St. Francis Hospital

10/02/2026

An exceptional speaker is leading off the 3rd Annual Cardiovascular Symposium. Daniel Barchi, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of CommonSpirit Health, will deliver the opening keynote address on Healthcare Technology in Practice.

Daniel brings a wealth of experience to this presentation. As CIO of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation's largest nonprofit Catholic health care organizations operating 158 hospitals in 24 states, he leads technology operations and strategy, AI, digital innovation, and cybersecurity across a massive healthcare network.

His career trajectory is remarkable. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and serving as Brigade Commander, Daniel served as a naval officer and received the Navy Commendation Medal for leadership. He later earned a Master of Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and led global project operations for major telecommunications companies across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Most recently, Daniel served as Chief Information Officer at prestigious health systems including New York-Presbyterian Health System, Yale New Haven Health System, and Carilion Clinic. His expertise in leveraging technology to advance patient care and operational excellence is exactly what healthcare professionals need to hear.

His keynote on Healthcare Technology in Practice will explore how cutting-edge technology is transforming cardiovascular care and improving patient outcomes. This is essential information for providers looking to stay at the forefront of clinical innovation.

Join us for the 3rd Annual Cardiovascular Symposium on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Seattle. This FREE one-day event features expert speakers and practical insights you can apply immediately in your practice.

Learn more: https://www.vmfh.org/cardiovascular-symposium

10/02/2026

Meeting people where they are makes all the difference. St. Michael Medical Center is expanding its partnership with Kitsap County fire agencies through Kitsap Fire CARES, strengthening the community's ability to connect people facing barriers to traditional healthcare with the services they need.

St. Michael Medical Center has on-boarded Heather Smith-Merrithew, ARNP, who will work across three Kitsap Fire CARES teams based at Poulsbo Fire, Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue, and South Kitsap Fire & Rescue. Heather will provide in-home and street-based medical care, addressing unmet medical needs and connecting people with appropriate care before non-emergency health concerns escalate to 911 calls or emergency department visits.

"This partnership represents an important step in bringing health care directly to people who may have difficulty accessing traditional outpatient services," said Allie McLaughlin, Interim Vice President of Operations at St. Michael Medical Center. "By meeting people in the settings where they are most comfortable, we can help remove barriers to care and support better health outcomes."

The results speak for themselves. In 2025, Fire CARES teams achieved 75 to 86 percent reductions in repeat 911 calls and 66 to 83 percent reductions in emergency department visits among the clients they served. By connecting people with appropriate resources and care earlier, the program reduces strain on emergency response systems, lowers costs, and supports better outcomes.

This is what community-centered healthcare looks like. Meeting people where they are. Removing barriers. Connecting them with the right care at the right time.

10/01/2026

Exceptional recognition for outstanding healthcare! Virginia Mason Medical Center has once again earned the distinguished No. 1 hospital ranking in Washington state and the Seattle Metro Area according to U.S. News & World Report's 2026-2027 Best Hospitals rankings.

These rankings evaluate how well hospitals provide 37 different types of care and identify those that excel at handling the most complex and difficult cases. Virginia Mason Medical Center stands out as a leader.

The rankings specifically spotlighted Virginia Mason Medical Center's exceptional performance in cardiology with a No. 1 statewide ranking and a national ranking in overall Heart and Vascular Care. The hospital also earned "High Performing" status in Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, and 19 additional procedures and conditions.

This continued recognition reflects the exceptional dedication of our team to providing the highest quality, patient-centered care to our community. From our physicians and nurses to our support staff, everyone plays a vital role in earning this prestigious distinction.

Thank you to everyone at Virginia Mason Medical Center who makes this excellence possible every single day.

10/01/2026

That leg pain when you walk might be more than just getting older. Watch Dr. Kira Long, vascular surgeon at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, dispel a dangerous myth about peripheral artery disease during Vascular Disease Awareness Month.

Dr. Long shares a critical message: PAD is not just a leg problem. If you have blocked arteries in your legs, there's a strong chance you have blockages elsewhere in your body too, including arteries leading to your heart and brain.

Learn more at vmfh.org/vascular

09/30/2026

Vascular Disease Awareness Month celebrates the surgeons and specialists dedicated to protecting our heart and blood vessel health. Meet Dr. Felix Vladimir, vascular surgeon at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, who shares what drives his passion for this work.

"I enjoy practicing vascular surgery in Tacoma due to the high need within our patient population. It is gratifying to help all patients, especially those facing socio-economic challenges. I also love the technical aspects of vascular care, including the advanced technologies and endovascular techniques that allow patients to recover quickly and return promptly to their normal lives."

