Optimism, gratitude from your outgoing chief of staff
By Ann Ryan, MD, Saint Joseph Hospital Chief of Staff
As I conclude my term as chief of staff at Saint Joseph Hospital, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each member of our medical staff. These past two years have brought significant challenges and rapid change—more than any of us could have anticipated. Two years ago, our relationship with Kaiser felt strong. CPMG physicians staffed our ED, NICU and anesthesia teams. We were on our old Epic platform and integration was just getting underway. That all feels like a long time ago.
Through all of the change, it has been a privilege to witness the strength of this community. You showed up for our patients, for this institution, and for each other during some of the most demanding moments in our recent history. Your collaboration, professionalism and compassion have been the foundation that kept us moving forward, even when the path ahead felt uncertain.
Many have asked if it was difficult to leave my position with CPMG. The short answer is yes—I was very happy with my job before all of the changes took place and I miss many of my colleagues from CPMG. However, I am pleased with my decision to join the Intermountain Medical Group. Doing so allowed me to remain in the amazing NICU at St. Joe’s, a place that is dear to my heart. And, most importantly, I get to continue to work with incredible people who inspire me every day.
Despite the difficulties we have experienced, I remain deeply optimistic about the future of Saint Joseph Hospital. Our ability to adapt, innovate and stay true to our mission gives me great confidence in what lies ahead. Important steps have already occurred to secure new staffing for our ED, NICU and anesthesia teams. We are welcoming other physicians and providers to our medical staff, including a new orthopedic group and new urologists joining Intermountain. Many changes are happening behind the scenes, and I have witnessed our leadership working tirelessly to help us not only rebuild but come out stronger. I believe the next chapter will be one of growth and renewed stability.
Our Medical Staff Office has also experienced a lot of turnover in the span of the last two years. I am pleased to report that most of the positions are now filled and the office is nearly back to a full level of service. I would like to acknowledge the tremendous work the staff does to support all of us, especially during this time of big change. I particularly want to thank Georgeann Bell for her dedication and leadership keeping everything running smoothly.
As I end my term, I am especially pleased to welcome Dr. Stephanie Wilson as the incoming chief of staff. Dr. Wilson’s history at Saint Joseph began with her residency, and she is now a valued, talented hospitalist and SJH site lead for MiM. Her background gives her a unique understanding of our culture, our challenges and our strengths. She appreciates the needs of our staff, our residents and our patients. She is the right leader at the right time, and I have full confidence that she will guide us through the coming transitions while continuing the tradition of excellence that defines St. Joe’s.
Thank you again for your support, your partnership and your extraordinary work. It has been an honor to serve alongside you. I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2026.