BJC Media Coverage Recap: February 2026
February 2026
See below for the latest news coverage and stories from February 2026.
- Becker's Hospital Review: How a $12.1B Health System Selected a New Brand – Julie Quirin, president of BJC Health West Region, and Chris Watts, executive vice president, chief strategy officer at BJC Health
- Becker's Hospital Review: The Aging Population Trend CFOs Can’t Ignore – Scott Hawig, executive vice president, chief financial officer at BJC Health
- Becker’s Hospital Review: 252 Hospital and Health System Chief Medical Officers to Know – Dr. William Gilbirds II, chief medical officer of Saint Luke’s Care, Saint Luke’s North, and Critical Access Hospitals; and Dr. Christopher Miller, vice president and chief clinical officer at BJC Health
- Web Pro News: How Philip Payne’s AMIA Presidency Signals Healthcare AI’s Shift from Academic Theory to Clinical Reality – Philip Payne, chief health AI officer at BJC Health
- Becker’s Hospital Review: 100 of the Largest Hospitals and Health Systems in the US
- Becker's Hospital Review: 165 Top Places to Work in Healthcare | 2026
- Becker's Hospital Review: 56 Health Systems Among Forbes’ Best Large Employers
Heart Month / Heart and Vascular
- KMOV: St. Louis Radio Host’s Heart Condition Highlights Importance of Family History Screening – Dr. Alan Braverman, WashU cardiologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and Suzanne Sirko-Carney, clinical coordinator for vascular surgery
- KMOX: Heart Healthy Habits – Dr. Gus Theodos, BJC medical group cardiologist at Missouri Baptist Medical Center
- KTVI-FOX: Women's Heart Health – Dr. Amanda Verma, cardiologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital
- KMOV-CBS: Heart Healthy Food Choices – Dr. Michael Missler, BJC Medical Group cardiologist at Progress West Hospital
- KTVI-FOX: What to Know About Heart Failure – Dr. Joel Schilling, WashU cardiologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital
- KMOV-CBS: Why Cold Weather is Harder on the Heart – Dr. Emily Cendrowski, cardiologist with BJC Medical Group
- KTVI-FOX: How the Cold Weather Can Impact Your Heart – Dr. Andrew Krainik, cardiologist with BJC Medical Group
- KTRS-AM Radio: February is Heart Month: How to Protect Your Heart Health – Dr. Gus Theodos, cardiologist with BJC Medical Group Cardiology
- Patient Story: Voice of Survival: A Radio Broadcaster’s Journey Through a Rare Heart Condition – Dr. Alan Braverman, WashU cardiologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital; Dr. J. Westley Ohman and Dr. Luis Sanchez, WashU vascular surgeons at Barnes-Jewish Hospital; Dr. Puja Kachroo, WashU cardiothoracic surgeon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Oncology
- KSDK: Lung Cancer’s Surprising New Face: Younger, Female, and Never Smoked a Day in Their Life – Dr. Paul Mehan, medical oncologist at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, and Laura Hamann, a clinical pharmacist at Missouri Baptist Medical Center
- KMOX: Colon Cancer is One of the Deadliest Forms of Cancer Among Adults – Dr. William Chapman, WashU colorectal surgeon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Pediatrics
- St. Louis Magazine: New Pediatric Mental Health Hospital Aims to Close Critical Care Gap in St. Louis – Trish Lollo, president of St. Louis Children’s Hospital
- KY3 (Springfield): St. Louis Children's at CoxHealth to Open March 1
- Springfield Business Journal: CoxHealth Partnership Adding Inpatient Pediatric Care on South Side – Sarah Becker, vice president and administrator of St. Louis Children's at CoxHealth
- Becker's Hospital Review: St. Louis Children’s at CoxHealth Grows Pediatric Footprint in Missouri
- Springfield Daily Citizen: St. Louis Children’s at CoxHealth to Open March 1 Offering Pediatric Services – Sarah Becker, vice president and administrator of St. Louis Children's at CoxHealth
- Lancer Feed: Are You SAD? – Dr. Catherine Hutter, a pediatric psychologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Women & Infants
- The Missouri Independent: ‘Shockingly Unique’: Why St. Louis Program for Antepartum Moms Is Getting National Attention – Joanna Rosenthal, perinatal behavioral health service coordinator at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and Emily Paino-Brenneman, perinatal behavioral health program coordinator at Barnes-Jewish Hospital
- KMOV: My Mom Club: Robotic Hysterectomy – Dr. Christine Taylor, BJC Medical Group physician at Alton Memorial Hospital
Orthopedics
- Patient Story: After Years of Foot Pain, Barb Finds Comfort and Relief in Every Step – Dr. Ali Dalal, BJC Medical Group orthopedic surgeon
General
- Magazine: 2026 Excellence in Nursing Awards Finalists Announced St. Louis
- Mid Rivers News Magazine: What to Do When It’s the Flu – Dr. Charlotte Albinson, BJC Medical Group director, convenient care and virtual care