09/30/2026

Meet our expert speakers for the 3rd Annual Cardiovascular Symposium! Join us Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Seattle as leading cardiovascular specialists share the latest advances in heart care. Don’t miss this free one-day event connecting with leading experts from across the cardiovascular specialty while earning up to 8 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.

Today we're highlighting Session 6: The Front Line of Cardiovascular Care — Scalable, Team-Based, and Built for What's Next: How multidisciplinary teams are redefining care delivery

• Can my patient get an MRI? Devices, Safety and Decision Making | Hannah Esmeralda, ARNP

• Beyond the Scale: Mechanisms of GLP-1 Mediated Cardiovascular Protection | Amanda Carter, PharmD

• Weight, There's More! The Cardiovascular Impact of Modern GLP-1 Therapy | Brook Raphael, ARNP

• Cancer Survivorship Meets Cardiology | Anu Kolluru, MD

• Exercise is Medicine: Cardiovascular Rehab Programs Through a Vascular Lens | Rebecca Ur, MD

Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, earn continuing medical education, or simply stay current with the latest in cardiovascular medicine, this free one-day event offers exceptional value and practical insights you can apply immediately in your practice.

Learn more and register today: https://ow.ly/9bek50ZSuWe

09/30/2026

A routine gym workout turned into a life-changing diagnosis. Zach Corpuz was in the middle of a boxing session when his chest started hurting and his breathing became labored. Then his arms felt heavy, his vision darkened, and he passed out. For someone who had always lived an active lifestyle, this sudden episode was terrifying and confusing.

What Zach didn't know was that he was experiencing the warning signs of atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions of Americans. Fortunately, he found Dr. Michael Eskander, a board-certified and fellowship-trained cardiac electrophysiologist at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, who would become instrumental in his recovery.

Many people live with AFib without even realizing it. Some, like Zach, get a dramatic wake-up call that something is wrong. This is a story about listening to your body, seeking answers, and finding expert care that changes your life. It's also a story about why early detection of AFib matters so much and how advanced technology and compassionate doctors are making a real difference in how we treat this condition.

From the frightening moment he collapsed to his successful minimally invasive surgery under Dr. Eskander's care, Zach's journey shows what's possible when patients and physicians work together to find the right treatment plan.

Read Zach's story with Dr. Eskander: https://www.vmfh.org/about-vmfh/news-media/feature-stories/zach-overcomes-afib-with-surgical-intervention

09/30/2026

Carotid artery disease is a silent threat. During Vascular Disease Awareness Month, it's important to know the warning signs of this serious condition that can lead to stroke.

Your carotid arteries are the major blood vessels in your neck that supply blood to your brain. When plaque builds up in these arteries, blood flow to your brain can be reduced or blocked. This can lead to stroke without warning.

Watch for these symptoms. A sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your face or body could indicate reduced blood flow to your brain. Sudden trouble speaking or slurred speech requires immediate attention. Vision problems in one eye, sudden dizziness, or loss of balance can also be warning signs.

Talk to your Virginia Mason Franciscan Health provider about your carotid artery disease risk, especially if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoke, or have a family history of stroke.

Learn more at vmfh.org/vascular

09/30/2026

As AFib Awareness Month comes to a close, the message remains urgent: atrial fibrillation awareness doesn't end when the calendar flips to a new month.

Ten million Americans are living with AFib right now. Many don't know they have it. That reality continues long after awareness month ends.

This month, we've talked about warning signs, risk factors, and prevention strategies. We've highlighted the importance of screening and early detection. We've celebrated the cardiologists and specialists working to improve outcomes for AFib patients. But the work of awareness continues every single day.

Talk to your Virginia Mason Franciscan Health provider about your personal AFib risk. If you're over 65, have high blood pressure, or have a family history of AFib, ask about screening.

AFib is treatable when caught early. Early detection and proper management can prevent stroke and complications. Your vigilance matters.

Learn more at vmfh.org/afib

09/29/2026

A home run for neuroscience! The Center for Neurosciences and Spine at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health accepted a check from the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park, representing donations from the "Runs for Research" program.

Here's how it works: For every run the Mariners score this season, Mariners Care makes a donation to the Center for Neurosciences and Spine. This innovative partnership transforms every run into an investment in patient services and groundbreaking research in neurological and spine care.

The results are remarkable. These contributions directly support groundbreaking research and exceptional patient care for those dealing with neurological conditions and spine disorders. Every donation moves us closer to better treatments, better outcomes, and better lives for patients in our community.

