BJC HealthCare

BJC HealthCare For the latest information on COVID-19 (coronavirus) in our region, visit www.bjc.org/coronavirus. Louis, southern Illinois and mid-Missouri regions.
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BJC HealthCare is one of the largest nonprofit health care organizations in the United States, delivering services to residents primarily in the greater St. With net revenue of more than $4 billion, BJC serves urban, suburban and rural communities and includes 15 hospitals and multiple community health locations. Services include inpatient and outpatient care, primary care, community health and wellness, workplace health, home health, community mental health, rehabilitation, long-term care and hospice. BJC HealthCare Physician Referral
Phone: (314) 747-9322
Web: https://doctors.bjc.org/wlp2/bjc/doctors/search

We are thrilled to welcome Farmington native Shaylyn Emanuel, FNP-BC, a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing ...
11/19/2025

We are thrilled to welcome Farmington native Shaylyn Emanuel, FNP-BC, a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, to the team at Parkland Health Center Medical Clinic.

Shaylyn knew from a young age that she wanted to work in health care and help people, but it was her experience in a high school Bio-Med program that solidified her goal to pursue her passion.

Her commitment to patients runs deep, shaped by her years working in the Emergency Department at Parkland. That experience honed her clinical skills and reinforced her dedication to compassionate care during difficult times. She strives to ensure all patients feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their care, believing that building strong relationships is key to moving beyond just a diagnosis.

Shaylyn’s focus on caring for women grew over time. "Throughout my nursing career, I have been consistently drawn to women’s health,” she says, “My nurse practitioner clinical experience confirmed that it’s the area I’m most passionate about and deepened my desire to always continue learning."

"I enjoy women's health because it is so important in our overall well-being," Shaylyn shares. "It can be a very personal topic, and it is important to make sure that patients feel comfortable sharing information to help best guide their care." She especially loves working with younger women, helping them understand their bodies and manage their periods.

Seeing patients ages 13 and up, Shaylyn offers a wide range of services, including preventive and wellness care. From annual well-woman exams, contraception counseling, family planning, and general gynecology care to prenatal and postnatal pregnancy care, Shaylyn is there for women through all stages of life. She also helps patients manage conditions like gestational diabetes, urinary incontinence, painful menstrual cycles, polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS), and menopause.

Outside of work, Shaylyn enjoys spending time with her husband, two wonderful children, and her dog, Bane. They love to travel, go to the zoo, and enjoy fall activities.

Learn more about Shaylyn and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/gAEBh3

Let all Oz be agreed, they’re wickedly adorable through and through. 💚 From the moment we laid eyes on them, these littl...
11/19/2025

Let all Oz be agreed, they’re wickedly adorable through and through. 💚

From the moment we laid eyes on them, these little ones had our hearts defying gravity. Every little kick, however small, feels like dancing through life. They may be one short day old, but their future is unlimited. Their parents couldn’t be happier. And now they’re flying home on their brooms and bubbles because, after all, there’s no place like home.

Because we knew you, sweet babies, we have been changed for good.

Please always remember safe sleep practices. Babies should sleep on their backs, alone in a crib, with no loose blankets or toys. Thank you to our wonderful St. Louis Children's Hospital NICU team for closely watching our babies during this photo session!

A picture is worth a thousand words—and Frank would know. Over the past several years, his illustrations have brought jo...
11/18/2025

A picture is worth a thousand words—and Frank would know. Over the past several years, his illustrations have brought joy and comfort to countless St. Louis Children's Hospital patients. 🎨

Frank is a site coordinator at St. Louis Children’s Specialty Care Center (CSCC)–West County. Growing up surrounded by graffiti artists in New York, he learned early on how creativity could transform a space. When he was asked to draw caricatures of staff for the CSCC’s 10th anniversary celebration, Frank jumped at the chance.

"That was the first time I drew people as characters,” Frank said. “Now it’s something I love doing.”

What started as a small gesture more than eight years ago has become a signature part of the St. Louis Children's experience—bringing smiles to kids, families, and team members alike.

“Families stop me all the time to say, ‘We know your work,’” Frank said. “Parents tell me, ‘We don’t know you personally, but we know your art—and it brings us joy.’ That’s why I do it. For the kids, the families, and the staff. We all deserve some joy in our lives.”

Last week, Frank was recognized as a St. Louis Blues Hometown Hero for all of his selfless efforts to go above and beyond to help our community thrive. 🏒 💙

For Frank, art isn’t just about creativity—it’s about connection.

