St. Luke's Des Peres Hospital

07/08/2025

🎉 Welcome to St. Luke’s Medical Group, Saskia Chaskelson, WHNP-BC!

We’re excited to welcome Saskia Chaskelson, WHNP-BC, to the St. Luke’s team! Saskia is a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner specializing in comprehensive gynecologic and obstetric care across every stage of life.

She provides expert, patient-centered support in areas such as contraception counseling, hormone therapy, fertility guidance, and preventive care. With experience in both private practice and community-based settings, Saskia is also highly skilled in procedures like IUD and Nexplanon insertions, endometrial biopsies, and diagnostic evaluations.

Saskia is passionate about compassionate, culturally informed care, empowering women to make confident, informed choices about their health.

Now accepting new patients!
📞 Call 314-205-6788 to schedule an appointment.

Welcome, Saskia—we’re so glad you’re here! 💙

07/01/2025

🎉 Welcome to St. Luke’s Medical Group, Kari Tocco, AG-ACNP!

We’re pleased to welcome Kari Tocco, AG-ACNP, to the St. Luke’s team! As an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Kari supports our general surgery patients with deep expertise and compassionate care.

With over a decade of experience in critical care, surgical ICUs, and emergency medicine, Kari brings a calm, thoughtful presence and advanced clinical insight to every stage of the surgical journey. Her background includes specialized training in trauma surgery, neuro/surgical ICU, and cardiology, making her a strong advocate for safe, personalized care.

Kari is committed to clear communication, teamwork, and partnering with families to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

Welcome, Kari—we’re so glad to have you on board! 💙

06/26/2025

Do you have Idiopathic Hypersomnia? You may be eligible to participate in a research study to see if a once-nightly investigational medication is safe and effective for individuals with IH. Make a difference by contributing to science and helping others with excessive daytime sleepiness!

Visit this link for more information:
https://www.stlukes-stl.com/services/sleep-medicine/research/CLFT218-2401-study

06/22/2025

Are you battling excessive daytime sleepiness? Our Sleep Center is researching a once nightly oxybate medication to see if it is safe and helpful in patients with Idiopathic Hypersomnia. Click to learn more about this clinical trial and see if you are eligible!
https://www.stlukes-stl.com/services/sleep-medicine/research/CLFT218-2401-study

06/21/2025

🎙️ New Episode of Doc Discussions, with Dr. Jason Edwards, is Live!
"What Makes a Great Surgeon? A Global Perspective with Dr. Christopher Cronin"

This week, host Dr. Jason Edwards sits down with Dr. Christopher Cronin for an eye-opening conversation on how surgical training varies around the globe — from Australia to America.

🔍 Hear firsthand how Dr. Cronin’s experience with over 130 thyroid surgeries abroad shaped his philosophy on mentorship, precision, and what truly defines a great surgeon.
💡 The answer might surprise you.

If you’re in healthcare — or just curious about the human side of surgical excellence — this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform, or listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359789/episodes/17360294-building-medical-character-how-great-surgeons-are-made

What happens when medical legacy intersects with personal passion? In this captivating conversation, host Jason Edwards sits down with general surgeon Dr. Christopher Cronin, who shares the remarkable story of his grandfather, AJ Cronin—a physicia...

06/20/2025

🔥 EXTREME HEAT WARNING: JUNE 21–25 🔥
🚨 A Dangerous Heat Wave is expected to impact our region starting NOON SATURDAY through 9 PM TUESDAY (CDT).

🌡️ What to Expect:

Heat Index Values may exceed 110°F

Dangerously hot conditions for several days

Increased risk of heat-related illness

✅ Protect Yourself:

Stay hydrated—drink water regularly

Limit time outdoors, especially in the afternoon

Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing

Never leave people or pets in a closed car

Check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable individuals

🏥 St. Luke’s is here for you — If you or someone you know shows signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately.

📢 Share this message. Look out for one another. Stay safe and cool!

06/20/2025

☀️ Hello, Summer! The 2025 Summer Solstice is Here ☀️

At 10:42 p.m. ET on Friday, June 20, we welcome the official start of summer — the longest day of the year, according to NASA!

As we celebrate more daylight and brighter days ahead, it's also the perfect moment to embrace healthy summer habits that help us feel our best all season long. 🌿💪

Here are a few ways to enjoy a healthier summer:
✅ Stay hydrated — carry a water bottle everywhere
✅ Protect your skin with SPF and shade
✅ Get moving — take walks, swim, or bike
✅ Load up on fresh fruits and veggies
✅ Make time to relax and recharge outdoors

Let’s make this summer one of well-being, sunshine, and joyful movement — for ourselves and our communities. 🌻

Happy Summer Solstice from all of us at St. Luke’s!

06/19/2025

❤️💛💚 Honoring Juneteenth: A Day of Freedom and Reflection

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated remembrance of the end of slavery in the United States.

On June 19, 1865 — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation — enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom. Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of resilience, justice, and the ongoing journey toward true equity.

At St. Luke’s, we honor this day by celebrating Black history, recognizing the strength of the Black community, and reaffirming our commitment to inclusion, understanding, and dignity for all.

Let today be a time to reflect, learn, and uplift voices that have shaped and continue to shape our nation’s story.

Happy Juneteenth.

06/19/2025

🌻 Congratulations to our Patient Care Technician Sunflower Award Winners & Certificate of Excellence Recipients! 🌟

Please join us in celebrating some truly exceptional members of our Patient Care Technician team!

🌻 Sunflower Award Winners
These caregivers embody the spirit of empathy, kindness, and dedication. They go above and beyond to brighten the lives of their patients and coworkers — just like a sunflower turning toward the light.

🏆 Certificate of Excellence Recipients
Recognized for their outstanding professionalism, compassion, and contributions to patient care, these individuals set the bar high and inspire those around them every day.

Your commitment to excellence and heartfelt care does not go unnoticed. We are proud to have such incredible team members at St. Luke’s. Thank you for being the heart of our healthcare family. 💙

06/18/2025

💙 Celebrating Patient Care Technician Week – Day & Night! 🌞🌙

At St. Luke’s, we’re proud to recognize the dedication and compassion of our Patient Care Technicians — both day and night shift — who go above and beyond to support our patients and care teams.

To show our appreciation, we served up a delicious boxed lunch to both shifts this week — because great care deserves great food! 🥪🍓🍪

From early mornings to overnight hours, your tireless commitment does not go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do to keep our mission of compassionate care alive 24/7. 💪👏

06/17/2025

🎉 Welcome to St. Luke’s Medical Group, Toni Edwards, FNP-C, AANP!

We’re thrilled to welcome Toni Edwards, FNP-C, AANP, to our cardiothoracic surgery team! Toni is a skilled nurse practitioner who provides exceptional pre- and post-operative care, including detailed assessments, patient education, and coordination of treatment plans.

With extensive experience in critical care and cardiothoracic step-down, Toni has cared for patients with complex cardiac conditions such as valve disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. She is passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and works closely with our surgical team to support recovery and long-term heart health.

Welcome, Toni—we’re excited to have you on the team! 💙