One of U.S. News & World Report's top ranked pediatric hospitals in America St. As one of the top-ranked children’s hospitals in the country, St.
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Louis Children’s Hospital is dedicated to improving the health and lives of children. Louis Children’s Hospital provides care in more than 50 specialty areas through a dedicated team of physicians, nurses, staff and volunteers. Along with inpatient and outpatient medical care, the hospital offers education, wellness and injury-prevention programs to fulfill its mission to “do what’s right for kids.”
11/12/2025
Our favorite bear is celebrating a birthday! 🎉 🎈
Help Louie celebrate by purchasing a ticket for the game or donating a gift to our Child Life wish list: https://heyor.ca/MQrHsu
Happy Birthday, Louie! 💙 🏒
Blues fans, it's party time - Louie's turning another year older, and he's celebrating the best way he knows how: by giving back! Presented by St. Louis Children's Hospital and BJC HealthCare, Louie's Birthday Bash on Friday, Nov. 14 is more than just a...
11/06/2025
Last fall, 65-year-old Pam took a trip with her sister to North Carolina, but she struggled to keep up. Pam’s osteoarthritis—where cartilage wears down and bones painfully rub together—made everyday activities, including walking, agonizing.
“I couldn’t do the things I wanted to do with my sister, 10 grandchildren, and my great-grandchild,” Pam says. “The pain I was having made everything harder.”
Pam sought care from Anthony Berni, MD, a BJC Medical Group orthopedic surgeon at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. Dr. Berni suggested knee replacement, recommending the procedure be performed with robotic assistance.
This modern approach uses a robotic arm, sensors, and software to help Dr. Berni create a personalized surgical plan and identify the perfect size implant. As Dr. Berni explains, "This level of accuracy in implant placement can lead to improved joint function, a more natural feel, and potentially a quicker, smoother recovery."
Pam was initially nervous, but was made to feel completely at ease thanks to the supportive care team. "Dr. Berni was amazing. He explained everything clearly, listened to my concerns, and made me feel confident I was in the best hands possible."
Today, Pam is walking pain-free, enjoying the outdoors, and making up for lost time. She’s planning a second trip with her sister, and she can’t wait to fully enjoy it.
Read the full story of how Pam is walking strong again after her knee replacement: https://heyor.ca/tFqvYT
11/05/2025
We are pleased to welcome Akhila Padi, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician, to the BJC Medical Group team at Sunset Hills Adult Medicine.
Her desire to pursue a career in medicine was inspired by watching the care her grandfather received when he was very sick. This experience led Dr. Padi to become a primary care physician, which combines her curiosity and love for science with making an impact on her community.
Dr. Padi is dedicated to providing patient-centered care by building trust and strong relationships. As a provider, she focuses heavily on preventive health care, actively striving to improve patients' overall well-being and enhance their quality of life. Dr. Padi shares, "The most rewarding aspect of being a primary care physician is empowering and educating my patients to take control of their health."
Dr. Padi treats patients 18 and older, offering a comprehensive range of services. This includes preventive care like annual physicals, vaccinations, and cancer screenings. She also manages acute and chronic health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, and COPD, along with behavioral health issues such as anxiety, depression, obesity, and alcohol and substance abuse.
Originally from South Carolina, Dr. Padi has fully immersed herself in Saint Louis. She loves exploring the city's food scene, and when she's not caring for patients, she can be found hiking trails or reading, often spending time at Forest Park and Tower Grove Park with her dog, Olive.
Our patients had a frightfully fun time celebrating Halloween. With costumes, goodie bags, and festive activities planned by Child Life Services, St. Louis Children’s was filled with smiles and fun. Special thanks to the St. Louis Blues for a fun event.
Also, thanks to everyone who donated to send plush stuffies to all our patients—your thoughtfulness made the day special and one they won’t forget!
10/30/2025
Patients and families at St. Louis Children’s Hospital selected Halloween costumes during a special party made possible by Spirit Halloween and their program. The party also featured crafts and activities, bringing the magic of Halloween to life for children and their families in the hospital.
