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Alton Memorial Hospital, One Memorial Drive, Alton, IL (2026)

09/25/2026

We're thrilled to welcome Catherine Greene, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician, to BJC Medical Group Primary Care at Godfrey.

Dr. Greene always knew she wanted to become a doctor. A career in medicine offered the perfect opportunity to combine a love of science with her desire to serve others.

“Family medicine chose me,” Dr. Greene says. “It is the perfect mix of helping people stay healthy, caring for them when they're sick, and seeing patients and their families evolve throughout their lives.”

One of Dr. Greene's favorite parts of the day is the time she spends getting to know her patients.

“I absolutely love interacting with my patients,” she says. “I enjoy hearing about their kids or grandkids, holiday plans, vacation stories, and everything in between.”

Whether coordinating with specialists, connecting patients with resources, or working with insurance companies, Dr. Greene embraces the many roles that come with being a primary care physician. Helping patients navigate the health care system and get the support they need is a vital part of her work.

In her practice, Dr. Greene sees patients 13 and older. She provides preventive care, including physicals, well-woman exams, screenings, and immunizations, and treats minor illnesses and injuries. She also manages chronic conditions such as asthma, allergies, Type 2 diabetes, COPD, thyroid disorders, arthritis, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. In addition, she provides family planning services and performs in-office procedures, including minor skin treatments and joint injections.

Outside of work, Dr. Greene loves spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Chestnut. She also enjoys serving at her local church, reading thrillers and fantasy novels, and relearning piano. On weekends, she's often found wherever there's good food and great company.

Learn more about Dr. Greene and schedule your appointment online: https://heyor.ca/M31GAF

09/23/2026

Every day in the Emergency Department brings new challenges. For Joel, those moments are opportunities to serve, protect, and uplift everyone around him.

As a member of the hospital’s security team, Joel’s primary role is to ensure safety—but his dedication goes far beyond that. His coworkers describe him as a constant source of support, positivity, and calm in even the most chaotic moments.

Whether he’s helping nurses manage a challenging situation or assisting visitors who are lost or anxious, Joel steps in without hesitation.

On one occasion, he noticed a patient who required assistance. Without being asked, Joel helped the patient and worked to make sure they were comfortable and cared for. Another time, he quickly carried a patient experiencing a medical emergency to an exam room, ensuring they received immediate medical attention.

Joel’s coworkers agree—his presence brings comfort and confidence to the entire ED team. From escorting EMS personnel and calming patients to simply brightening someone’s day with a smile, Joel’s impact touches many across the hospital. His reliability and kindness remind everyone of the meaning of teamwork.

“Joel is always so helpful in the ED and just pleasant to work with,” says Antoinette Sutton, Emergency Department charge nurse. “He goes above and beyond to help, especially doing things outside his security role.”

Congratulations to Joel for being named Alton Memorial Hospital's Employee of the Year for 2025. Thank you for your dedication to the patients and staff at AMH! 👏 💙

09/18/2026

Please help us congratulate Clay, a nurse in cardiology, for being recognized as Alton Memorial Hospital's Employee of the Month for June! 🎉

Clay consistently steps in to support his team, helping with additional responsibilities and demonstrating commitment to high-quality care. His dedication, teamwork, and willingness to help—no matter the circumstance—make a difference every day.

Thank you, Clay, for the dedication you bring to Alton Memorial Hospital, everyday! 👏

09/10/2026

Ashley, a patient care tech in the Emergency Department, was named a 2026 recipient of the BJC Connect Award and recognized for her teamwork and commitment to patient care. 👏

The Connect program honors individuals who make a lasting impact by going above and beyond—and Ashley’s colleagues say she does just that every day.

Nominated by multiple coworkers, they all described Ashley as an extremely hard-working and trusted teammate who consistently delivers high-quality care. Colleagues value her reliability and strong work ethic, noting they can depend on her to complete tasks accurately while supporting patients and team members.

