BJC HealthCare

Home
United States
St. Louis, MO
BJC HealthCare

We treat your health like it’s the most important thing in the world. Louis, southern Illinois and mid-Missouri regions.
(1253)

Find everyday care and the most advanced treatments at nationally ranked and community hospitals: www.bjc.org 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 co

mmunity 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

05/01/2026

NICU graduates, families & care teams—we’re reuniting!

Join us for the NICU Reunion at the March of Dimes March for Babies Walk on Saturday, June 6 at Energizer Park.

Stop by the BJC tent to enjoy refreshments, crafts, and kid‑friendly activities, and connect with graduates and their families from St. Louis Children's Hospital NICU, Missouri Baptist Medical Center NICU, and Memorial Hospital Belleville and Memorial Hospital Shiloh Level 2E Special Care Nursery.

Whether you’re celebrating a graduate or staff member—or honoring the memory of a NICU baby—we would love to see you there.

Register today for free: https://heyor.ca/Hlicnw

04/29/2026

When Memorial Hospital Belleville opened in May 1958, it was not just the result of bricks, mortar, and medical expertise—it was built in part through the dedication of women like Pearl Spies. Now 95 years old, Pearl is the only living founder of the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, an organization she has helped shape for nearly seven decades.

The Auxiliary was founded in 1957 when Pearl canvassed local neighborhoods for donations to build Memorial alongside fellow charter members—mostly women appointed from area churches or women’s groups. In addition to fundraising, they prepared for the needs of the new institution—sewing curtains, for example.

“It was all necessary work,” she said. “The population around Belleville was increasing, and we understood what the hospital would mean to the community.”

Once the hospital opened its doors, Auxiliary volunteers soon became critical to day-to-day operations, assisting with wayfinding, administrative tasks, and more.

Pearl fondly recalled how signature fundraising efforts like the Sample Fair, Book Bazaar, and Town and Country Fair drew widespread enthusiasm. Local businesses, churches, and families rallied around these events.

“It was a community effort from the ground up,” Pearl said.

Over the years, Pearl has used her natural inclination for leadership to serve in many positions within the Auxiliary, including president. She assumed a leadership role within the Illinois Hospital Association’s volunteer division as well.

Her longest assignment was 25 years spent volunteering in Memorial’s Home Care department, which she began after retiring from her long teaching career at Scott Elementary in the Mascoutah School District.

Pearl has seen the hospital through incredible growth and many changes but believes its community identity perseveres, as does the commitment of the Auxiliary and its members, now more than 300 women and men.

One enduring example: The much-loved Book Bazaar celebrated its 67th year in early April and, over the course of its history, has raised more than $1 million.

Pearl credits the Auxiliary’s success to thoughtful placement of volunteers and strong relationships with hospital leadership.

“The Auxiliary members are ambassadors,” she said. “When someone walks into a hospital, it can be frightening. Volunteers help make even a large hospital feel personal.”

During a recent hospital stay at Memorial, Pearl was pleased to have a room that overlooked the hospital’s original circle drive. “I told my doctor: ‘I was right there for the dedication the day this place opened! He couldn’t believe it.”

We are deeply grateful to Pearl Spies for her decades of dedication, and to all our Auxiliary volunteers at Memorial Hospital who continue her legacy of service. ❤️ 💐

04/28/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome Natalie Dameron, PA, to BJC Medical Group Orthopedics at Parkland.

Natalie discovered her interest in orthopedics while working hands‑on with patients during her training as a physician assistant. Seeing how the right treatment could restore movement and help people get back to their daily lives shaped her decision to focus on orthopedic care.

What Natalie enjoys most about her work is seeing patients’ quality of life improve. Whether she’s helping someone manage joint pain, recover from an injury, or move forward after surgery, she values being part of the process that helps patients feel stronger and more comfortable in their everyday activities.

As a certified orthopedic physician assistant, Natalie works with patients ages 5 and older, providing nonsurgical treatment for a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, joint pain, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel, Dupuytren’s disease, fractures, sprains and strains, and sports‑related injuries. She also supports patients through pre‑ and postoperative care and administers joint injections.

Natalie is committed to working closely with her patients and takes time to answer questions and explain diagnoses and treatment plans. She believes that understanding what’s happening—and why—plays an important role in successful treatment and recovery.

