Our Practice
Mission Statement:
To provide professional, compassionate, quality health care for our patients and their families. To provide complete supportive patient services including transcription, insurance and billing, scheduling, and education.
About our practice:
Just because our name says "surgeons" does not mean that we only do surgery. Most of our patients are seen for colorectal care that does NOT include surgery. Often our physicians help patients adjust their diet, or recommend supplemental medication that can resolve concerns. We provide screening exams that follow the American Cancer Society guidelines.
We know that dealing with colon and rectal concerns may feel awkward and embarrassing to you, and we strive to help you feel comfortable and at ease. This is our specialty. We talk about these concerns all the time. We are aware of the importance of taking care of this part of your overall health and seek to provide educational opportunities to our patients and the community.
Our Staff
History of Ohio Valley Colon & Rectal Surgeons
In 1936, Elvin L. Fitzsimmons, M.D. opened a medical/surgical practice in Evansville, Indiana concentrating on treating rectal disorders and diseases. This focused specialty was known as "proctology". Ray H. Burnikel, M.D., began private practice in Evansville in 1946 and began specializing in proctology in 1948.
Dr.'s Fitzsimmons and Burnikel formed a partnership on August 29, 1952 to provide quality colorectal care for Southwestern Indiana and the surrounding areas. The practice was known as "Fitzsimmons and Burnikel" with offices located at 527 Sycamore Street in Evansville.
The doctors were board certified by the American Board of Proctology (ABP). In 1961 the ABP underwent a name change and has since been known as the American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery.
Dr. Fitzsimmons' untimely death in 1955 returned Dr. Burnikel to a solo practice. In 1980, Randall J. Krystosek, M.D. joined Dr. Burnikel. The practice was incorporated under the name, Ohio Valley Colon & Rectal Surgeons, Inc (OVCRS) in 1982. Dr. Burnikel retired that same year.
James D. Waller, Jr., M.D. returned to his hometown to join Dr. Krystosek at OVCRS in 1986. After fourteen years together, the practice grew to warrant a third surgeon. Deane L. Smith II, M.D. joined in 2001, followed by Syam S. Chilukuri, M.D. in 2003 and Santiago Arruffat, M.D. in 2006. Dr. Krystosek retired from OVCRS in 2006.