Meet the Physicians

Dr. Carlos  Rivas, M.D.

I was born in San Juan, PR where I attended UPR. While there I received an associates degree in emergency medicine and a bachelors in Chemistry and Biology.   I joined the US military in 1980 and retired from US Navy in 2004.  I received a naval scholarship to attend medical school in Missouri.  I graduated top of my class in 1993. I did my residency in family medicine with an Emergency medicine track at LSU in Louisiana.   Once I finished I practiced both family medicine and emergency medicine in rural WV and Arkansas for 14 years before moving back to Missouri. I have worked as an ER physician throughout the bootheel of MO including Sikeston, Poplar Bluff, and Perryville while also remaining an active member of med stop family as medical director.   I reside here in Cape Girardeau with my Wife, Tamara, 6 children and my mother.   I am determined to provide the very best medical attention and care to all of my patients from newborn to geriatrics.  It is an honor to serve you as your doctor and friend in this community.

Crystal Heck, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

I am originally from Florida, born and raised in Jacksonville.  A frequent question I get is “how did you end up in Cape”?  My husband is originally from this area and joined the Navy directly out of high school.  He retired after 23 years of active duty and wanted to move back closer to home.  We have 3 lovely children together, 2 girls and 1 boy.  I have worked in the health care field since 2004.  I started out as a CNA while obtaining my BSN.  Once I started working in the hospital setting, I knew I wanted to further my career.  I became a nurse practitioner in 2012 and have loved it ever since!  We love the Cape/Jackson area and my husband has started his second career teaching in Jackson.  I saw the opportunity here at MedStop and only a few minutes into the interview, I knew I had found my ‘work home’.  “It’s a family thing” resonates with my lifestyle and how I like to treat my patients.  I’ve worked in other offices and I can honestly say the culture and staff here are exceptional and second to none.  In my spare time, I like to play in the local roller derby team and help coach the junior’s roller derby team; which both of my daughters are a part of.  If you ever come to a game, look for Nurse Ratched!

Crystal Thomas, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

I was born in Tennessee and raised in the Bootheel of Missouri.  I began my career in nursing 21 years ago as a nurse’s aide.  I have been a nurse now for almost 19 years.  I understand and respect this profession to the fullest as I started from the beginning and worked my way to the top by furthering my career to obtain my Master’s Degree in nursing at Chamberlain University of Chicago.  I received my license as a Nursing Home Administrator in February 2016.  I have worked in all areas of nursing which has built the foundation of the career I am so passionate about, and true passion makes all the difference.  The most important part of my life is family.  My husband and I have 5 children and 3 grandchildren.  It has always been my goal to give back to our community and there is no better way to serve our community than providing quality and compassionate care here at MedStop One…where every patient is treated like family.

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