Ashley’s positive attitude also stands out, making a difference in the days of her patients and coworkers everyday! 💙

09/04/2026

We're excited to welcome Laura Barton, MD, a board-certified pediatrician, to BJC Medical Group Primary Care at Godfrey. A familiar face to many in our community, Dr. Barton has cared for children in the Alton area since 2006.

Long before she put on her white coat, Dr. Barton was inspired by her mom, a pediatric nurse practitioner, whose care for children left a lasting impression on her.

“I loved hearing her stories,” Dr. Barton says. “I loved the science, and I loved the idea of both helping and teaching kids and their families.”

That early inspiration led her to pediatrics.

“Kids keep this serious business of health care fun,” she says. “I love the smiles and silly things they say, and that I can help shape their habits for a healthy life ahead.”

Dr. Barton is passionate about building lasting relationships with her patients and their families and partnering with them to provide care that focuses on each child's unique needs at every stage of development.

Whether guiding families through difficult diagnoses, advocating for students at school, or connecting families with important resources, Dr. Barton values the trust families place in her and the opportunity to support them through the challenges and milestones of childhood.

“I enjoy cuddling babies, earning the trust of toddlers, connecting with teenagers, and preparing young adults for the transition to adulthood and adult medicine,” she says.

In her practice, Dr. Barton sees patients from birth through age 22. She provides preventive care, including well-baby visits, physicals, and immunizations, and treats minor illnesses and injuries, chronic conditions, and behavioral health concerns such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. She also has experience caring for children with complex medical needs.

Originally from East Alton, Illinois, Dr. Barton enjoys spending time with her husband and family of six. Outside the clinic, she can often be found cooking, baking, reading, practicing yoga, visiting farmers' markets, riding her bike in Forest Park, exploring the Missouri Botanical Garden, hiking national parks, or planning her next adventure.

Learn more about Dr. Barton and schedule your child’s appointment online:
https://heyor.ca/ZdHQKj

09/03/2026

DaZune, a member of food and nutrition at Alton Memorial Hospital, was honored as the 2025 fourth quarter recipient of the BJC Connect Award, recognizing her dedication to patients and her team! 👏

The Connect program celebrates employees who go above and beyond for patients and their families—and DaZune exemplifies that commitment every day.

Nominated by the obstetrics (OB) department, DaZune was praised for her exceptional service. Colleagues shared that she “is constantly going above and beyond” and brings a positive, can-do attitude to every interaction. Her attention to patient needs—including ensuring meals are timely and tailored to preference—helps create a comforting experience for patients and families.

Her team noted that when DaZune is on the floor, they have complete confidence in the care patients receive. Through her compassion and consistency, she makes a meaningful impact every day.

Thank you, DaZune, for your compassion for our patients and the dedicaiton you bring you everyday! 💜

08/31/2026

A positive attitude, a bright smile, and a dedication to making others feel comfortable are just a few reasons Angela, an assistant imaging tech in radiology, is being recognized as a recent Alton Memorial Hospital Employee of the Month. 💗

“Angie is a delight to work with," her nominator shared. "She spreads her bright smile everywhere she goes."

Whether she is interacting with patients or supporting her coworkers, Angela creates a sense of safety and calm for those around her. Her hard work, kindness, and dedication make a lasting difference every day.

Congratulations, Angela! Alton Memorial Hospital is lucky to have you. 👏

08/19/2026

We're excited to welcome Hunter Mitchell, MD, a BJC Medical Group neurologist, to the MS Center for Innovations in Care.

Growing up, Dr. Mitchell was inspired by the example her parents set as health care professionals and the difference they made in the lives of others. She knew she wanted to follow a similar path.

During medical school, Dr. Mitchell became familiar with patients and families affected by neuroimmunologic conditions, an area of medicine she had not previously encountered. Seeing the need for specialized care, education, and support sparked her desire to help patients manage complex neurological disorders.

Dr. Mitchell believes patients are better equipped to navigate their condition when they understand what's happening in their bodies and how their choices can affect their health. She enjoys helping patients make sense of complex diagnoses, treatment options, and lifestyle changes so they can feel more confident managing their care.