Originally from Jackson, Missouri, Natalie enjoys traveling, spending time with family, game nights, and reading. She also has a lifelong love of soccer and played collegiate soccer at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

Learn more about Natalie and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/grOQFV

$One in every two women over the age of 50 will experience a fracture caused by osteoporosis. The steps you take today de...$

04/27/2026

One in every two women over the age of 50 will experience a fracture caused by osteoporosis. The steps you take today determine your health tomorrow.

Meet Christine Piper, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at BJC Medical Group. Originally from O’Fallon, Missouri, she is proud to provide orthopedic care to those in her hometown.

Dr. Piper stresses that staying active isn't just a catchphrase—it’s about protecting your independence, mobility, and quality of life.

“We often don't think about our 'scaffolding' until it breaks," Dr. Piper says, "But by then, your mobility has already been compromised. Your 70s and 80s are built on the foundation you lay now.”

How can you build a foundation that lasts? Dr. Piper recommends these 7 steps:

🦴 Prioritize calcium: Aim for 1,200 mg/day if you're over 50 (1,000 mg if under). Think Greek yogurt, leafy greens, or fortified foods.

☀️ Boost vitamin D: It’s the "key" that unlocks calcium absorption. Get yours from sunlight, oily fish, eggs, or supplements.

💪 Move with resistance: Weight-bearing exercises like walking, dancing, or strength training keep your bones strong.

🥩 Add lean protein: Higher protein intake is directly linked to slower bone loss as we age.

⚖️ Maintain a healthy weight: Being underweight significantly increases your risk of fractures.

🚭 Mind your habits: Smoking and heavy alcohol use actively weaken bone structure.

📊 Get screened: A bone density test is recommended at age 65—or sooner if you have a family history, early menopause, or previous fractures.

Caring for your bones now means protecting your ability to move, travel, and play for years to come. It’s never too early to start. Talk to your primary care provider about your bone health at your next visit.

04/24/2026

We’re excited to welcome Samantha Warden, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician, to BJC Medical Group at Progress West–Primary Care.

Dr. Warden was inspired to become a doctor by her father, a police officer. “Every time he saved a life, he would light up for days,” she remembers. That sense of purpose—and the desire to make a real difference for people—stayed with her and continues to shape how she cares for patients today.

Like her father, Dr. Warden is most proud when helping others through their hardest moments. One patient in particular stands out—a woman hospitalized with a severe illness. “I was with her every day,” Dr. Warden shares. “There were times when we weren’t sure she was going to make it.” Through persistence, compassion, and dedication, the patient improved and was finally able to return home. “It was a win for the whole team."

Dr. Warden partners with individuals and entire families at every stage of life, supporting them across all areas of their health. Her days may include annual wellness check‑ups, a skin biopsy, or a newborn exam—but no matter the visit, she enjoys connecting with people and building long‑term relationships. By getting to know patients beyond their medical history, she’s able to better understand their goals and what well‑being means to them. She also makes it a priority to ensure patients understand not just their treatment options, but why those recommendations are being made.

In her practice, Dr. Warden offers a wide range of services, including preventive care, pediatric visits, well‑woman exams, immunizations, LGBTQ+ care, and treatment for conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, and mental health concerns. She also performs in‑office procedures, including joint injections.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Warden enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with her husband and their three dogs—two corgis and a chiweenie.

Learn more about Dr. Warden and schedule your appointment online: https://heyor.ca/hDsRMn

04/22/2026

Congratulations to Keith, our latest St. Louis Blues Hometown Hero honoree! 🏆

Keith is a clinical pharmacy specialist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital for the lung transplant and pulmonary hypertension teams and plays an integral part in the healing and recovery of our transplant patients. Additionally, he goes above and beyond as a consultant for advocacy groups for patients with disabilities, serving as a mentor for transplant recipients as they navigate their journeys.

Keith's nominator, Dr. Chad Witt, MD, medical director of the Lung Transplant program says, “Keith is a true Hometown Hero, providing exceptional care to the most vulnerable patients in our community. As our transplant pharmacy supervisor, Keith has revolutionized our care pathways and brought invaluable expertise to the bedside. His commitment to patient safety and staff mentorship is unmatched.”

Thank you, Keith, for your commitment to patient care this and all year round. Congratulations on your honor!

04/17/2026

The first four months of Yaheng's pregnancy were routine. Everything was on track until the 20‑week ultrasound—the technician had noticed something unusual.

Yaheng’s OB‑GYN referred her to the Fetal Heart Center—a partnership between St. Louis Children's Hospital, WashU Medicine, and Barnes-Jewish Hospital—for a closer look.

