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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- The Northeast Regional Heart Center held an open house Tuesday afternoon to celebrate and introduce the community to the center's two new cardiologists, Eliot Niessenbaum D.O. and Dana Valencia M.D.

The new Northeast Regional Heart Center opened on July 1 where the Missouri Heart Center once was on the east entrance to the hospital.

Dana Valencia, M.D., is a board certified invasive cardiologist with extensive training in peripheral interventional treatment. His expertise will allow NRMC to expand the services offered at Northeast Regional Heart Center. Dr. Valencia has spent the past ten years practicing in St. Louis, primairly at Missouri Baptist and Des Peres Hospital. Valencia has trained medical students and residents in a D.O. program at Des Peres Hospital. He is excited about continuing that teaching opportunity in Kirksville. He completed a cardiology fellowship at St. Louis University.  Valencia was formerly an army physician with the United States Army Reserves and the United States Army Medical Corp at Fort Lewis, Washington. Valencia enjoys spending time with his four children, running marathons and is a hockey and aquatic enthusiast.

Eliot Nissenbaum, D.O., is a board certified invasive cardiologist who has been practicing the past seven years in Branson, Mo., at Skaggs Memorial Hospital.  Nissenbaum cared for many of the celebrities and their families while practicing in Branson. He completed a cardiology fellowship at Catholic Medical Centers of Brooklyn and Queens of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City. Nissenbaum was voted Top Cardiologist in Branson, Mo., by peer physicians in 2006 and 2010 and published in 417 Magazine. He will be an excellent resource for training students and residents at NRMC and ATSU. Nissenbaum is married, and his hobbies include antique auto restoration and being a classical pianist.

Both doctors told KTVO they are very excited about their new positions and being new additions to the Northeast Regional staff.

There was food, drinks, and live music for people to enjoy.

Over the past two years NRMC has invested more than $3 million in the Heart Center. The Heart Center is newly renovated and updated with upgraded equipment, new examination and lab rooms.

If you want more information on the new Northeast Regional Heart Center, click here.