Then Now by Amy Sharp

Back in 2007, Dr. Shannon Orsak had an idea: Create a place in his hometown where his neighbors could seek quality, emergency, medical care. A comfortable place where patrons would feel loved and didn’t have to wait hours to see a doctor. He likely didn’t know it at the time, but Dr. Orsak was a pioneer of the now common free-standing ER. Then in 2019, Dr. Orsak’s ER expanded and rebranded as St. Michael’s Elite Hospital, adding inpatient hospital services.

“We are not owned by a big corporation or venture capitalists,” says Dr. Orsak. “My wife Sara and I live here and work here. When St. Michael’s opened, our twin girls, Sierra and Savannah, were six, and our son Shannon was five. Today, all three are thriving adults that we feel fortunate to have raised in this community that we care so much about.”

From seeing Dr. Orsak on “Health Matters” on KPRC Local Channel 2, to sponsoring community events, schools, and youth sports, the St. Michael’s Elite Hospital community presence is strong. “We are always out and about,” says Dr. Orsak. “When you run a business in your own community, you really have a vested interest in service and attention to detail.”

Speaking of details, St. Michael’s Elite Hospital has them all. Dr. Orsak graduated from the only emergency medicine school in Houston, and has worked at local hospitals, including Memorial Hermann SW, St. Luke’s, and West Houston Hospital where he was Assistant Medical Director. He knew exactly what was necessary when creating his own ER and hospital. “We have an on-site radiology department complete with x-ray and CT scan, ultrasound, and an onsite lab,” explains Dr. Orsak. “This way, you never have to wait for a diagnosis and a confirmation. We are staffed with board-certified physicians and specialty-trained nurses. We can treat everything from allergic reactions and broken bones to high fevers and chest pain. As a small, licensed hospital, we are truly able to tailor the care we are delivering to