Patrick McCruden

Chief Mission Integration Officer

As Chief Mission Integration Officer, Patrick McCruden is responsible for leading the strategic integration of SSM Health’s Mission, Values, Vision and Catholic identity into all aspects of SSM Health. He works closely with Regional Mission leaders to establish effectiveness measures for Mission, ethics and compliance, as well as identify best practices and initiatives across the system. His efforts support SSM Health’s team members and providers in fulfilling their commitment to providing exceptional health care services and revealing God’s healing presence to everyone they serve.

Dr. McCruden became Chief Mission Integration Officer of SSM Health in February 2018. He brings more than 40 years of Catholic health care experience to SSM Health, including 25 years as a mission leader in Iowa and Arkansas. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Mission Officer for Catholic Health Initiatives-St. Vincent, a four-hospital health system in central Arkansas. He is board-certified in chaplaincy and health care ethics consultation and an ordained permanent deacon in the Catholic Church.

Dr. McCruden holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, a Master of Theological Studies degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and a master’s degree in Bioethics and Health Policy and a doctorate degree in Bioethics from Loyola University Chicago.