You can help keep that magic going! When you shop at Spirit Halloween, present this coupon at checkout or enter promo code GIVING25 at SpiritHalloween.com to receive 10% off your entire order. Spirit Halloween will then make a matching 10% donation to St. Louis Children’s.
10/28/2025
We are thrilled to welcome Christopher Miller, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician, to BJC Medical Group at Lake St. Louis.
Dr. Miller's decision to pursue medicine was inspired by growing up around a medical care environment and a strong desire to make a difference in his community. He chose family medicine because it allows him to work with both kids and adults while building long-term relationships with patients.
His philosophy as a provider is best captured by what drives him most: "I’m motivated to establish a deep trust and understanding with my patients, and by seeing progress and improvement in their day-to-day lives."
This philosophy translates into care focused on effective communication and empathy. He is passionate about preventive medicine, working closely with patients on lifestyle changes, screenings, and wellness checks to help stop health issues before they develop.
Dr. Miller sees patients ages 13 and older, offering a comprehensive range of services. This includes preventive care like annual physicals, immunizations, and men’s health services. He also manages chronic conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, along with men's health services like testosterone replacement and erectile dysfunction.
Originally from the Kansas City area, Dr. Miller is excited to be living and caring for patients in and around St. Louis. He enjoys spending time with his family exploring the area, visiting parks, playing sports, and enjoying St. Louis sports.
It’s officially spooky season, and we need your help.
Purchase a plush Halloween friend for just TEN BUCKS and you can brighten a patient’s day. Each $10 gift provides one child a hand delivered stuffie on October 31.
EJ, an aspiring pilot, is your typical 13-year-old boy. He loves playing video games, is an active swimmer, and enjoys riding around on his hoverboard. But for many years, EJ had been limited from certain activities due to his scoliosis.
EJ was born with DiGeorge syndrome, a genetic disorder in which a tiny piece of chromosome 22 is missing. It can cause many health problems, including heart irregularities and scoliosis. Without surgery to correct it, the heart can’t pump oxygenated blood to the body.
At only eight days old, EJ had what would become the first of four heart surgeries. Recently, he took another big step in his health care journey when he had corrective scoliosis surgery at St. Louis Children’s Hospital by WashU Medicine Physicians to repair the curvature in his spine.
While we know our kiddos would prefer to be out playing instead of staying at the hospital, the benefits of spending more time with us mean that we get to really know them. When EJ mentioned that he went to a career camp and loved the flight simulator, our team knew they had to get EJ—who was once medically airlifted to St. Louis Children's for emergency care—in the copilot's seat with the help of our friends at Air Methods.
We're so proud of how far EJ has come and can't wait to see how high he flies! 🚁❤️
10/23/2025
When Kalynn, 16, arrived at St. Louis Children’s Hospital following brain surgery to remove a tumor, her recovery was complicated by posterior fossa syndrome—a condition that temporarily impaired her speech, facial expression, and motor skills. For a girl whose life had revolved around music in the form of marching band, choir, and theater, it was devastating.
That’s when she met Claire, one of St. Louis Children's Hospital's board-certified music therapists.
“From the first time Claire came in with her guitar and piano, I noticed Kalynn became more alert and engaged,” says Kalynn’s mom. “When she started singing and playing piano again, something clicked. It was like parts of her brain started waking up. She smiled and laughed, and we started seeing her personality again.”
For Kalynn, integrating music therapy into her other therapies became a turning point in her healing.
“Music therapy was the catalyst that pushed her to excel with her other therapies,” says Kalynn's mom. “Her expression changed. Her whole demeanor changed. We saw the light come back.”
Her care team noticed, too. As Kalynn’s engagement increased, so did her progress in physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Now home and continuing her treatment, Kalynn’s family has created a “therapy room” inspired by her experience at Children's—complete with a keyboard, instruments, and music therapy techniques they learned from Claire.
