ST. LOUIS – SSM Health Care – St. Louis named Lee Bernstein to the position of regional executive vice president of hospital operations/chief operating officer (COO) for its seven local hospitals. Bernstein oversees operations at each hospital. He replaces Steven Johnson who accepted a health care management opportunity in Florida last year.
Bernstein has been with SSM Health Care – St. Louis since 2007, when he accepted the position of interim executive vice president/COO for SSM St. Joseph Hospital West. Most recently, Bernstein served as executive vice president/COO for SSM DePaul Health Center, SSM St. Joseph Health Center, SSM St. Joseph Hospital West and SSM St. Joseph Health Center – Wentzville.
Before joining SSM Health Care, Bernstein was a vice president for BJC Health Care serving in various capacities for more than 20 years. He holds a master’s degree in health administration and a master’s in business administration from Washington University in St. Louis.
About SSM Health Care – St. Louis
SSM Health Care – St. Louis’ mission statement — “Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God” — is embodied by 11,000 employees and 2,500 staff physicians. Sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, the health care network offers comprehensive health care services, but specializes in heart, cancer, neurosciences, pediatrics, weight-loss, sleep, imaging, behavioral health and fetal surgery. A winner of the Missouri Quality Award and multiple Best Places to Work awards, SSM Health Care – St. Louis includes seven hospitals ― Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, DePaul Health Center, St. Clare Health Center, St. Joseph Health Center, St. Joseph Health Center – Wentzville, St. Joseph Hospital West and St. Mary’s Health Center ― St. Joseph Medical Park, plus a Managed Care Organization, and a Physicians' Organization. Go to www.ssmhealth.com for more information.
For media inquires only, contact:
Kristen Johnson
Media Relations Specialist
SSM Health Care – St. Louis
314-989-2208 (office)
314-908-0225 (pager)
kristen_johnson@ssmhc.com