There, Yaheng and her husband, Jeff, learned their baby had two rare and life‑threatening congenital heart conditions: truncus arteriosus and an interrupted aortic arch. Together, the diagnoses meant their baby's heart couldn’t send blood where it needed to go. Without surgery, the risks to his development—and his life—were severe.

“It was quite shocking and just took a long time for us to process,” Yaheng recalls.

Within days, Yaheng and Jeff met with Caroline K. Lee, MD, a WashU Medicine pediatric cardiologist, and Pirooz Eghtesady, MD, PhD, a WashU Medicine pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, to plan the next steps.

“By diagnosing heart defects before a baby is born, we can help prepare families for what to expect, what procedures will be needed, and coordinate care for a safe delivery for both mom and baby,” Dr. Lee explains.

In July 2023, the parents welcomed their son, Ben, into the world at Barnes‑Jewish. Soon after his birth, he was transferred to St. Louis Children’s, where his care team was already in place.

At five days old, Ben underwent a seven‑hour open‑heart surgery. Dr. Eghtesady reconstructed Ben’s heart—creating a pulmonary trunk, repairing his aorta, and restoring blood flow throughout his body.

For more than two weeks, Ben recovered under close monitoring. Then, seventeen days after surgery, he went home.

Today, Ben is a healthy, rambunctious 2‑year‑old with endless energy and a love for anything with a motor. While his care will continue as he grows, his parents face the future with confidence—supported by the same team that was preparing for Ben long before he ever took his first breath.

Read Ben’s full story to see how early diagnosis, coordinated expertise, and seamless care helped change the course of one family’s future: https://heyor.ca/1S7nwW

04/16/2026

Seeing your doctor soon? These 7 questions are worth asking your primary care provider to help you get more out of your appointment.

Taking a few minutes to prepare can make a big difference in your health. Read more and explore each question in detail: https://heyor.ca/4ntUlU

04/14/2026

For decades, the open heart operating room (OR) at Memorial Hospital Belleville and Memorial Hospital Shiloh has been shaped by the steady presence, skill, and partnership of Cathy, MSN, RNFA, CNOR, and Rhonda, RNFA, CNOR. After 51 and 41 years of service respectively, they both plan to retire this spring, leaving behind a legacy of clinical excellence and a lasting culture of teamwork, mentorship, and patient-centered care.

Cathy joined Memorial in 1974, beginning her career on a Med-Surg unit before moving to the OR in 1976 and ultimately to the open heart team in 1990. Rhonda arrived in 1985, first working evenings in the float pool and for inpatient units before transitioning to the OR and joining the heart team in 2006. Together, they became part of a tight-knit, seven-nurse specialty team where collaboration is essential.

Cathy credits the cardiothoracic surgeons who helped shape Memorial’s heart program, particularly Bill Daily, MD, and his colleagues, for setting the tone.

“Dr. Daily didn’t just teach us the surgery,” Cathy said. “He taught us how to care for patients—and for each other. He would say our work together was like a symphony. Everyone knew their part.”

Over time, Cathy and Rhonda developed the kind of trust that borders on intuition.

“We do a lot of mind-reading,” Rhonda explained, “and we are good at taking care of each other.”

“We know we can cover every role,” Cathy agreed. “She has always had my back—and it’s reciprocal.”

Through the inevitable challenges that come in their line of work, the duo shared that open communication, friendship, and the desire to keep improving has kept them moving forward.

“We know our main goal is to keep patients safe and get them back to their loved ones,” Rhonda explained. “And we kept making adjustments and improvements to help achieve that goal.”

Cathy and Rhonda are ready for their next collaboration in Europe. What they call “the trip of a lifetime”—to the shrine of Fatima in Portugal, and time in Spain and France—is a pilgrimage that combines their faith, love of adventure, and decades-long friendship.

Beyond that, they are looking forward to additional travels, volunteering at their churches, family time, Cardinals baseball, bike rides, and perhaps best of all—sleeping through the night without mentally preparing for the next case or call.

“After more than 50 years, it’s bittersweet,” Cathy reflected.

“But I’m excited for that next phase,” Rhonda added.

Thank you, Rhonda and Cathy, for your many years of dedication to BJC and to our patients! 🩷 💜

04/10/2026

Earlier this month, Isaiah raised the Donate Life flag outside Barnes-Jewish Hospital—more than thirty years after an organ donor saved his life for the first time.