“We’ll use what we learned to help her continue to grow—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.”
Congratulations to Kalynn on all of her hard work and progress. It's great to see you shine! ❤️
10/23/2025
We are excited to welcome Marley Jackson, FNP-BC, a certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in neurology, to our BJC Medical Group team.
Marley sees patients 18 and older at both BJC Medical Group Neurology Associates at Progress West and BJC Medical Group Neurology Associates at St. Charles. She is passionate about helping patients solve complex neurological puzzles and improving their quality of life.
Leveraging her experience as a nurse in the neurology intensive care unit (ICU), Marley builds trusting, long-term relationships with every patient. She provides thorough explanations of neurological conditions and treatment options, ensuring patients have detailed insights and clearly understand their treatment plans.
Marley's specialized expertise covers a wide range of conditions, including migraines, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and sleep disorders, as well as spinal cord injuries, back pain, and neurological cancers. She also performs in-office procedures such as EEG testing and administers Botox® for chronic migraines.
Originally from Brookfield, Missouri, Marley enjoys staying active by working out, reading, crocheting, and spending quality time with her family.
We are pleased to welcome Darrin Jalloh, MD, an internal medicine physician, to the BJC Medical Group team at Sunset Hills Adult Medicine.
Dr. Jalloh entered health care to combine his interest in science with his drive to help others—solving problems that make a meaningful impact on patients' lives. He ultimately went into primary care, where he embraces the privilege of building long-term, trusted relationships with patients.
His proudest moment as a doctor embodies his dedication to clinical expertise and compassionate care. A patient with multiple, complex issues had been in and out of the hospital for months, but Dr. Jalloh and his team's collaborative, multidisciplinary approach stabilized the patient so he could return home to his family: "Seeing his improvement and the gratitude from both him and his loved ones was incredibly rewarding and reinforced why I chose this profession."
Dr. Jalloh's approach is a true partnership, emphasizing preventive care and shared decision-making. He prioritizes open communication, dedicating time to educate patients about their health conditions, and empowering them to actively participate in their personalized treatment plans.
Treating patients 18 and older, Dr. Jalloh offers a comprehensive range of services. This includes preventive care like annual physicals, well-woman exams, vaccinations, and cancer screenings. He also provides management for both acute and chronic conditions, such as injuries, illnesses, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure, and obesity, while also prescribing weight-loss medications and providing vitamin therapy.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Dr. Jalloh stays active by working out and exploring the local parks and trails in both Missouri and Illinois. He also enjoys trying new restaurants and spending time with family and friends.
We had the best time kicking off the Halloween season with 1,000 of our friends from across St. Louis at our Trunk or Treat Event. 🎃
Families joined us in costume at Children's Specialty Care Center–West County for a bubble bus, a helicopter landing(!), and—of course—candy.
We loved being able to celebrate childhood joy with the kiddos of our community, and we're already looking forward to next year!
10/20/2025
Congratulations to our latest DAISY Award winner, Hannah! The DAISY Award is given to extraordinary nurses, and Hannah was nominated by her colleagues as someone who is compassionate, calm, and consistent.
According to her nominator, Hannah is the kind of nurse “you remember for a lifetime.” Whether it’s a fellow team member, a patient, or their family, someone always seems to take notice of Hannah’s warmth, helpfulness, and incredible heart.
“She represents our BJC values in everything she does,” writes her colleague. “She is the calm in the storm, the gentle voice of reassurance, the helping hand that appears before you ask.”
This nomination wasn’t about one heroic moment, but hundreds. “It’s about the families she comforted, the teammates she supported during tough shifts, and the patients she kept safe by always being willing to step up.”
Without Hannah, her nominator adds, the unit “would be missing not just an exceptional nurse, but an amazing human being. She is a leader, a teammate, and a deeply compassionate person. The DAISY Award exists for nurses like her—those who change lives every single day, often without realizing it.”
