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Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, 12634 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis, MO (2026)

10/14/2026

Alex Gu, MD, a hip and knee specialist with WashU Medicine, spends much of his free time at the playground with his two young daughters. It's the kind of everyday life he works to restore for his patients.

"I was drawn to orthopedics because it combines technical problem-solving with the opportunity to make a very tangible difference in someone's life," Dr. Gu says.

When he first sits down with a patient, before focusing on an X-ray or an operation, he wants to understand the person in front of him: what they're worried about, what they've lost to joint pain, and what they're hoping to get back.

In those conversations, Dr. Gu often hears people assume joint pain is just a normal part of aging. During Bone and Joint Week, he wants to challenge that idea.

While arthritis becomes more common with age, persistent pain and loss of mobility shouldn't automatically be dismissed as "just getting older."

He also encourages patients not to assume they're automatically "too young" or "too old" for a joint replacement.

"The right time for joint replacement isn't defined by a particular birthday," he says. "It's a decision we make together."

His message is simple: Don't wait until the pain becomes unbearable.

"If hip or knee pain is beginning to limit your activities or change the way you live your life, it's worth having a conversation about why."

One patient had spent years gradually giving up activities because of severe hip arthritis. After surgery, they came back and told Dr. Gu they had finally taken a family vacation they never thought would be possible.

"That has always stuck with me because it captures what we are really trying to accomplish," he says. "We aren't simply replacing a hip or knee. We're helping people regain independence and get back to the experiences and people that matter to them."

For some patients, that means taking a trip they've put off for years. For others, it's walking through the grocery store, returning to work, or playing with grandchildren without constantly worrying about pain.

Want to understand your options? Learn more about the BJC HealthCare and WashU Medicine orthopedics program and find a provider near you: https://heyor.ca/huhS3y

08/24/2026

We're proud to celebrate the first robotic-assisted shoulder surgery at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital!

"This is an exciting milestone for our team," says WashU Medicine orthopedic surgeon Alexander Aleem, MD, MSc. "We have access to incredible technology, but what drives us is our commitment to doing what is best for each patient. Robotic-assisted surgery helps us personalize treatment and deliver the high level of care our patients deserve."

For many patients, robotic-assisted techniques offer a higher level of precision to ensure the best possible placement of the replacement.

By combining advanced technology with the expertise of the WashU Medicine Orthopedics team, Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital continues to expand access to leading-edge care close to home.

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

Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, with care provided by WashU Medicine Physicians, is honored to be recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a high-performing hospital in six procedures and conditions: knee replacement, hip replacement, colon cancer surgery, prostate cancer surgery, pneumonia, and kidney failure.

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.

07/21/2026

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

06/18/2026

Stabbing, sharp, and shooting pain in her back and hips had become Debbi's everyday reality. She was only 51, but for nearly two decades, pain had kept her from doing the things she loved—running, tending to her garden, and caring for her chickens.

"It was really miserable," she says. "I couldn't do any of that because I was in too much pain."

Debbi didn’t know it, but her pain was due to a cyst on her spine pressing into a nerve, and a bulging disk was only making things worse. When the pain finally became too severe to live with, a referral to John Ogunlade, DO, a WashU Medicine neurosurgeon specializing in spine care at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, changed everything.

Dr. Ogunlade recommended an endoscopic decompression—an ultra-minimally invasive procedure that uses a tiny camera and specialized instruments to decompress nerves through a 7-millimeter "pinhole" incision, without disturbing healthy tissue.

"When he told me how minimally invasive it was, that blew my mind," Debbi remembers.

The results were immediate. By the time she was home that same evening, the pain was gone—no painkillers, no hot pack, no cold pack.

"Dr. Ogunlade gave me my life back," she says. "He really saved me."

Today, Debbi is doing everything she couldn't do for years, with zero pain.

Read Debbi's story to see how our advanced spine program is helping patients return to the lives they love: https://heyor.ca/UbbbZ5

06/08/2026

Ankle arthritis can make simple activities like walking or standing painful.

At Barnes‑Jewish West County Hospital, patients have access to advanced ankle replacement surgery performed by WashU Medicine Physicians to help get their mobility back.

“For the right patient, ankle replacement can reduce pain and restore more comfortable, confident walking,” says Kelly Hynes, MD, a WashU Medicine orthopedic surgeon, whose program has performed more of these surgeries than any other in the region.

Today’s procedures are more personalized and precise than ever. Using detailed imaging and computer models, surgeons tailor each replacement to the patient’s anatomy—aligning the implant for a better fit and improving long‑term outcomes.

“That level of planning helps the ankle move more naturally and reduces the chance of needing another surgery later,” Dr. Hynes says.

After surgery, patients are able to return to activities they once thought were out of reach—like traveling, spending time outdoors, and staying active throughout the day.

Learn more about how advances in total ankle replacement are helping patients get back on their feet: https://heyor.ca/tqykwa

06/04/2026

Jodi lost her leg—so why was she still feeling pain from it?

After a below-the-knee amputation caused by a severe bone infection, Jodi began experiencing phantom limb pain—sharp, electric sensations that came without warning, often in the middle of the night.

Sleep became nearly impossible.

