Saint Francis Medical Center is ranked 18th on Modern Healthcare magazine's 2009 list of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare – one of only six companies to be ranked in the top 20 for a second year. This marks Saint Francis' inclusion on the prestigious national list for the second consecutive year in 2009. Saint Francis was ranked first among hospitals and providers in Missouri — no other Missouri hospital was in the top 65, and only two other Missouri employers were included on the list. Saint Francis was ranked #4 on Modern Healthcare's inaugural list in 2008.

"I am extremely proud of the Saint Francis Family," says Steven C. Bjelich, FACHE-D, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Francis. "The Medical Center takes great pride in offering more than just a job to our employees – we provide a family-centered environment with strong importance placed on work-life balance. Modern Healthcare is a prestigious organization, and it is a privilege to be recognized again in 2009."

Any healthcare company (providers, suppliers, payors, associations, etc.) with at least 25 employees was eligible to apply. As part of the selection process, information was collected via survey from Saint Francis including details on company policies, practices, benefits and demographics. Employees answered in-depth questions focused on eight core topics: leadership and planning, culture and communications, role satisfaction, working environment, relationship with supervisor, training and development, pay and benefits, and overall satisfaction.

"The services, technology and buildings are not what drive the Medical Center to be nationally ranked in healthcare," said Bjelich. "It is the dedicated, compassionate people who drive this organization to excellence. Satisfied employees create the foundation for excellent patient care, and they are the power behind the superior health services the Medical Center provides."