INDIANAPOLIS, March 7, 2005 – Judith Monroe, MD, medical director of the Primary Care Center and Family Medicine Residency Program at St.Vincent Hospitals and Health Services, is the state’s first female commissioner of the Indiana State Department of Health.
The announcement was made today by Gov. Mitch Daniels. Dr. Monroe will also be the medical director of the state's Medicaid program under the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). This joint appointment is the first in the state's history, linking the financially-oriented Medicaid program with the quality-oriented Department of Health.
“This is an incredible challenge for me because it is an opportunity to have an impact on the lives of many people at once,” said Dr. Monroe. “Public health service is an important part of my life. In this role, I'll be able to do more to help Hoosiers turn around their lifestyles so we can become a healthier society.”
Gov. Daniels shares Dr. Monroe’s excitement over her new role.
“Dr. Monroe and I share a vision for improving the quality of life in Indiana by helping Hoosiers incorporate healthy habits into their routines. Ultimately, that will revolutionize health care in Indiana,” said the governor. “Linking the bully pulpit of the health department with the financial weight of Medicaid will allow greater and more rapid evolution of the healthcare delivery system in quality and cost containment.”
Dr. Monroe began her work with St.Vincent in 1992 directing the St.Vincent Family Medicine Residency Program and assumed leadership of St.Vincent’s medical outreach to indigent patients at multiple facilities. She earned her medical degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore.
“Dr. Monroe is the perfect appointment for the combined role serving all Hoosiers. She has been instrumental in furthering the St.Vincent commitment to caring for the poor and underserved,” said Patricia A. Maryland, Dr.P.H., president of St.Vincent Hospitals and Health Services. “Remaining part of the St.Vincent family, Dr. Monroe will continue to provide primary care to a limited patient base at the St.Vincent Faculty Practice. This demonstrates Dr. Monroe’s commitment to furthering her medical expertise while continuing to provide direct patient care.”
About St.Vincent Hospitals & Health Services
St.Vincent Hospitals & Health Services is dedicated to spiritually-centered, holistic care, which sustains and improves the health of individuals and communities. With St.Vincent Indianapolis Hospital as the flagship, the local healthcare ministry also includes St.Vincent Children’s Hospital, St.Vincent Women’s Hospital, St.Vincent Stress Center and St.Vincent Pediatric Rehabilitation Center. As a member of St.Vincent Health, St.Vincent Hospitals and Health Services is one of 16 Indiana facilities in the Indianapolis-based St.Vincent Health network. A member of Ascension Health, the largest not-for-profit health care system in the country, the ageless mission of St.Vincent is to minister to the body, mind and spirit of those in need, regardless of religion.
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