Is Clear
Welcome to Prairie Cardiovascular
Prairie Cardiovascular began as a pioneering organization and continues to pursue that tradition through innovative treatments and extensive research and development programs. Its history dates back to 1979 when James T. Dove, M.D., envisioned a greater cardiovascular practice in central and southern Illinois based on the motto “Quality, Compassionate, Personal Care.” The care patients receive at Prairie goes far beyond technical excellence.
In 1982, when Dr. James Dove founded Prairie Cardiovascular in Springfield, Illinois, it was his intention to deliver state-of-the-art heart care to patients while still providing them compassionate, personal care. He succeeded in establishing that platform of excellence for Prairie. That intention can be seen through the actions of the more than 70 board certified physicians and 45 clinic sites in Illinois.
In line with our commitment to remaining the foremost pioneers of advances in life-saving technologies, Prairie is a national leader in the innovation and development of new diagnostic and treatment procedures.
The Heart Of What We Do
We speak from the heart and take the time to listen. Our values around quality and safety, communication and service put patients at the heart of everything we do.
Innovative Thinking
Prairie Cardiologists are at the forefront of the fight against heart disease. With the latest technology, they’re obsessed with finding new and inventive ways to get you back to living your life again.
Partnership & Collaboration
Prairie Cardiologists work in cooperation and collaboration with your referring physician to ensure your care is maximized and tailored to your needs as an individual.
Our Founder, Dr. James Dove
August 2, 1939 – November 7, 2010
“The most satisfying part of my work as a cardiologist is helping patients and their families through a difficult and stressful illness. Seeing people regain their health and return to their work and families is what drives me to do the very best for my patients.”
Dr. James Dove, an Ohio native, was a force that changed the medical landscape of Springfield.
Dr. Dove moved here in 1973 to work at the Springfield Clinic. He became actively involved with research and development and by 1979, he had established Prairie, with the goal to deliver state-of-the-art critical medical care to people outside metropolitan areas, according to Dr. Marc Shelton, President, Prairie Cardiovascular, who was recruited by Dove 18 years ago to become Prairie’s 12th physician.
We serve all of Illinois south of I-80. Because of Prairie, people now come to Springfield for other kinds of care as well as heart – pulmonary, gastrointestinal, oncology, surgery. It’s uncommon for a medical group to extend itself to 43 rural areas the way Prairie does. This was Jim’s vision all along, but even he had to be a little surprised how it has grown. We easily count more than 100,000 patient visits every year.
Dove’s reach extended far beyond Illinois. He served as president of the American College of Cardiologists, which has 39,000 members. “They don’t take each other lightly,” says Shelton. “Jim was exceptionally hard working. Cardiologists often work all day and all night. I don’t think Jim ever worked less than a 12-hour day.”
Prairie’s mission was created from this simple motto:
“To optimally serve our patients and their physicians in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease with compassion and dignity, assurance of quality, research and education.”
Unique Care
Prairie has created unique programs designed to better serve our patients and the communities that we serve. From STAT Heart to See You in 7, Prairie puts your heart first.
Unique Treatments
Prairie has pioneered innovative treatments that get you back to your life in less time and with shorter recovery.
A Unique System
Since 1875, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis have been caring for patients in Illinois, Wisconsin and other locations in the United States and across the world. Today, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is a multi-institutional health care system that cares for patients in 14 communities in Illinois and Wisconsin.
With 15 hospitals, scores of community-based health centers and clinics, nearly 2,300 physician partners, and more than 14,600 colleagues, HSHS is committed to its mission “to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high quality Franciscan health care ministry.”
HSHS continues to advance its mission through its care integration strategy by working closely with physician partners in Illinois and Wisconsin to deliver high quality, patient-centered care. Together, we strive to ensure each patient who enters our system has seamless access to health and wellness programs, primary and specialty care, and acute and post-acute care.
Through their commitment to our care integration strategy, HSHS physician partners coordinate closely with our hospital and clinic colleagues to provide our patients with holistic care that meets their individual needs.
By leveraging the latest technology, emphasizing the importance of relationships, and living its values, HSHS is making a positive difference in the lives of the patients and families it is privileged to serve.
Patient Success Stories
Gretchen Peters-Hantel
Double artificial valves replaced by TAVR
Become a Prairie Patient
The Doctors of Prairie are national leaders in heart and vascular care.
Notice of Nondiscrimination: English
Prairie Cardiovascular is a Physician and APC of cardiovascular health care and treatments in multiple locations throughout central Illinois. Our organization provides the best cardiologists in the state, with renowned surgical precision and professional advice on heart-related concerns. We test and medically treat for all common heart symptoms such as chest pains, hypertension, high blood pressure, murmurs, palpitations, high cholesterol, and disease. We have several locations including major cities such as Decatur, Carbondale, O’Fallon, and Springfield.