ICEP Member Dr. Michael Cruz Assumes Presidency of OSF Saint Francis in Peoria
Longtime ICEP member Michael Cruz, MD, FACEP has been selected to serve as President of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. The medical center is OSF HealthCare’s flagship hospital.
“The Illinois College of Emergency Physicians congratulates Dr. Cruz on his appointment as President of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. It is a great accomplishment and a testament to his leadership and dedication,” said ICEP President David Griffen, MD, PhD, FACEP. “It is also a wonderful advancement for the specialty of emergency medicine. We are pleased to have one of our own leading the flagship hospital of the OSF system.”
Dr. Cruz officially began his new duties at the end of January. Dr. Cruz replaces Keith Steffen who retired after 34 years with OSF HealthCare, the last 18 as President and CEO of OSF Saint Francis.
Dr. Cruz will be the first physician to lead OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. “It’s a great opportunity to have a strong clinical influence on what we’re supposed to be delivering in these four walls,” Cruz told the Peoria Journal-Star of his role as the hospital’s first doctor to serve as president.
Dr. Cruz started with OSF Saint Francis in 1987 as a resident in the emergency medicine program. He was hired as an emergency medicine attending physician in 1990, was vice chairman of the department for a decade, and continues there in a limited role to stay better connected with caregivers and patients.
In September 2007, Dr. Cruz was appointed Vice President, Quality & Safety for OSF Saint Francis and began serving as the Associate Chief Medical Officer. He chairs the OSF Saint Francis Quality & Safety Board and the OSF Saint Francis Professional Staff Quality Improvement Committee.
As President of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Dr. Cruz will ensure the organization operates with the highest clinical excellence and compassionate care while being fiscally responsible, to fulfill the mission of the OSF HealthCare Ministry.
“I am honored to accept this position and thank the Sisters, Mr. Keith Steffen, and Ministry executives for entrusting me with this key leadership role at OSF Saint Francis,” said Dr. Cruz in accepting the position. “There are many new challenges ahead in health care, but as long as we follow the Sisters’ Mission, we will succeed.”
Dr. Cruz earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign – Urbana and medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine – Chicago. He has been involved with research projects at the University of Illinois College of Medicine – Peoria and three times was named outstanding UICOMP teacher.