Winchester, V.A. January 28, 2026 – Valley Health announces the addition of cardiothoracic surgeon Lindsey M. Prescher, DO, who will lead the health system’s Cardiovascular Surgery team as its new medical director.

Dr. Prescher, who joined Valley Health this week, will help advance Valley Health’s heart surgery program by providing clinical leadership and expertise in the full scope of cardiovascular surgical care for our community.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Lindsey Prescher to Valley Health,” said Iyad Sabbagh, MD, Valley Health Chief Physician Executive. “Dr. Prescher brings a wealth of clinical and academic leadership experience, as well as deep expertise in advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques for treating conditions of the heart.”

A board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Prescher is a retired Commander in the United States Navy and former Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She completed her Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship at the Yale University School of Medicine, followed by an additional year of advanced training as a Fellow in Structural Heart Disease at Yale.

Dr. Prescher specializes in the full spectrum of adult cardiac disease, with particular expertise in complex and minimally invasive heart valve repair and replacement procedures (aortic, mitral tricuspid valve), transcatheter therapies (including TAVR and TMVR) and aortic pathology. She also performs advanced procedures for aortic aneurysm and dissection management, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for patients with coronary artery disease, and offers treatments for cardiac tumors and adult congenital cardiac conditions.

“I’m honored to join the team and look forward to providing high-quality, compassionate cardiac care for the community,” said Dr. Prescher.

Dr. Prescher will serve patients at Valley Health Cardiothoracic Surgery, within the Clyde A. Smith Heart & Vascular Center at Winchester Medical Center. The Heart & Vascular Center serves as a regional referral center for advanced cardiac care across an 18-county service area.

“Dr. Prescher’s arrival at Valley Health marks a pivotal moment for the heart health of our community,” said Tonya Smith, Valley Health Chief Operating Officer and President of Winchester Medical Center. “By bringing a cardiothoracic surgeon and clinical leader of this caliber to our region, we are ensuring that patients can receive the most advanced cardiac care close to home. Dr. Prescher is deeply committed to clinical excellence, patient-centered care and improving quality of life for patients in our community.”

A dual fellow of the American College of Surgeons and American College of Cardiology, Dr. Prescher is a passionate educator and researcher with multiple national and international speaking engagements as well as peer-reviewed publications. She has served as a Clinical Instructor in Surgery (cardiac surgery) at Yale University School of Medicine and Assistant Professor in Surgery at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. 

About Valley Health

Valley Health is a nationally recognized not-for-profit health system serving a population of more than 500,000 in the Northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. As a healthcare provider, employer, and community partner, Valley Health is committed to improving the health of the region. The system includes six hospitals, more than 75 medical practices and Urgent Care centers, outpatient rehabilitation, medical transport, long-term care, and home health. www.valleyhealthlink.com.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.