“It’s what you feel inside,” he says. “I might not always be the best with words, but any art can be an expression. My advice to parents—encourage your kids to never stop expressing themselves. It helps them understand who they are.”

We are thrilled to welcome Farah Chohan, MD, an internal medicine physician, to BJC Medical Group Primary Care at Northw...
11/17/2025

We are thrilled to welcome Farah Chohan, MD, an internal medicine physician, to BJC Medical Group Primary Care at Northwest HealthCare.

While growing up in Pakistan, Dr. Chohan always looked up to her mother, an anesthesiologist and ICU doctor. Her mother's dedication to helping others inspired her own career — "The apple didn't fall far from the tree!"

Although her family specialized in critical care (her brother works in critical pulmonology), Dr. Chohan found her own calling in internal medicine. She was drawn by the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients and truly get to know them, focusing on both prevention and healing.

"I’m driven by preventive care," she shares. "I love being able to identify potential health issues early and take steps to prevent them, especially with all the new treatments available." Coming from a resource-limited country, Dr. Chohan appreciates the life-changing difference prevention can make for patients.

Her journey, which included balancing residency with motherhood—both her children were born during her residency—has shaped her compassionate approach. What Dr. Chohan enjoys most about her practice is ensuring accessible care for all members of the community and making a meaningful difference in their health. She offers comprehensive, patient-centered care that combines evidence-based medicine to improve patients' quality of life.

Seeing patients 18 and older, Dr. Chohan provides preventive care, including annual wellness exams, vaccinations, and health screenings. She treats acute issues like colds and infections, and expertly manages chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, and heart disease, along with nutrition counseling and weight management.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Chohan switches into mom mode, enjoying quality time with her husband and two young children while exploring St. Louis. She also has a creative side that she expresses through photography and art, capturing nature's beauty through color, design, and detail.

Learn more about Dr. Chohan and schedule your appointment online: https://heyor.ca/sgL8iQ

We are thrilled to welcome Sejal Patel, FNP-C, a certified family nurse practitioner specializing in gastroenterology, t...
11/14/2025

We are thrilled to welcome Sejal Patel, FNP-C, a certified family nurse practitioner specializing in gastroenterology, to the BJC Medical Group Gastroenterology at St. Peters team.

Sejal has always wanted to be a nurse, motivated by her positive attitude and generous heart to help others. She took the next step in her career to become a nurse practitioner to gain the flexibility and opportunity to work in diverse settings and provide care for a wide variety of patients.

What motivates Sejal most is the chance to combine compassion with science, caring for patients while constantly learning. She is driven to be there for people during their most vulnerable moments, offering not just medical care, but also comfort and understanding.

“I remember a patient who was anxious and struggling during treatment,” she shared. “By taking the time to listen, reassure, and explain each step clearly, I watched their confidence grow day by day. When they finally improved and thanked me with a smile, I felt an incredible sense of fulfillment.”

Sejal is fascinated by gastroenterology. “Digestive disorders can deeply affect patients,” she explained. “It touches nearly every aspect of human health—what we eat, how we absorb nutrients, and how our gut interacts with the rest of the body. Treating these conditions can restore normalcy and dignity.”

Seeing patients 18 and older, Sejal manages a variety of GI conditions, including GERD, irritable bowel syndrome, functional constipation/diarrhea, diverticulitis, pancreatitis, and liver diseases. She adopts a comprehensive, evidence-based approach, focusing on uncovering the root causes of issues and is dedicated to being an advocate, educator, and partner throughout a patient’s journey toward better health.

Outside of caring for patients, Sejal is passionate about experiencing new cultures, which she does through travel—having already visited over 30 countries! She and her husband are enthusiastic "foodies" who enjoy sampling a variety of ethnic cuisines. When she's home, she loves spending time with family and friends and catching up on a good television series.

Learn more about Sejal and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/MBipFB

65-year-old Pam's knee pain meant missing out on time with her 10 grandchildren. "The pain I was having made everything ...
11/13/2025

65-year-old Pam's knee pain meant missing out on time with her 10 grandchildren. "The pain I was having made everything harder," she shares, "I couldn’t do the things I wanted to do."

Pam chose Anthony Berni, MD, a BJC Medical Group orthopedic surgeon, for her care, who performed a robotic-assisted knee replacement. Dr. Berni explains the benefit of the technology: "This level of accuracy in implant placement can lead to improved joint function, a more natural feel, and potentially a quicker, smoother recovery.”

