Lauren Stanley, APRN, FNP-BC

Smith County ADAs honored

The Texas District and County Attorney Association (TDCAA) recently named Smith County Assistant District Attorneys Chris Gatewood and Richard Vance as “Lone Star Prosecutor Of The Year” for their successful prosecution of an intoxicated defendant who struck and killed Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy Lorenzo Bustos while he was conducting a traffic stop.

TDCAA is the statewide organization that provides training, collaboration, and support to all of the county and district attorney offices across the state. The Lone Star Prosecutor of the Year award is given by the TDCAA annually to a prosecutor(s) who has demonstrated outstanding legal acumen, dedication to justice, and a profound impact on their community, the county stated in a press release.

On July 29, 2022, the Smith County law enforcement community lost a true hero. While working a traffic stop on the shoulder of State Highway 55 just outside of Tyler, Deputy Bustos was struck and killed by a 21-year-old drunk driver. Bustos was a new sheriff’s deputy who died on his final night of field training. He left behind his wife and three small children. Bustos’ partner and the two civilians associated with the traffic stop were also injured by the drunk driver. Following an investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the driver was arrested for intoxication manslaughter of a peace officer, a first-degree felony.

The jury trial began on Dec. 4, 2023, and was interrupted by the Christmas break and the New Year holiday. Then, on Jan. 9 the jury found the defendant guilty, and even though the defendant was probation eligible, the jury sentenced him to 32 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Richard Vance is a dedicated prosecutor with over 17 years of experience. During his tenure, he has tried to verdict over 160 felony cases, which include crimes against children, adult sexual assaults, murders, and other serious cases.

As 1st Assistant District Attorney, Chris Gatewood leads the Smith County DA’s Office felony division with diligence and dedication. He’s a 10-year prosecutor with significant trial experience including death penalty cases. Vance and Gatewood are committed to securing justice for victims and their families, and they are firm supporters of law enforcement.

Vance and Gatewood are the last to seek personal recognition for their hard work but the first to recognize the achievements of those around them, according to the county. The county says Vance sets a phenomenal example for his trial team and others in the District Attorney’s Office. The county said Gatewood is a “prosecutor’s prosecutor, a champion of justice, and he has made an everlasting impact in the community.” He is always prepared and dedicated to seeing justice done in every case, the county stated. He encourages the prosecutors he supervises as well as trying the tough cases.

“I am very proud of Chris and Richard and all their hard work and dedication in the Deputy Bustos case,” said Jacob Putman, Smith County Criminal District Attorney. “The Lone Star Award was created for prosecutors like Chris and Richard who stand up for victims despite all that it demands of them. Chris and Richard are great ambassadors not only for our office, but for our entire community. I am fortunate to have them as members of our team.”

UT Health welcomes physicians

UT Health East Texas Physicians is expanding its services with the addition of two new physicians. This expansion aims to enhance the quality of care available to the community.

Ramachandra Reddy, MD

UT Health East Texas is expanding cardiothoracic surgery services in Tyler with the addition of Ramachandra Reddy, MD.

Dr. Reddy is passionate about delivering consistent, high-quality care through teamwork and precision. He believes that the key to successful outcomes lies in building a strong, cohesive team, ensuring uniformity and excellence in every procedure. His approach prioritizes collaboration and standardized care to maintain the highest level of patient safety and success.

Dr. Reddy was inspired early in life by his family physician, sparking his interest in medicine. During medical school, he had the opportunity to observe cardiothoracic surgery alongside a mentor, which solidified his passion for the specialty.

With a deep focus on high-risk cardiovascular surgeries, Dr. Reddy specializes in treating conditions such as pulmonary embolism — both acute and chronic — and performing complex coronary work, including minimally invasive coronary surgeries and beating heart procedures. He particularly enjoys taking on challenging cases, always looking for a safe and effective path to treatment.

Dr. Reddy is welcoming patients at 700 Olympic Plaza, Ste. 510, in Tyler. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 903-595-6680.

Lauren Stanley, APRN, FNP-BC

UT Health East Texas is expanding internal medicine services in Tyler with the addition of Lauren Stanley, APRN, FNP-BC.

Stanley is a compassionate family nurse practitioner committed to providing comprehensive, holistic care for the body, mind and soul. She takes a patient-centered approach, believing that listening to patients and working together to address the root causes of health concerns is essential. With a passion for family care, especially women’s health, Stanley tailors treatments to meet each patient’s unique needs throughout different life stages.

Originally from a small town in West Texas, Stanley’s experiences in a local clinic fueled her dedication to community care and educating future healthcare providers. She is particularly focused on addressing the growing need for primary care in underserved areas.

Stanley values building strong, trusting relationships with the families she serves. When specialized care is needed, she ensures her patients receive the best referrals and resources. By empowering her patients through education, Stanley believes that knowledge and collaboration are key to achieving long-term health and well-being.

She is welcoming patients at 1000 E. Fifth St., Ste. 400, in Tyler. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 903-596-3500.