SSM Health’s Dr. Fred Rottnek has been named the 2026 recipient of the Sister Carol Keehan Award by the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA), one of the organization’s highest honors. He was recognized during the awards banquet at Assembly 2026, the nation’s largest gathering of Catholic health care leaders.
The award honors individuals who demonstrate a deep commitment to social justice and advocate for those most in need—values that have defined Dr. Rottnek’s career from the very beginning.
“Fred’s medical acumen, his extraordinary compassion and his call to serve exemplify SSM Health’s vision of peace, hope and health for individuals, families and communities, especially those most in need. His deep dedication to helping people flourish is an inspiration for all of us,” said Laura S. Kaiser, FACHE, President and CEO of SSM Health and former CHA board chair.
An internationally recognized expert in addiction medicine and correctional health care, Dr. Rottnek has spent his career focused on serving vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, those with opioid use disorder and people in jails and prisons. His commitment began early, volunteering in free clinics and shelters throughout St. Louis and bringing donated medical supplies to care for patients with limited access to resources.
Today, he continues that mission as a physician with SSM Health SLUCare Physician Group and as a professor and director of community medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, where he helps shape the next generation of physicians.
Throughout his career, Dr. Rottnek has also worked to improve care in complex and often overlooked settings. As medical director for the Saint Louis County Jail and Juvenile Detention, he expanded and enhanced health services—helping the facility become the only Missouri jail accredited by the American Correctional Association for the quality of its care. More recently, he partnered with SSM Health and Saint Louis University to launch a Medical Legal Partnership, bringing together physicians and law students to address social and legal factors that impact patient health and well-being.
Dr. Rottnek’s recognition reflects not only his clinical expertise, but his deep compassion and unwavering advocacy for people on the margins—living out the mission and values of Catholic health care each day.
