NEW ST. FRANCIS PRESIDENT FEELS AT HOME IN CAPE

Taking the reins at St. Francis Medical Center is a career move that Steven Bjelich hopes is his last.

"Of course, it is really up to the board," said Bjelich, president and chief executive officer of the medical center. "I have a long-term commitment here. I am not looking for any other career advancements."

Bjelich started work July 5. He said he and his wife, Lisa, feel at home in Cape Girardeau. His oldest daughter is enrolled at Notre Dame High School, and he is working on finding a school for his other daughter.

Bjelich is an Indiana native. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Indiana University. His bachelor's degree is in business and his master's in medical training.

Bjelich began his career with jobs in Detroit and Kansas City. From there he took a job as chief operating officer at a hospital in Los Angeles.

He wanted to be in the Midwest, so he accepted the chief operating officer's position at a Catholic hospital in Louisville, Ky. There he was a finalist in the American College of Healthcare Executives "Young Administrator of the Year" competition.

Bjelich served five years in Louisville and eventually took a CEO position as president of St. Francis Hospital and Healthcare Services in Wilmington, Del., before coming to Cape Girardeau.

"I prefer to stay in Catholic health care," Bjelich said. "I see it as a health-care ministry."

He said the philosophy of health care at St. Francis Medical Center is based on principles that create a friendly environment that keeps people coming back whenever they need medical care.

"We adhere to several principles --- respect, quality and compassionate care regardless of race, color, creed or religious affiliation," Bjelich said.

His goals are to continue to provide more prevention programs to improve the overall health of the community.

"I would like to see St. Francis be a partner with the physicians and the community and seek ways to collaborate with Southeast where it is appropriate," Bjelich said.

He said as part of service to the community, it makes sense to work with Southeast Missouri Hospital, and he is in the process of finding more ways to do that.

With 22 years of experience, Bjelich takes a hands-on approach to running a hospital. He said he empowers his staff, but he expects responsible actions from them.

Kim Groves of St. Francis said she has been impressed with how quickly Bjelich has been able to get to know the staff.

"He seems to be very concerned about the patients and the staff," Groves said. "He already has made several rounds in the hospital -- enough to where he can call the staff by name."

Groves said his business sense is good for the hospital.

"Family values are important to him," Groves said. "But so is a healthy bottom line."

As he settles into the job, Bjelich said he is enjoying every minute of it. "I feel fortunate that I still enjoy it after doing it 22 years," Bjelich said. "It is an enthusiasm I have."