Read the full story to discover how this modern approach to joint replacement got Pam back to living: https://heyor.ca/tFqvYT

We are excited to welcome Grace Triska, DO, a board-certified internal medicine physician, to the BJC Medical Group team...
11/12/2025

We are excited to welcome Grace Triska, DO, a board-certified internal medicine physician, to the BJC Medical Group team at Barnes West Medical Consultants.

Dr. Triska, a native of St. Louis, was inspired to become a doctor by her grandfather, a well-loved pediatrician. To this day, she still hears so many stories from his patients about the impact he made on their lives. "I hope to be able to give my patients the excellent care and kindness that he gave to so many.”

She chose internal medicine because she thrives on piecing together all facets of an individual’s health to create a personalized plan for them. Day to day, what keeps her excited is the constant collaboration—communicating with patients, their families, and specialists to coordinate patient care. "I am motivated to help my patients fully understand recommendations from specialists,” Dr. Triska says, “and find a meaningful and organized approach to addressing their needs and doing what is best for their health." She empowers patients by building honest, trusting, and respectful relationships and involving them in shared decision-making.

Dr. Triska treats patients 18 and older, combining a strong focus on preventive care and evidence-based medicine. Her comprehensive services include annual physicals, well-woman exams, vaccinations, and cancer screenings. She manages a wide variety of acute and chronic issues, including diabetes, arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure, and anemia. She also provides specialized care for headaches and migraines, prescribes weight-loss medications, and offers education for stroke prevention.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Triska’s free time is happily spent with her family and two golden retrievers. She enjoys traveling, especially to mountains for hiking. This time of year, she can be found cheering on Notre Dame football and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Learn more about Dr. Triska and schedule your appointment online: https://heyor.ca/xyWTRz

11/12/2025

Quitting smoking is the single most important step you can take for your lung health.

Smoking causes 80-90% of lung cancer deaths in the United States. While not all lung cancers are preventable, the most critical action you can take to lower your risk—at any age—is to never start smoking, or to quit today.

The good news? Quitting works! When you stop, your damaged lung tissue starts to repair itself.

November is , and our expert, Bryan Meyers, MD, MPH, WashU Medicine thoracic surgeon at Siteman Cancer Center, joined us to discuss the health-saving benefits of quitting.

As a surgeon, Dr. Meyers encourages patients to stop smoking, especially before surgery, because it reduces risks and complications during surgery. Beyond that, the immediate and long-term benefits of quitting smoking are numerous:

— Within 20 minutes, your heart rate drops. Within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.

— After two weeks to three months, your circulation and lung function improve, and your heart attack risk begins to drop sharply.

— Long-term, your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half after 1 year, and your risk of stroke decreases significantly after 2 to 5 years.

— Quitting can also help you avoid the use of oxygen and disability that comes with chronic lung disease.

Need help quitting? Free tools and tips are available to help you start and stay smoke-free. Visit smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

If you have a history of heavy smoking, you may qualify for a lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan. Early detection is critical. Learn more about our BJC HealthCare screening locations throughout the St. Louis area: https://heyor.ca/6Km9yC

Our new Plaza West Tower at Barnes-Jewish Hospital is at the forefront of patient-centered care, and it should be—a nurs...
11/11/2025

Our new Plaza West Tower at Barnes-Jewish Hospital is at the forefront of patient-centered care, and it should be—a nurse helped design it.

Meet Steph, RN, a 45-year veteran of BJC HealthCare who spent the past 12 years as a liaison between staff and the design teams for the campus renewal project. For Plaza West Tower, that meant ensuring it would be built not just beautifully, but brilliantly.

Steph's journey from floor nurse to planning and design was rooted in her guiding philosophy: curiosity. “I always encouraged my staff, you need to ask questions because you need to be curious,” Steph said, “The more that you know and understand, the more you can help your patients.”

It was this mindset that powered Steph throughout the campus renewal project, finding better ways of delivering patient care.

In her unique role as a "translator," Steph was the essential voice connecting architects, builders, and caregivers. Her mission was to guide the plans from paper to reality, creating a modern and welcoming space that worked flawlessly for the patients, families, and staff.

Steph and the clinical teams championed features that redefine the workspace, promoting both efficiency and safety. Every detail was informed by the practical realities of bedside care. Steph drew on her decades of nursing experience, carrying a deep, day-to-day knowledge into the design process to solve challenges and support generations of nurses to come.

