Letter from the Chief Executive

Spring is in the air, and this year it’s accompanied by a most welcome breeze of positive change. As vaccinations become widely available and normal activities begin to resume, we have so much to be grateful for and so much more to look forward to, as you’ll read about in this issue of Saint John’s.

At Saint John’s, we open a new chapter at the cancer institute, renaming it the Saint John’s Cancer Institute, and the surgical fellowship program, the Donald L. Morton, MD, Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship. With the licensing of the name and likeness of John Wayne having expired at the end of 2020, we chose to use this as an opportunity to make way for the future while also honoring the legacy of a man whose brilliant work in cancer research changed the way cancer is detected and treated worldwide with the sentinel node biopsy technique.

Dr. Morton’s brilliance continues today right here on our campus. From our groundbreaking research into treatments for COVID-19 to the pioneering research using compounds extracted from mushrooms to treat cancer and behavior modification, we’re continuously pushing the envelope of what is possible when it comes to treating and curing patients of lifethreatening and debilitating disease.

With the addition of our new chief medical officer, Dr. Mina Kang, our mission to provide compassionate care will continue to deepen. As a hospitalist, Dr. Kang’s experience at the patient’s bedside will translate to superior patient comfort and efficiency. She offers valuable insight into her new role and the role of a hospitalist in the Q&A section.

Lastly, we share a touching story of our compassionate and leading-edge care in action. Baby Gabriel was born in our NICU five years ago, and thanks to our technology and amazing nursing staff, he’s a thriving boy with a very bright future ahead. His story is a reminder for all of us that there is great power in hope and perseverance, especially in the face of significant challenges and change.

MICHAEL RICKS

Chief Executive Providence Saint John’s Health Center Saint John’s Cancer Institute