In August 1994 Joseph C. Dwyer, M.D., a board certified cardiologist opened a non-invasive cardiology practice in Branson, MO. He was the only cardiologist living and practicing in Branson fulltime. Dr. Dwyer performed consultations and read tests at Skaggs Community Health Center, the local hospital, and saw patients and offered non-invasive cardiology testing in his office, including echocardiograms, stress tests, holter monitors and pacemaker checkups. The practice grew as a solo practice over the next few years, when Dr. Dwyer recognized that the Branson area could support a cardiac catheterization lab. He recruited a board certified invasive cardiologist, Narin Arunakul, in July 1998 to work with him in anticipation of the cath lab. With the arrival of Dr. Arunakul the practice changed its name from Joseph C. Dwyer, M.D. to Branson Heart Center and moved to a 2,300 square-foot office. The additional space also accommodated Branson Heart Center's new nuclear cardiology testing program. Dr. Arunakul treated patients in Branson, and traveled to St. John's in Springfield, MO, to perform catheterizations, until Skaggs opened a local lab in 1999. Dr. Arunakul became the first medical director of the Skaggs cath lab. He was able to perform all of his invasive work in Branson and no longer traveled to Springfield. In July 1999 Branson Heart Center recruited Alok Katyal, M.D., who is a board certified invasive cardiologist. Dr. Katyal practiced internal medicine in Stone County in a satellite office of Branson Heart Center dba Stone County Internal Medicine. He worked at Skaggs with Dr. Arunakul. In March 2003 Branson Heart Center moved into a new state-of-the-art 7,000 square-foot office building close to Skaggs. Branson Heart Center continues to grow rapidly as local patients, who used to be required to travel considerable distances for cardiology care, are able to access a full range of services in their own community. Branson Heart Center also services a large and growing number of tourists, who suddenly find themselves in need of care while on vacation.