"It felt like bolts of lightning shooting through my leg," Jodi shares. "It would wake me up throughout the night. I was exhausted."

Jodi lives in a small town north of Hannibal, Missouri. After her amputation, she tried several treatments closer to home, including targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR). But the pain didn't go away.

She was referred to Alexander Chamessian, MD, a WashU Medicine pain management specialist at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, where she learned about another option: spinal cord stimulation.

"Many amputees don't realize there are effective treatments available for phantom limb pain," Dr. Chamessian explains. "Spinal cord stimulation can significantly reduce pain and help patients return to normal activities."

The therapy uses a small implanted device to send mild electrical signals to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain.

The first step is a short trial with the device, and for Jodi, it made a difference right away.

"For the first time in a long time, I slept six to eight hours a night," she says.

Because the trial was so successful, Jodi moved forward with a permanent device during an outpatient procedure at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. The implanted battery lasts up to 10 years—offering long-term relief without the frequent maintenance required by some other pain management treatments.

Today, her phantom limb pain is about 95% gone. She's sleeping better and driving again.

"The pain took both away," Jodi says. "Now I can do them again."

"Dr. Chamessian was phenomenal," she adds. "He listened to me, answered my questions, and was incredibly understanding. Everyone took exceptional care of me."

Read her story to learn how spinal cord stimulation gave Jodi her independence back: https://heyor.ca/AF4Ewx

03/30/2026

𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲. Today, on National Doctors’ Day, we honor the hands that heal, the hearts that carry our community’s health, and the minds that never stop seeking better medicine. Your impact is felt far beyond our hospital walls—in the hope you restore, the lives you save, and the loved ones who return to their families.

Our promise is kept in the daily commitment of our doctors. It is a calling defined by quiet, personal sacrifice: the missed dinners, the long nights at the bedside, and a responsibility that doesn’t end when the shift does. We recognize the physicians who show up, who become the steady anchor a family needs, and who offer a reassuring presence that says: “We are in this together.”

To our physician partners: Thank you for the expertise you bring, the sacrifices you make, and the humanity you offer every person in your care.

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀. We invite you to take a moment to thank a doctor in the comments and let them know the difference they have made in your life.

03/18/2026

For Jean S. Wang, MD, PhD, a WashU Medicine gastroenterologist who has served the St. Louis community for 17 years, the most rewarding part of her work is found in the years added to her patients' lives.

"Seeing a patient grow old with their family because an early-stage cancer was detected and cured is why I do this work," says Dr. Wang. “It is a privilege to help patients through those vulnerable moments."

Dr. Wang is driven by the fact that colon cancer is one of the most preventable and curable cancers. A colonoscopy is the gold standard of available screenings because it is the only tool that allows doctors to both find and treat precancerous growths, called polyps, during the same procedure. By removing these polyps, specialists can effectively stop cancer before it even starts.

This Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Wang shares why a colonoscopy is your best line of defense against colorectal cancer:

Real-time Prevention: Unlike other tests that only look for signs of disease, a colonoscopy allows for the immediate removal of polyps. Catching these growths early significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.

Advanced Technology: Over the last decade, endoscopy techniques have evolved significantly. Using high-definition scopes, specialists can now remove very large polyps and even early-stage cancers that would have required surgery in the past.

A Lower Age for Getting Started: Because colon cancer often has no symptoms in its earliest stages, the recommended age for your first screening has been lowered to 45. (If you are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, you should consult with a specialist regardless of your age.)

Outside the clinic, Dr. Wang stays active with her family to keep her own digestive system healthy. Her best advice for long-term gut health is simple: "Starting at age 45, make sure you schedule your colonoscopy. It is the single most important step you can take to prevent colon cancer."

Are you 45 or older? Take a proactive step for your health—request an appointment for your colonoscopy today: bjc.org/colonoscopy

02/18/2026

For years, Heather felt like her life was passing her by. Weighing more than 300 pounds, the physical burden was only part of the story—it was the emotional toll of withdrawing from the world that hurt the most.

“I isolated myself a lot,” she says. “I put things on hold—dating, experiences, goals—because I was overweight. Mentally, that was the hardest part.”

Determined to be present for her niece and nephew, Heather turned to WashU Medicine Physicians at Barnes-Jewish Hospital for gastric bypass surgery. It was a life-changing first step that helped her lose half her body weight and rediscover her confidence. Heather began celebrating "small" wins that felt monumental—like the first time she flew on a plane without needing a seatbelt extender.

However, long-term weight management is a lifelong journey. About 10 years later, Heather experienced weight regain, something some bariatric patients face. She returned to the WashU Medicine experts at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital for a minimally invasive endoscopic revision. This procedure supported Heather’s renewed weight loss and long-term weight management without the need for additional surgery or weight-loss medication.

By combining her original surgery with the precision of modern endoscopy, Heather is now 130 pounds lighter and living a life she once thought impossible. She recently climbed the steep iron rungs of the Precipice Trail at Acadia National Park—a 1,000-foot ascent she never could have tackled before.

"This journey gave me the tools to take my life back," Heather says. "The only regret I have is not doing it sooner."

Read Heather’s full story to see how our combined surgical and endoscopic bariatric program provides lifelong support for success: https://heyor.ca/babRFn

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