St. Luke's Health Announces New President for Patients Medical Center

Houston, TX (July 12, 2016) – St. Luke's Health (St. Luke's) has named Steven Foster President of Patients Medical Center (PMC), its 61-bed acute care hospital located in Pasadena. Effective August 8, Foster will replace Bill Simmons, who retired earlier this year. With over 15 years of healthcare executive experience, Foster brings a wide breadth of experience to PMC, having worked at institutions ranging from community hospitals to highly-esteemed academic centers.

“Steven offers a unique perspective on healthcare that will greatly benefit the Pasadena community,” said Michael McBride, Division Senior Vice President and President Suburban Hospitals, St. Luke's Health. “His commitment to servant leadership, accountability, and patient-centered care as well as his belief in our Mission, Vision and Core Values make him the ideal leader who will take PMC into next era of healthcare. His experience and energy make him a terrific fit for the hospital.”

Prior to joining St. Luke's, Foster served as Chief Executive Officer at Barstow Community Hospital in Barstow, California, where he oversaw efforts that resulted in improved quality metrics and patient safety—over 517 days without a serious safety error—as well as increased patient and physician satisfaction scores. Foster also held executive leadership roles at AllianceHealth Hospital in Oklahoma City and at Edinburg Regional Medical Center in Edinburg, Texas.

“I'm excited to join a healthcare system that is growing tremendously not just in Houston but across Southeast Texas,” said Foster. “I look forward to working with the PMC Board, staff, physicians and St. Luke's leaders to support and implement strategic direction to strengthen our presence in Pasadena and help serve the needs of the surrounding communities.”

Foster earned a Masters of Healthcare Administration and Masters of Business Administration from the University of Houston – Clear Lake. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of the Hospital Association of Southern California.

About St. Luke's Health

St. Luke's Health, a member of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), is comprised of three markets, St. Luke's Health is home of the Texas Heart Institute (THI),  eight hospitals, eight emergency centers, Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Radiation & CyberKnife® Center, and several St. Luke's Medical Group locations throughout Greater Houston; St. Luke's Health Memorial (three hospitals and a long-term acute care facility in East Texas); and St. Joseph Health (five hospitals and several St. Joseph Medical Group locations across Brazos Valley). In addition, St. Luke's is a part of a joint venture agreement with Baylor College of Medicine®, which encompasses Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center in the Texas Medical Center.  Together, St. Luke's Health, THI, and Baylor College of Medicine® are transforming healthcare delivery with a mission to usher in a new era of healthcare to create healthier communities. For more information, visit CHIStLukesHealth.org.

St. Luke's Health is a part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), one of the nation&'s largest health systems. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, CHI operates in 19 states and comprises 105 hospitals, including four academic medical centers and teaching hospitals; 30 critical-access facilities; community health services organizations; accredited nursing colleges; home health agencies; and other services that span the inpatient and outpatient continuum of care. Learn more at catholichealthinitiatives.com.