She also values the long-term relationships she builds with patients and their caregiver support systems. Some of her proudest moments come from watching family members and friends gain confidence in helping a loved one navigate a diagnosis.

"The emotional and mental burden on caregivers can be overwhelming," she says. "It brings me joy when I see friends and family growing in their roles, big or small."

As a neurologist specializing in neuroimmunology, Dr. Mitchell cares for adults with conditions including multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica (NMO), MOG antibody disease, neurosarcoidosis, autoimmune encephalitis and meningitis, myelopathy, optic neuritis, and paraneoplastic syndromes. She is committed to helping patients and families feel supported as they navigate life with complex neurological conditions.

Outside of work, Dr. Mitchell enjoys any activity that keeps her moving, whether it's dancing, yoga, ceramics, or karaoke. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, she is excited to be part of the St. Louis community.

Learn more about Dr. Mitchell and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/NLrz8G

08/14/2026

We're excited to welcome Anna Ahrens, ANP, to BJC Medical Group Cardiology at Sunset Hills.

Anna was inspired to become a nurse through experiences watching family members navigate Type 1 diabetes, and later, heart disease. She saw how chronic illness can affect both patients and their loved ones and wanted to help support families through those challenges.

After moving to St. Louis, Anna began her career in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, where caring for heart patients strengthened her interest in cardiology.

"A new cardiac diagnosis can bring a lot of uncertainty. I want patients and their families to feel educated about what's happening inside their bodies, comfortable with their treatment, and confident in the decisions they make moving forward," she says.

Developing strong bonds with patients and making a difference in their health journeys are among the most rewarding parts of Anna's work. She values the trust patients place in her and enjoys being part of their recovery and long-term health.

In her practice, she cares for adults with a variety of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and high blood pressure. She also performs cardiovascular stress testing and provides postoperative follow-up care.

Outside of work, Anna enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, and their goldendoodle. She loves attending youth sporting events, cheering on Mizzou and Clemson, exercising, skiing, reading, and enjoying a game of Mahjong with friends.

Learn more about Anna and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/FFF8EI

08/13/2026

👀 Look who made the cover!

Congratulations to Christi Menges, MD, of BJC Medical Group Women's Health Care at Chesterfield, on being featured on the cover of St. Louis Magazine's 2026 Top Doctors issue.

Reflecting on what drew her to obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Menges shared: "I had never felt so strongly that I was part of something bigger than myself."

We're proud to see Dr. Menges included among the region's outstanding physicians and grateful for the compassionate care she provides every day.

Join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition! Learn more: https://heyor.ca/VUtpSc

08/06/2026

We're excited to welcome Taylor Sachtleben, PA, a board-certified physician assistant, to BJC Medical Group Women's Health Care–Suite 360, located on the Missouri Baptist Medical Center campus.

Taylor was inspired to pursue a career in medicine by her small-town family doctor, whom she remembers as approachable, caring, passionate, and eager to help everyone. He cared for patients wherever they needed him—from the clinic and hospital to nursing homes and house calls—and showed her what it meant to be deeply committed to patients.

Years later, during an OB-GYN rotation at a small Illinois hospital, Taylor worked alongside a physician who loved teaching and encouraged her to take on new challenges. From learning new procedures to assisting in surgeries and delivering babies, the experience sparked her passion for women's health.

Taylor considers it a privilege to care for women through every stage of life. “I enjoy meeting my patients, making a connection with them, and getting to know them personally so I can provide them the best possible care,” she says. Making a difference in her patients' lives and seeing their health improve over time is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

In her practice, Taylor helps women ages 13 and older take control of their health, whether they're coming in for preventive care, family planning, gynecologic concerns, or support through perimenopause and postmenopause.

Outside of the clinic, Taylor spends time with her husband, family, friends, and pets. She loves traveling and hiking, and she and her husband are working toward visiting every national park in the United States. She also enjoys staying active and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Learn more about Taylor and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/mLZ9nG

08/04/2026

We are honored to be recognized as a high-performing hospital for the treatment of heart attack and pneumonia by U.S. News and World Report.

