Southern Rapid Care Adds Renowned Cardiologist Dr. Ken Francez

R. Ken Cooper • August 17, 2023

Southern Rapid Care, Boosts Cardiac Care with the addition of a 37-year veteran cardiologist

Southern Rapid Care at the Orange Beach Medical Arts Center

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Southern Rapid Care, the leading healthcare provider in Orange Beach, just announced the addition of Dr. Ken Francez to its team of medical professionals. Dr. Francez, a seasoned cardiologist with 37 years of experience.


The announcement was made during the Orange Beach City Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 15th. Sheila Stephens, a National Certified Nurse Practitioner and representative from the clinic, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support and love the community has shown over the years. She also shared the news about the opening of a new cardiac unit at the Medical Arts Building, which began operations on July 1st.


Dr. Francez, who was warmly welcomed to the podium, shared his enthusiasm for joining Southern Rapid Care and practicing in a community he has called home for 13 years. He recounted his extensive experience as the second member of Cardiology Associates in Mobile, where he cared for some of the sickest patients on the planet.


"Now, we want to take care of people that are a little more well and keep them well," Dr. Francez said, highlighting the high-quality diagnostic tools available at Southern Rapid Care, including high-resolution echocardiography and out patient Holter monitoring. The clinic's goal is to provide convenience, accessibility, and time to address every cardiovascular concern patients may have.


Dr. Francez also emphasized the importance of accessibility in healthcare. "I hear time and time again patients tell me that they are having a difficult time getting to see their doctor. They may be booked up, and I know in my old practice, we sometimes didn't have any slots for four and six and even eight months. But we'll have a setting where it's much easier to get in and see a cardiologist," he said.


Southern Rapid Care welcomes Dr. Francez to the team and anticipates enhancing patient care with his expertise and dedication. The new cardiac unit is poised to be a significant addition to the clinic, offering high-quality care and increased accessibility for patients requiring cardiac services in the Orange Beach community.


Dr. Ken Francez

Background of Dr. Ken Francez:


Dr. Ken Francez, a distinguished cardiologist and Fellow of The American College of Cardiology, specializes in both clinical and non-invasive cardiology. Originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana, Dr. Francez pursued his fellowship training in Cardiology at The University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Nevada in Reno, Nevada, and his internship at Charity Hospital in Lafayette, Louisiana. Dr. Francez earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Medicine in New Orleans and attended McNeese State in Lake Charles, Louisiana, for his undergraduate studies. There, he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree. Dr. Francez is certified by the Subspecialty Board in Cardiovascular Disease and the American Board of Internal Medicine.


Share this article w/ Friends...

Orange Beach Schools Names Laatsch as Assistant Athletic Director
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Schools has appointed Chris Laatsch as their new Assistant Athletic Director. The announcement came Wednesday as school officials welcomed the veteran coach to his expanded role within the athletics program.
Mystery Urn Washes Ashore in Gulf Shores
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – An unusual discovery was made on the beaches of Gulf Shores last week. A funeral urn containing human ashes washed ashore after apparently being released into the Gulf of Mexico.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Hosts Summer Zoo Camp for Kids
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is inviting kids to experience a summer of adventure through its 2025 Zoo Camp program. The camp will give young animal lovers a hands-on opportunity to learn about wildlife and conservation.
Orange Beach Powerboat Week Returns for the Sixth Year
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The 6th Annual Orange Beach Powerboat Week is coming to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The three-day event brings fast boats, fun runs, and parties to the area.
Foley Sanitation Department Faces Spring Cleanup Delays
By Guy Busby April 23, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Foley is asking residents to be patient as spring-cleaning and yard work increase the need for limb collection services, according to the City of Foley website. The Foley Sanitation Department collects tree limbs weekly from homes across the city. However, officials said temporary high demand may delay collections on some routes by about one day.
2025 National Shrimp Festival Poster Winner
By OBA Staff April 22, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores-based artist Michael Swiger has been selected as the winner of the 52nd Annual National Shrimp Festival poster contest, festival organizers announced Monday.
Gulf Shores Planning Commission Meeting to Discuss Bar Permit and Water Tower
By John Mullen April 22, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Shores Planning Commission will hear a request from the owners of Hibas Karaoke and Arcade Bar for a conditional use permit to allow for a lounge/bar usage at the bar in Pelican Place.
Hero Rosamond Johnson
By OBA Staff April 22, 2025
Perdido Key, Ala. – (OBA) – The Perdido Key Area Chamber Foundation and Gulf Islands National Seashore will host the annual Private Rosamond Johnson Memorial Ceremony at Johnson Beach in Perdido Key. The event honors Private Rosamond Johnson Jr. and celebrates the rich cultural history of the area, according to the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce.
Gulf Coast Events Guide: A Week of Fun in the Sun
By Jessica A. Taylor April 21, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Coast is gearing up for a week of community celebrations and cultural events from April 21-27, featuring activities that range from traditional Japanese art workshops to the region's iconic Interstate Mullet Toss. The calendar includes recognition of local heroes, family entertainment venues, and outdoor adventures across Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Perdido Key.
Gulf Shores Council to Review Park and Sidewalk Projects
By John Mullen April 21, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The city is planning moves to bring the Laguna Cove project on the south shore of Little Lagoon forward by hiring Goodwyn Mills Cawood to design, arrange permitting and provide construction engineering and inspections on the nature park improvements.
Show More