Centralia, Il – A local surgeon from Washington county takes on a new role in the SSM Health Surgery Department. Erica Ibendahl, MD has recently been named the Department of Surgery Chairperson at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital - Centralia. In this role, Dr. Ibendahl will collaborate with hospital leadership and work to meet the everchanging needs of our patient community. She will assess areas of opportunity and identify areas for growth within St. Mary’s surgery department to enhance patient experience and ensure high-quality surgical outcomes.
Dr. Ibendahl accepted her new position after being elected by her peers. With over 10 years of experience, she brings with her extensive first-hand knowledge about how to operate a best-in-class surgical department and will serve a two-year term.
“I take a very active role in the surgery department. I serve many patients and spend a lot of time in the operating room. I am looking forward to collaborating with hospital leadership on areas of opportunity and growth for the surgery department. My goal is to focus on meeting the needs of our patients and servicing them locally as opposed to referring them out to other communities. I grew up in Washington County and I chose this community to raise my children in. I want to be a part of serving the people of this region and continue to see good things happen here,” says Erica Ibendahl, MD.
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital’s advanced surgical team spans many different specialties, using the latest technology and advanced procedures to deliver the right care across multiple specialties. There is no need to travel far for advanced care needs including hernia repair. While learning you need surgery can bring a host of worries, our doctors and care team members take the time to explain what to expect before, during, and after your procedure to help you prepare.
About SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia, operating in partnership with the Felician Sisters, is a 113-bed hospital specializing in behavioral health, bariatric surgery, wound/hyperbaric care, cancer treatments, and minimally invasive general surgical care along with pediatric emergency and NICU telemedicine program in conjunction with the physicians at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital of St. Louis, Mo.
In 2016, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital was named a “Best Hospital” by US News and World Report for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award for seven years in a row; the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award five years in a row; and in recent years the Critical Care Excellence Award. It also was recognized in 2016 through Quest by Premier Inc. with the Citation of Merit Award for High-Value Healthcare.
