Thank you for being the best of the best
By Amy Blasing, Saint Joseph Hospital President
As you’ve surely heard by now, Saint Joseph Hospital was named the #1 hospital in Denver and Colorado by U.S. News & World Report. You, our physicians, providers and leaders, made this achievement possible because of the clinical expertise, teamwork, and heart you show every day. This recognition is just one of the many accolades we’ve received recently for quality, safety, patient experience, and overall excellence.
Others include:
A 5-star ranking from Forbes as one of the top hospitals in Colorado.
The Platinum Performance Award from the American College of Cardiology for the treatment of heart attack patients.
The American Heart Association Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus Stroke Award.
Accreditation from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation of both programs at Saint Joe's.
Recognition from EMS for Children Colorado with a Colorado Pediatric Preparedness for the Emergency Room (COPPER) designation, confirming the hospital’s emergency department is equipped, trained, and organized to deliver high-quality care for infants, children, and adolescents.
Saint Joseph’s Northglenn freestanding emergency department has also earned COPPER designation, becoming the first and only freestanding emergency department in the region to achieve this recognition.
I am so proud of all these incredible accomplishments, and you should be too. And to celebrate that we are the best of the best, everyone will soon be getting a fun new t-shirt to show our Saint Joe's pride.
Joint Venture and Town Hall Updates
As you’ve heard me say, I will provide information for you when I have it and although there isn’t much new to share, I want to give a brief update about the Intermountain Health/AdventHealth joint venture (JV). The definitive agreement was signed on Aug. 5, which was another step in the process to move towards the deal becoming final sometime in early 2027. The signing of the definitive agreement doesn’t change anything in terms of clinical and business operations at any of our Front Range hospitals at this point.
A few weeks ago, we noted that more discussions were needed to decide whether or not the Northglenn freestanding emergency department would be part of the AdventHealth joint venture. One exciting update I can share is that it has been confirmed that staff and services at Northglenn, including those on location in Lab, Patient Access, and Radiology, will remain a part of Saint Joseph Hospital.
We also maintain a strong network of affiliated clinics, including our new Cancer Center, Birth Center of Denver, Heart & Vascular Institute, and several primary care and OB/GYN clinics across the Denver metro area. Earlier this week, Dr. Rob Ferguson, Peaks Region CMO, and Lee Syphus, Peaks Region VP of Medical Group Operations, held a Town Hall meeting at Saint Joseph Hospital. Employed physicians, APPs and operational leaders were invited to attend to hear updates on the joint venture and ask questions. Some of the discussion was about which clinics will remain affiliated with Saint Joseph Hospital, and which will become part of AdventHealth. Here is the current approved clinic list for your reference.
If you couldn’t attend the meeting, please reach out to Dr. Ferguson and Lee Syphus as they welcome the opportunity to hear your thoughts and questions. You can also visit the Joint Venture Updates page for the latest information and to submit your questions.
Strategic Growth and Physician Recruitment Updates
There are also exciting things happening in terms of physician recruitment and service line growth. In July, we saw our highest surgical volume since the departure of Kaiser Permanente in 2025, and August has been just as busy in the OR. This is a significant milestone that reflects growing demand for our services and the reputation of excellence our surgeons and perioperative teams have within the community.
Some other growth updates include:
Dr. Eric Liu, neuroendocrine cancer surgeon, joined our medical group and his clinic has become busy with patients traveling from out of state to have surgery at Saint Joseph Hospital.
Dr. David Mann, neurospine/neurosurgeon, started seeing patients in his new clinic in the East Campus building at the beginning of August and has begun doing surgical cases in the hospital.
Dr. Woosik Chung, orthopedic spine surgeon, has been bringing an increased number of surgical procedures to the hospital.
Dr. Benny Tan, plastic surgeon, will start in early September at the Saint Joseph Breast Surgery Center.
Four new rheumatologists, Drs. Sonia Khatter, Carson Maynard, Sara Shahid and (Nicole Swaverly), will open two clinics, one in the East Campus building and one in the Northglenn MOB, and will start seeing patients this fall.
(Dr. Allan Stewart), cardiothoracic surgeon, will join Saint Joe's premier heart care team in October.
Two new medical oncologists, Dr. Jason Lambden and (Dr. Lau), have joined Saint Joseph’s cancer care program.
Further, our Graduate Medical Education program will expand by adding a Podiatry residency, which will not only enhance our commitment to being a world-class teaching hospital, but also will provide Dr. Brett Sachs and other podiatrists and residency program faculty a top-notch hospital home for their surgical cases.
Although the healthcare industry and Saint Joseph Hospital continue to face changes and challenges, we have so much to celebrate, and I am confident that together, we are on a path to great success.
With gratitude,
Amy