Thank you to our clinical teams for their expertise, compassion, and dedication to excellence—we are incredibly proud of the exceptional care you provide!

See the complete list of BJC Health honors here: https://heyor.ca/92NALM

07/27/2026

We’re proud to celebrate Dr. Ahmad Karadaghy, a BJC Medical Group gastroenterologist and Medical Director of Alton Memorial Hospital’s Digestive Health Program, for receiving the 2025 Chairman’s Award. His decades of leadership and commitment to advancing digestive health care continue to make a difference for our patients and community.

07/22/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Ahmad Karadaghy, recipient of the 2025 Alton Memorial Hospital Chairman’s Award! 🏆 👏

This award recognizes a physician who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Alton Memorial Hospital’s mission, vision, and values through exceptional patient care, active involvement in the hospital, and dedication to outstanding service.

Dr. Karadaghy began his journey at Alton Memorial Hospital in 2003, completing his internship before his residency. Today, he continues to care for patients through BJC Medical Group while serving in several leadership roles, including on the Medical Executive Committee and as Medical Director of the Digestive Health Program.

Throughout his career, Dr. Karadaghy has helped advance patient care by introducing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures at Alton Memorial Hospital and has been a leader in the GI Lab for more than two decades.

Congratulations, Dr. Karadaghy, and thank you for your dedication to our patients, colleagues, and community!

07/21/2026

We're proud to welcome Kristina Anderson, MD, to BJC Medical Group Family Medicine at Missouri Baptist Medical Center–Suite 226A.

According to her mom, Dr. Anderson's interest in medicine may have started with the movie E.T. As the story goes, she was so upset that E.T. was sick that she wanted to be one of the doctors who could help him get better. As she got older, that desire to help others grew into a love of science, community service, and caring for people.

Family medicine proved to be the perfect fit. Dr. Anderson enjoys helping patients find answers, whether they're dealing with a new concern, managing a chronic condition, or trying to stay healthy for the future. She believes everyone deserves to be cared for by a trusted medical professional who can help them navigate health concerns and make informed decisions about their care.

One of the things Dr. Anderson enjoys most about family medicine is caring for multiple generations of the same family. She considers it an honor to earn that kind of trust and to celebrate patients' successes alongside them.

As a board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Anderson cares for patients of all ages, from infants and children to adults and seniors. She provides preventive care, well-woman exams, immunizations, and treatment for a wide range of conditions, including asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, colds, flu, and women’s health concerns. She also performs in-office procedures such as minor skin procedures, joint injections, and contraception placement.

Outside of work, Dr. Anderson enjoys spending time with her family, watching funny cat videos with her son, cheering on the St. Louis Blues, and exploring everything the area has to offer—from the zoo and Missouri Botanical Garden to local restaurants, museums, and performances. She also enjoys growing houseplants, collecting and tumbling rocks and minerals, crafting, thrifting, and listening to audiobooks.

Learn more about Dr. Anderson and schedule your appointment online: https://heyor.ca/ejhs9E

07/17/2026

One moment, Charlotte was having dinner with her husband. The next, she couldn’t speak. She felt no pain—just a sudden sense that something wasn’t right.

Joe had seen Charlotte experience transient ischemic attacks before—but this time, he knew something far more serious was happening.

“It felt different,” he says. “I knew we needed to move fast.”

That decision made all the difference.

At Missouri Baptist Medical Center, the Emergency Department team was ready—connecting with a WashU Medicine neurologist through BJC HealthCare’s 24/7 telestroke network. The team quickly confirmed the diagnosis: an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot.

When it comes to stroke, time is brain—and Charlotte didn’t have time to lose. She received tenecteplase, a newer clot-busting medication, which restored blood flow and gave her the best chance at recovery.

Today, Charlotte is moving forward with confidence—supported by her care team, including BJC Medical Group neurologist Michael Butler, MD, and a community of fellow survivors through Missouri Baptist’s stroke support group.

“It gives me strength knowing I’m not alone,” she says.

