Who's Who: Gerry Salter

Director of the orthopaedic service line at Saint Francis Medical Center

WHERE HE'S BEEN: The 43-year-old Salter is married to wife Requi. They have five children. He's originally from Havergill, Mass., and now lives in Cape Girardeau. He's a former U.S. Marine, graduating from Parris Island, S.C., and an emergency medical technician. He has a bachelor's degree in physical therapy from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and is a certified athletic trainer through the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, as well as a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He has a master's degree in business administration from Regis University in Denver.

WHERE HE'S GOING: "I hope to be able to continue to assist in the development and refinement of programs and services that benefit the residents of Cape Girardeau and the surrounding region. I enjoy seeing people overcome challenges and participate in activities that bring them enjoyment and fulfillment. I have had the good fortune of working with a wonderful executive team, exceptional physicians, surgeons and employees at Saint Francis Medical Center that are second to none in my book. When all these things come together, wonderful things happen. I love doing what I do."

"I learned a long time ago that leaving a legacy is not in accomplishment of the high-profile things that a name can be attached to, but in those things that create tangible change for those in need. I would most like to continue doing those things each and every day that make a small but positive difference in the lives of those around me -- being polite, greeting those who I come in contact with, saying thank you, actively looking to assist those in need, looking for ways to make the patient experience better and raising our children to be contributing members of society who seek to create change for the better."

On where his field is headed: "The simple answer is technological advances, and we see these at an ever-increasing rate. The field of health care will always require skilled, caring and compassionate individuals to deliver this care. I believe that many issues will need to be addressed regarding the fiscal, ethical and moral ramifications of health care opportunities. I also believe that we have an opportunity to participate in the evolution of health care delivery that will allow for continued determination and refinement of best-practice medicine, improvement in quality outcomes and cures for diseases that currently kill many Americans and individuals worldwide. I also feel that the health care field will play an increasingly pivotal role in advocating for personal responsibility in maintaining health through diet, exercise, play and sleep. These things are the first line of defense for illnesses and debilitating conditions that can be prevented with these lifestyle changes."

WHY HE WAS CHOSEN: "Gerry is very passionate about what he does. He is innovative -- not tied to following the same old processes just because that is the way it has always been done," wrote Joel Sander. "He is firm but fair and has high expectations of those around him, and leads by example."

"Gerry's leadership is outstanding," wrote Kirk Nailling. Gerry values each person's contribution to the team. All suggestions or ideas of staff are weighed and decided for appropriateness. If rejected, he will always give a logical reason. In our scheduled meetings for the orthopaedics service line, each member feels his or her input is as critical as the next member's. Gerry seeks to help others better themselves. He will avoid drawing attention to himself and ensure others receive due recognition. Gerry's actions make for a strong, stable, cohesive and enjoyable service line in which to work."

Gerry's community involvement: I am involved in St. Mary Cathedral Parish and School and assist my wife with all five children's activities. I am an advocate for animal adoption, having adopted all our animals (currently four dogs and four cats) from the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri. I assist my wife in her mission to advocate for humane and ethical treatment of animals. Did you hear about a particular fundraiser calendar titled "Mutts and Muscles"? I was awarded the United States Marine Corps Leadership Award at Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Va. in 1988 and was inducted by Regis University into the Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society in 2003. My greatest honor is the gift of being married to my exceptionally awesome wife for more than 14 years and raising five very special children, who I know will grow up to do some amazing things.