Isaiah received his first heart transplant as an infant at St. Louis Children's Hospital. That gift allowed him to take his first steps, go to school, create music, and grow up surrounded by the people who love him—to experience milestones once thought out of reach.

But that transplant was only the beginning of a lifelong journey.

Over the next three decades, Isaiah’s care continued to evolve. Transplanted organs require lifelong monitoring and specialized support—and they don’t always last forever. As Isaiah grew older, his care transitioned from St. Louis Children’s Hospital to Barnes‑Jewish Hospital, guided throughout by WashU Medicine Physicians and multidisciplinary transplant teams. Dedicated transplant coordinators and care teams walked alongside Isaiah and his family through every chapter.

Last year, following cardiac arrest and critical illness, Isaiah received a simultaneous heart and kidney transplant—made possible, once again, by the extraordinary generosity of organ donors and their families.

Now recovered, Isaiah returned to Barnes‑Jewish Hospital to raise the Donate Life flag, joined by members of the transplant teams who have supported him throughout his life.

Isaiah’s story is a reminder that an organ transplant is not a single moment. It is a lifelong commitment to care, partnership, and hope, sustained by donors and their families, and by the coordinators, nurses, physicians, and care teams who never stop showing up.

This Donate Life Month, we honor the donor families who gave Isaiah—and all transplant recipients—more time, more milestones, and more tomorrows, and the continuity of care that helps them make the most of every one.

💙💚 Learn more or register as a donor: https://www.donatelife.net/register

04/09/2026

Recovery starts with feeling safe. 💙

April is Alcohol Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind people that support is always within reach.

“Medical Stabilization Service is a special hospital program for adults who are having serious withdrawal symptoms after stopping drugs or alcohol,” says Sarah, an intake coordinator at MBSH - Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital. “It’s a safe place where doctors, nurses, and a Certified Peer Support Specialist can help you through the uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous early stages of withdrawal.”

Patients in the program are closely monitored by medical staff as their symptoms are managed, with medications when needed, helping reduce risks and keep them as comfortable as possible during withdrawal.

As patients begin to feel better physically, they are also supported in thinking about what comes next.

“During this time, patients are able to start thinking more clearly and begin planning their next steps,” Sarah shared. “That might include counseling, outpatient treatment, inpatient rehab, or connecting with community support programs.”

The goal is not just short-term stabilization, but helping patients take that next step forward with the right support in place.

“Recovery is possible, and reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a powerful act of strength. You’re not alone."

Learn more about recovery support: https://heyor.ca/r2Pj3V

04/03/2026

It started with a simple habit many of us have: neck cracking.

For 29-year-old Anna, it was second nature—until one day in 2023, a quick tilt of her head changed everything. Instead of a “pop” of relief, she felt a sharp pain shoot down her arm. "I knew right away something was not right," she says.

What followed were months of debilitating migraines, nausea, dizziness, and pain so intense she couldn’t get out of bed.

“I couldn’t take care of myself. I couldn’t take care of my daughter,” Anna says. “It was hard, trying to explain to her why her mom couldn’t do things. It even got to the point where I was unable to work.”

Determined to get her life back, Anna tried physical therapy and injections, which provided little relief. Then Anna met with WashU Medicine Physicians neurosurgeon Kumar Vasudevan, MD, at Christian Hospital.

"Young people tend to have healthy necks, so when they come to you with a neck problem, you sit up and pay attention,” Dr. Vasudevan says. “That’s how it was with Anna. She had tried multiple things, but the pain was still intolerable. That’s when surgery enters the discussion.”

Dr. Vasudevan’s examination revealed the source of Anna’s pain—a pinched nerve caused by a damaged disk. Anna decided that the pain was severe enough to move forward with surgery to remove the disk and relieve the pressure.

The result? "It was a night and day difference," Anna says.

Today, Anna is back to the life she once feared was out of reach. She’s hiking, working at a dog daycare, and—most importantly—playing with her daughter at the park.

"I don’t have to cancel plans. I don’t have to miss out," says Anna. "I would do this surgery again 10 times. I can’t thank Dr. Vasudevan enough."

Read Anna’s full story to learn more about her journey and the surgery that restored her life: https://heyor.ca/yBDTBG

Address

4901 Forest Park Avenue
St. Louis, MO
63108

Website

https://www.bjc.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when BJC HealthCare posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to BJC HealthCare:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in St. Louis?