Franciscan Spirit Award presented to third-year resident of Saint Louis University’s Family Medicine
Franciscan Spirit Award presented to third-year resident of Saint Louis University’s Family Medicine Residency Program at O’Fallon, IL
13 Graduates recently honored at a special ceremony
O’FALLON, Ill. – HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital proudly celebrated 13 physicians who graduated from the Saint Louis University (SLU) Family Medicine Residency Program, based at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, during a ceremony at Enjoy Church in O’Fallon, Illinois, on June 27, 2025.
“Each year, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital recognizes one very special graduating physician with the Franciscan Spirit Award. It is presented to someone who truly embodies our Core Values in their daily interactions with fellow colleagues, patients and their family members,” said Chris Klay, President and CEO, HSHS Southern Illinois Market, which includes St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.
The 2025 Franciscan Spirit Award was presented to Captain Ross Stanton, MD, JD, MPH, as nominated by his peers, faculty, St. Elizabeth’s colleagues and medical staff and chosen by the hospital’s senior leadership team.
Nominations highlighted that Dr. Stanton cares deeply for the patients that he serves, always placing their needs at the center of his care plans. It was noted that he is thoughtful in his decision-making and takes into account social determinants of health in addition to practicing evidence-based medicine. It was also noted that he brings a great spirit of compassion to the workplace.
The Saint Louis University Family Medicine Residency Program is the only fully integrated civilian/military residency that is military- and community-based. These medical professionals have trained at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for three years in this unique program. It allows the hospital and its partners to continue to deliver quality-driven care to patients while providing the family medicince residents with a diverse experience in providing care to both the general public and the local military community.
Residents in the SLU Family Medicine Residency are trained in comprehensive obstetrical care, inpatient medicine including in the Intensive Care Unit, and a variety of in-house specialties.
“St. Elizabeth’s has been caring for the communities of the Metro East since 1875 and we are privileged to partner with Saint Louis University, Scott Air Force Base, SIHF Healthcare on this innovative, teaching collaborative,” Klay added. “Programs like this play a crucial role to combat the national need for more primary care doctors and the residents are graduating at a critical time to help fill the need for physicians in this important specialty.”
To learn more about the Saint Louis University Family Medicine Residency program and other St. Elizabeth’s teaching hospital programs, visit https://www.hshs.org/StElizabeths/Education-Training.