- West News Magazine: What To Do When It’s the Flu – Dr. Charlotte Albinson, BJC Medical Group director, convenient care and virtual care
- Pharmacy Times: Pharmacists Weigh Real-World Challenges of Bispecific Antibodies in Multiple Myeloma – Mikaela McCabe, clinical pharmacy specialist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital
- KFMO: Parkland Health Center Celebrates Opening of New Orthopedic X-Ray Suite
- Cuba Free Press: Local BJC Hospice Volunteers Bring Connection, Unique Care to Community – Lillian Haanpaa, volunteer, transitions, and bereavement coordinator for BJC Hospice in Sullivan
- The Illinois Business Journal: Gateway Apprenticeship Hub Reaches Lifetime Federal Grant Goal of 750 Apprentices
- The Telegraph: Alton Memorial Hospital Teddy Bear Drive Underway
- RiverBender: AMH Emergency Department Seeks New Comfort Items for Kids
- News-Democrat: Education Matters: Optimists Raise Thousands to Help Cover Belleville School Costs – Deb Graves, president of Memorial Hospital
- Becker’s Hospital Review: Top 10 Hospitals for Cost Efficiency: Lown Institute
- Belleville News Democrat: Belleville Hospital Named Among 250 Best in US. 3 Others in Metro-East Recognized
Heart Month / Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute
- FOX4, KCTV, KMBC, & KSHB: National Wear Red Day: Raising Awareness for Women's Heart Disease – Dr. Tracy Stevens, cardiologist and medical director of Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center
- KSHB: Kansas City Priest Thankful for New Heart Medication That ‘Changed His Life’ – Dr. Michael Nassif, cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute
- KSHB: American Heart Month: Heart Valve Repair Restores Young Woman’s Future – Dr. J. Russell Davis, surgical co-executive director at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute
- KMBC: Kansas City Navy Veteran Shares Journey After Receiving New Heart – Dr. Andrew Kao, medical director of cardiac transplantation at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute
- KMBC: Meet The American Shepard Bringing Cheer to Heart Patients at Saint Luke's – Dr. Bethany Austin, cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute
- KCTV: Pair of Kansas City Runners Return to Marathons After Heart Valve Surgery – Dr. Corinne Aberle, cardiothoracic surgeon at Saint Luke’s Mid-America Heart Institute
- FOX 4: Missouri Man Finds New Hope with Innovative Heart Procedure – Dr. Andrew Kao, medical director of cardiac transplantation at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute
- KCTV: Clinical Trial at Saint Luke's Saves Firefighter's Life – Dr. Timothy Fendler, cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute
- The Iola Register: Focus On Women’s Heart Health – Dr. Tracy Stevens, cardiologist and medical director of Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center
- Trenton Telegraph: Why Heart Health Matters–Especially for Women – Dr. Tracy Stevens, cardiologist and medical director of Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center
- Healthline: Octavia Spencer and Sofia Vergara Team Up in Super Bowl Ad Tackling Kidney Warning Signs – Dr. Andrew Sauer, cardiologist at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute
Health News You Can Use
- Health News You Can Use: Comprehensive Angina Relief (CARe) Program – Dr. Aaron Grantham, interventional cardiologist at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute
- Health News You Can Use: Advances in Valve Disease Treatment – Dr. Elizabeth Grier, structural interventional cardiologist at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute
- Health News You Can Use: Peripartum Cardiomyopathy – Dr. Anna Grodzinsky, cardiologist at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute
Patient Stories
- Advocating for Her Heart—and Her Future – Dr. J. Russell Davis, surgical co-executive director at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, and Dr. Anna Grodzinsky, cardiologist at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute
- Rare Condition, Rapid Care: SCAD Diagnosis Leads to Lifesaving Surgery – Dr. Aaron Grantham, interventional cardiologist; Dr. Jessica Heimes, cardiothoracic surgeon; Dr. Anthony Magalski, cardiologist; Dr. Anna Grodzinsky, cardiologist; and Dr. Adam Salisbury, interventional cardiologist at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute
- The Day His Heart Spoke Up: Saint Luke’s Improves Local Priest’s Heart Condition – Dr. Michael Nassif and Dr. Timothy Fendler, cardiologists at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute
- Still Running: Kansas City Man Racing Ahead After Heart Surgery – Dr. Kevin Bybee, cardiologist, and Dr. Corinne Aberle, cardiothoracic surgeon at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute
- Heart Surgery Helps Marathon Runner Go the Distance – Dr. Anthony Hart, structural cardiologist, and Dr. Corinne Aberle, cardiothoracic surgeon at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute
- RELIVE Trial Gives Kenneth New Strength After Heart Attack – Dr. Andrew Kao, medical director of cardiac transplantation at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute
- Faith Over Fear Leads the Way for Heart Transplant Patient’s Recovery – Dr. Jessica Heimes, cardiothoracic surgeon, and Dr. Andrew Kao, medical director of cardiac transplantation at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute
- Search for Answers Brings Louisiana Woman to Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute – Dr. Aaron Grantham, interventional cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute
- Clinical Trial Leads to Turning Point for Local Firefighter – Dr. Krista Clark, family medicine physician at Hedrick Family Care, and Dr. Michael Nassif, at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute
- A Picture of Optimism: How Saint Luke’s Collaborative Approach to Cancer and Heart Care Empowers a Bucket-List Adventurer – Dr. Deepthi Vodnala, co-medical director of Saint Luke’s cardio-oncology program; Dr. Marc Roth, medical director of gastrointestinal oncology; Dr. Megan McNally, surgical oncologist at Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute; and Dr. Lucas Hockman, urologist at Saint Luke’s
Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute
- FOX 4: Kansas City Medical Experts Making Headway in Treating Pancreatic Cancer – Dr. Marc Roth, oncologist at Saint Luke's Cancer Institute
- Patient Story: A Picture of Optimism: How Saint Luke’s Collaborative Approach to Cancer and Heart Care Empowers a Bucket-List Adventurer – Dr. Deepthi Vodnala, co-medical director of Saint Luke’s cardio-oncology program; Dr. Marc Roth, medical director of gastrointestinal oncology; Dr. Megan McNally, surgical oncologist at Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute; and Dr. Lucas Hockman, urologist at Saint Luke’s
Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute
- Healio: GLP-1s Hold Promise in MS, but More Rigorous Examination Is Required – Dr. Afsaneh Shirani, associate director of neuroscience research and medical education at Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute
- MedScape: GLP-1s Aid Weight Loss in MS but Not Disease Progression – Dr. Afsaneh Shirani, associate director of neuroscience research and medical education at Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute
- Patient Story: Mildred Celebrates 107th Birthday Thanks to Stroke Rescue – Dr. Aaron Kaus, emergency medicine physician at Saint Luke’s; Dr. Karin Olds, stroke medical director; and Dr. William Holloway, neurointerventional radiologist at Saint Luke's Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute
Women’s & Maternity
- KCTV: Newborns at Saint Luke's Celebrate Valentine's Day
- The Missouri Independent: ‘Shockingly Unique’: Why St. Louis Program for Antepartum Moms Is Getting National Attention – Dr. Carrie Duffy, OB-GYN and laborist with Saint Luke’s Hospital’s Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists
Plastics
- KY3: Breast Cancer Procedure Reduces Recovery Time – Dr. Dana Rioux Forker, plastic surgeon with Saint Luke’s Plastic Surgery Specialists
Bariatrics
- Patient Story: ‘I Feel Like I Got My Life Back’: Leighanna’s Weight-Loss Transformation – Dr. Kathryn Sobba, bariatric surgeon at Saint Luke’s North Hospital–Barry Road
- Patient Story: From Limited Mobility to 20,000 Steps a Day: With the right bariatric support, Patricia reclaimed her movement and confidence – Dr. G. Brent Sorensen, bariatric surgeon at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City
General
- KCTV: Kansas City Officials Monitor Disease Spread Ahead of World Cup Visitor Arrival – Dr. Michael Main, chief clinical officer of Saint Luke’s and president of Saint Luke’s Physician Group
- KMBC: Saint Luke's Handing Out Free Gun Locks to Promote Firearm Safety – Dr. Andrew Benedict, surgeon and trauma medical director at Saint Luke's Hospital
- Lee's Summit Tribune: Saint Luke’s Names New President of Saint Luke’s Hospital Of Kansas City – Bobby Olm-Shipman, president of Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, and Julie Quirin, president of Saint Luke’s, BJC West Region
Critical Access Hospitals
- KTTN-Trenton MO: Saint Luke’s Home Care and Hospice Moves to Hedrick Center - Jamie Luark, chief nursing officer of Saint Luke’s Critical Access Region, Home Health, Hospice, and Clinical Practice
- KTTN: Wright Memorial Hospital Auxiliary offers $1,000 scholarship
- KTTN-Trenton MO: Wright Memorial Hospital Offering Free Sports Physicals
- KTTN-Trenton MO: Wright Memorial Hospital Expands Services and Specialty Care Access