The years of dedication have paid off. With Plaza West Tower now open and caring for patients, Steph experienced her greatest reward: "To walk someone through the tower and see what we had put on paper, that it’s here now, five years later... to see their excitement. It's a good, good feeling."

Thank you, Steph, for your contributions to a tower designed to match the excellence of WashU Medicine Physicians, our Barnes-Jewish Hospital team members, and the needs of our patients.

We are pleased to welcome Faith Maduka, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician, to the team at BJC Medical Grou...
11/10/2025

We are pleased to welcome Faith Maduka, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician, to the team at BJC Medical Group Primary Care at Edwardsville.

Dr. Maduka's passion for medicine was shaped by growing up with a younger brother who had medical needs and in a community where access to care wasn’t always easy. These moments fueled her desire to care for others. She chose family medicine because it allows her to work with patients of all ages—from babies to grandparents—and focus on both prevention and healing.

As a provider, Dr. Maduka loves building lasting relationships and serving as a trusted partner for patients and their families throughout their lives. She is motivated by helping patients feel confident about their health and seeing them achieve their goals. Dr. Maduka shares, "Some of my favorite moments are when patients return healthier and happier after we’ve worked together on a plan—those wins are truly meaningful."

Caring for patients of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors, Dr. Maduka offers a comprehensive range of preventive services, including annual physicals, well-woman exams, prenatal care, and vaccinations. She also manages a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, such as allergies, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, injuries, and mental health concerns.

Originally from Missouri, Dr. Maduka values family and community. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with her loved ones.

Learn more about Dr. Maduka and schedule your appointment online: https://heyor.ca/W3Bq5w

We are pleased to welcome James Wendell, DO, a board-certified family medicine physician, to BJC Medical Group at O'Fall...
11/07/2025

We are pleased to welcome James Wendell, DO, a board-certified family medicine physician, to BJC Medical Group at O'Fallon.

Dr. Wendell's drive to practice medicine began during a medical mission to Honduras, where he witnessed the impact that care made in the lives of those they helped. His experiences in medical school inspired him to become a Family Medicine physician to build meaningful, long-term patient relationships.

His commitment to patient trust produced one of his proudest moments: After successfully treating a patient, the patient's entire family switched to him as their doctor because of the confidence they placed in his care.

What keeps Dr. Wendell motivated is his passion for helping patients take an active role in their health: "I'm motivated to help my patients live healthy lives by moving their bodies and staying curious about their health by asking the question 'why?'" He enjoys the intellectual challenge of figuring out the problems in medicine and helping patients through that process.

Dr. Wendell offers comprehensive, personalized care for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. This includes preventive services like annual physicals, women’s health services, and vaccinations. He treats a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, and mental health concerns, and also assists with addiction recovery. His holistic approach includes using osteopathic manipulative therapy to enhance his treatment plans.

Originally from Eagle, Idaho, Dr. Wendell practices what he preaches by staying active with weightlifting, hiking, and playing soccer. He also enjoys skiing, reading, and exploring the outdoors, as well as playing video, board, and card games.

Learn more about Dr. Wendell and schedule your appointment online: https://heyor.ca/nUnG8Z

We are pleased to welcome Akhila Padi, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician, to the BJC Medical Group team ...
11/05/2025

We are pleased to welcome Akhila Padi, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician, to the BJC Medical Group team at Sunset Hills Adult Medicine.

Her desire to pursue a career in medicine was inspired by watching the care her grandfather received when he was very sick. This experience led Dr. Padi to become a primary care physician, which combines her curiosity and love for science with making an impact on her community.

Dr. Padi is dedicated to providing patient-centered care by building trust and strong relationships. As a provider, she focuses heavily on preventive health care, actively striving to improve patients' overall well-being and enhance their quality of life. Dr. Padi shares, "The most rewarding aspect of being a primary care physician is empowering and educating my patients to take control of their health."

Dr. Padi treats patients 18 and older, offering a comprehensive range of services. This includes preventive care like annual physicals, vaccinations, and cancer screenings. She also manages acute and chronic health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, and COPD, along with behavioral health issues such as anxiety, depression, obesity, and alcohol and substance abuse.

Originally from South Carolina, Dr. Padi has fully immersed herself in Saint Louis. She loves exploring the city's food scene, and when she's not caring for patients, she can be found hiking trails or reading, often spending time at Forest Park and Tower Grove Park with her dog, Olive.

Learn more about Dr. Padi and schedule your appointment online: https://heyor.ca/XFqYwi

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4901 Forest Park Avenue
St. Louis, MO
63108

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