"This partnership underscores our shared commitment to advancing spine health, raising awareness of neurological conditions, and delivering exceptional care to our community," said Virginia Mason Franciscan Health leadership.

Thank you to the Seattle Mariners and Mariners Care for this incredible partnership. Together, we're turning the love of baseball into the advancement of neuroscience. Every run matters. Every donation makes a difference.

06/02/2023

Our leaders understand the importance of formal communications like Town Hall gatherings, memos and one-on-one meetings, but they also value the opportunity for impromptu conversations as they regularly round through our hospitals and talk with their teams. Last week, Russ Woolley, Chief Operating Officer at St. Francis Hospital (pictured right), had the chance to stop by the Emergency Department for a quick hello that turned into a fruitful discussion with team members. Continually refining and improving patient experience is always top-of-mind for Russell and all our leaders, and taking the time to listen to our people on the frontlines is key.

05/22/2023

Earlier this month, as part of a series of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health job fair events, St. Francis Hospital hosted their in-person hiring event. St. Francis leaders were on hand to welcome attendees and meet new applicants. Like all our care sites, St. Francis is proud to have colleagues who lead everyday with expertise and compassion. Learn more about career opportunities at VMFH at https://www.vmfh.org/careers.

05/15/2023

St. Francis Hospital paused to celebrate Patient Experience Week earlier this month, but like them, and all our Virginia Mason Franciscan Health team members would say, every day is the right time to focus and innovate on new ways to bring our patients' and their families the best care experience possible.

05/02/2023

Nou Xiong, RN, is St. Francis Hospital's latest DAISY award honoree. It’s rare for an emergency department nurse to have the opportunity to care for hospice patients during their transition of life, but recently, Nou went above and beyond to get her patient home to be with family and loved ones. Her compassionate care brought her team to tears and in a time of darkness in this patient's family, she provided exceptional care, information, love and support. We caught up to Nou to learn about what drives her in her role and she responded, "I love what I do because of the team I work with. I treat my patient's the way I would want my family to be treated, with compassion, empathy and care."

07/27/2022

St. Francis Hospital recently earned American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's 2022 Get With The Guidelines achievement awards for their outstanding heart failure care!

Get With The Guidelines Heart Failure is an in-hospital program for improving care by promoting consistent adherence to the latest scientific treatment guidelines. Numerous published studies demonstrate the program's success in achieving significant patient outcome improvements. Among the proven results are reductions in 30-day readmissions, a measure now used by CMS in determining CMS reimbursement rates.

St. Francis Hospital was named an Achievement Award Hospitals and was recognized with the Heart Failure GOLD PLUS with Target: Heart Failure Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll designations.

Congratulations to all those on our heart care team for this well deserved honor!

06/05/2022

35 years ago, St. Francis Hospital opened its doors to begin serving Federal Way and South King County. In that time, we have seen countless displays of commitment to serving one’s community, none greater than a special group that has been here for the entire 35 years.

Meet Bob Rios, Lynn Walker and Dale Coleman. 3 of 7 team members who have been with St. Francis Hospital since the beginning.

01/29/2022

January marks Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we want to highlight the work we are doing to support individuals impacted by s*x and labor trafficking.

In 2020, St. Francis Hospital launched a human trafficking task force, dedicated to increasing staff's capacity to identify the red flags of trafficking and to know how to connect victim-survivors to resources in a trauma-informed way. This task force continues to meet every other month, and additional task forces will be implemented across four of our hospitals by the end of 2023.

Additionally, as of Dec. 15, 2021, St. Francis Hospital became the only hospital in King County to offer in-person medical advocacy for patients who have experienced any form of s*xual violence, as well as case management services for victim-survivors of s*x trafficking. Advocacy and case management services are available through a partnership with Rebuilding Hope, a Pierce County organization that has been supporting victim-survivors and secondary survivors for nearly 50 years.

If you have concerns about you or a loved one's safety or feel as though you are being forced or tricked into things that you don't want to do, know that there are a number of local resources that are here to answer your questions, get you connected to additional services, and provide you with the care you deserve.

Pierce County:
Rebuilding Hope STEP program: (253) 444-5351

King County:
REST: (206) 451-7378
API CHAYA (BIPOC centered): (206) 325-0325

Snohomish County:
Cocoon House (ages 12-24): (425) 499-9935
Providence Intervention Center for Assault and Abuse: (425) 252-4800

Kitsap County:
Kitsap Support, Advocacy, and Counseling: (360) 337-9773

National:
Human Trafficking Hotline: 1(888) 373-7888

06/21/2021