A new doctor joined Seton Medical Center Hays, 6001 Kyle Parkway, Kyle, to become the only full-time spine surgeon serving Hays, Caldwell and Bastrop counties.

Dr. Vincent Wang, who has years of experience treating a full range of back and spine problems, began seeing patients at Seton Hays in April. Before moving to Central Texas, Wang worked in Sugar Land at the Texas Spine and Neurosurgery Center, he said.

Wang specializes in minimally invasive spine surgeries, said Fausto Meza, Seton Hays vice president of medical affairs.

“Here, prior to Dr. Wang coming, we didn’t have that whole spectrum of care,” Meza said.

Back pain caused by spinal problems is a prevalent issue, and local hospital officials saw plenty of demand for a surgeon to handle it, Meza said.

“People with back pain are very common in the outpatient setting,” Meza said. “Not all of them need surgery, but when you do, you definitely want a good physician.”

Before Wang’s arrival, patients in Hays County would have to travel to Austin, San Antonio or even Houston to undergo certain procedures. But now, Wang can treat patients close to home.

“For a community that’s growing so quickly, that’s something that people really look for,” Meza said.

Wang said he hopes to help improve Seton Hays’ programs during his time in Hays County.

“In the Kyle practice, we are going to try to build up a more comprehensive spine program,” Wang said. “That will be the goal. It’s still fairly early on, but so far I enjoy my time here very much.”