Read Charlotte’s story to see how fast action and coordinated stroke care helped save her life: https://heyor.ca/RUHJy4

07/16/2026

We're excited to welcome Courtney McFarlin, PA, to BJC Medical Group Gastroenterology at Edwardsville.

Joining her father on medical mission trips through the Belize Mission Project inspired Courtney to pursue a career in medicine. As she traveled with doctors and other providers delivering free medical, dental, and audiology services in communities throughout Belize, she saw firsthand the difference health care can make in people's lives.

Those experiences taught Courtney the value of meeting people where they are and helping them navigate their health concerns. Today, she brings that same commitment to patients in her own community. “Providing medical care and dedication to others’ health in my own community is an honor,” she says.

Courtney believes every patient deserves the time and attention needed to feel heard and understood. Because many gastrointestinal concerns can be difficult to discuss, she focuses on creating an environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their symptoms and concerns. She enjoys working alongside patients to find answers, provide reassurance, and help them move forward with confidence.

As a certified physician assistant specializing in gastroenterology, Courtney cares for adults with a wide range of digestive health conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eosinophilic esophagitis, ulcers, celiac disease, food allergies, and liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic disorders. She also manages colorectal cancer screenings and endoscopies.

Outside of work, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband, their three children, and their pets—two dogs and four cats—all named after Star Wars characters. When she's not cheering from the sidelines at her children's sporting events, she enjoys photography, traveling, exploring local restaurants, and staying active at the gym.

Learn more about Courtney and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/9Tw2JX

07/14/2026

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐁𝐉𝐂 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞, a free newsletter where our providers share insights on trending health topics, debunk medical myths, and offer simple ways to improve your wellness.

📧 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐱: https://heyor.ca/jM9PLf

07/10/2026

We're excited to welcome Katie Upton, FNP, to the Arrhythmia Center on the campus of Missouri Baptist Medical Center.

Katie was inspired to follow her mother into nursing after seeing the difference she made in people's lives. Later, an opportunity to shadow ICU nurses confirmed that health care was the right path for her. She wanted a career where she could be of service to others.

She was drawn to cardiology after witnessing a loved one navigate multiple heart conditions and procedures. “Wanting to better understand her diagnoses and treatment sparked an interest that eventually became a specialty,” Katie says.

Today, Katie focuses on helping patients understand their conditions and the options available to treat them. She takes time to explain complex diagnoses, answer questions, and help patients feel confident in the decisions they make about their care. After nine years as a medical and cardiovascular ICU nurse, she values the opportunity to build lasting relationships and enjoys seeing patients get back to the activities they love.

As a family nurse practitioner specializing in cardiovascular electrophysiology, Katie cares for adults with conditions affecting the heart's electrical system, including arrhythmias, tachycardias, and atrial fibrillation. She also provides follow-up care for pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), as well as management of medications.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys staying active through running, swimming, hiking, and snowboarding. She also enjoys exploring St. Louis, attending concerts and festivals, cheering on the Blues, and spending time with her rescue animals.

Learn more about Katie and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/suyAbs

06/05/2026

By the time she was 21, Amy had already been through three open-heart surgeries, but living with congenital heart disease never stopped her from building a full, active life. For the next two decades, she did exactly that—working as a nurse, raising her family, and playing with her grandchildren.

Part of what kept her well was never skipping her regular cardiology visits with Lalithkumar Chouhan, MD, at Alton Memorial Hospital. For patients with congenital heart disease, lifelong monitoring is essential—even when they feel fine. The heart can change over time, and those changes aren't always obvious until something goes wrong.

Last summer, when Amy, now 45, noticed a subtle shortness of breath, she didn't brush it off. Decades of living with her condition—and years of visits with Dr. Chouhan—told her something wasn’t right.

She sought care immediately.

That decision to act set into motion a coordinated response from expert physicians and care teams across BJC HealthCare that would ultimately save her heart, again.

Read Amy's story to see how care across BJC—from emergency treatment to her fourth open-heart surgery and rehabilitation close to home—made all the difference: https://heyor.ca/KXaRZp

Alton Memorial Hospital