Dr. Andrey Alexandrovich Ilyasov, a cherished physician and former Hospitalist Director, passed away on July 1, 2023, at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, Kansas. He served our hospital and community with distinction from March 10, 2014. At the age of 60, Dr. Ilyasov died quietly at his Rome, Georgia, residence on Friday, June 27, 2025.
At Southwest Medical Center, Dr. Ilyasov was a beloved colleague, a renowned leader, and an outstanding doctor who contributed to the transformation of patient care. As our program’s first director, he played a key role in developing a care model that included 24-hour inpatient coverage and tighter coordination with primary care physicians, ultimately increasing access and enhancing patient outcomes across our region.
Additionally, he played a crucial role as a leader during the COVID-19 pandemic, guiding Southwest Medical Center through the unprecedented difficulties of the public health emergency with his prompt thinking and aggressive planning. Before the virus reached Liberal, Dr. Ilyasov developed a thorough COVID-19 treatment plan, based on advice from his medical colleagues in New York who dealt with the epidemic’s initial significant wave. His emphasis on early interventions and evidence-based approach contributed to a COVID-19 death rate that was three times lower than the national average. His vision ensured our community was safe, our staff was ready, and our patients were taken care of.
According to Amber Williams, CEO of Southwest Medical Center, Dr. Ilyasov was more than just a doctor; he was a visionary, a mentor, and a really kind person. The building he constructed, the lives he saved, and the numerous patients and coworkers he motivated all bear witness to his legacy. We will always be appreciative of his service.
Dr. Ilyasov, who was born in Crimea, Russia, on August 21, 1964, brought over 25 years of medical experience to his position at SWMC. He had established a hospitalist program in South Carolina before coming to Kansas, where his dedication to patient-centered care and leadership were equally respected.
In addition to his career achievements, Dr. Ilyasov was a happy father of five and a loving husband. He treasured every moment spent with his family and liked traveling the world with them.
On Thursday, July 3 at 10 a.m., Southwest Medical Center will host a community balloon release on the hospital grounds in remembrance of his life and impact. We extend an invitation to all employees, patients, and community members to join us in honoring a man whose leadership and compassion influenced the care we offer today.
Southwest Medical Center sends its sincerest sympathies to the family of Ilyasov and to everyone he impacted. Although many will miss him, his legacy will endure.