Congratulations, Hannah, and thank you for always doing what's right for kids. ❤️
10/20/2025
Think using your joints too much wears them out? Think again! 🦴 We're wrapping up Bone and Joint Week by debunking one of the biggest myths in orthopedics.
Meet Thomas Berkbigler, DO, PT, a BJC Medical Group orthopedic surgeon at Parkland Health Center, whose core philosophy is that movement is preservation.
Having been a physical therapist before becoming a physician, Dr. Berkbigler challenges the myth that activity wears out your joints. In fact, activity is key to preventing major surgery later in life: "When a person maintains an active lifestyle, joint health tends to be preserved."
His most important advice? "Stay active and keep moving."
While focused on preservation, Dr. Berkbigler also understands how life-altering surgery can be. Orthopedic surgeons might not often save lives, Dr. Berkbigler says, but "instead, we like to say we save lifestyles." The highlight of his work is seeing patients return to the activities they love after a successful procedure.
Dr. Berkbigler’s natural aptitude for surgery is rooted in his past. Growing up, he learned carpentry from his father—a background that gives him a unique understanding of how mechanics, structure, and physical medicine come together. Today, he applies those skills to his surgical specialty. He credits physical activities like woodworking and tending to his land in Farmington with keeping him grounded, strong, and mentally sharp enough to perform complex procedures.
To secure a strong, active future, Dr. Berkbigler encourages everyone to commit to being more active. For one small change, he recommends getting at least 20 minutes of exercise daily. To further support your joints, he also advises limiting soda and juice. These sugary drinks are common culprits because they can contribute to inflammation and poor bone density over time.
Ready to take the next step in bone and joint preservation? Learn more about our orthopedics program and find a provider near you for expert guidance and a personalized plan to keep you strong and active: https://heyor.ca/huhS3y
10/19/2025
We are pleased to welcome David Lotsoff, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist, to BJC Medical Group Gastroenterology at Edwardsville.
At his practice, patients can expect Dr. Lotsoff to be compassionate and dedicated to clearly explaining their diagnoses, ensuring they understand their conditions and treatment options. He enjoys practicing gastroenterology because the uniqueness of each patient drives him to ensure every plan is personalized to address the individual's needs and goals and to improve their quality of life.
Dr. Lotsoff specializes in treating complex issues like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and eosinophilic esophagitis, along with general conditions such as IBS, anemia, and abdominal pain. He performs critical procedures, including colonoscopies and upper endoscopies.
Highly regarded by his peers, Dr. Lotsoff has been recognized as one of the area's Top Doctors® by Castle Connolly. This distinction represents the top 7% of all U.S. practicing physicians and acknowledges his excellence in clinical care as well as his interpersonal skills.
Originally from Chicago, he isn’t much of a Cubs fan, but loves cheering on the St. Louis Blues. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Lotsoff enjoys traveling, cooking, running, skiing, reading, and spending quality time with his family and pets.
Don’t forget to join us for Trunk or Treat Sunday, Oct. 19, at Children's Specialty Care Center–West County.
We hope to see you there!
10/17/2025
We are excited to welcome Ahmed Hussein, MD, a board-certified cardiologist, to BJC Medical Group Cardiology at Belleville.
When patients see Dr. Hussein, they can expect an approach centered on compassionate, evidence-based care. He is committed to providing clear communication, dedicating time to educate and involve patients in their care, and ensuring patients feel confident and respected throughout their journey.
Dr. Hussein is an expert in utilizing the most advanced and minimally invasive treatments available, offering solutions that typically mean faster recovery and less impact on your body. Whether you are dealing with coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, or valvular diseases (like aortic stenosis), his expertise covers a wide range of complex heart conditions.
As an interventional and structural cardiologist, this expertise translates into specialized care, including complex, life-changing procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), coronary angioplasty and stenting, transcatheter mitral valve repair, and the placement of mechanical circulatory support devices.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Hussein enjoys staying active through walking, biking, and exercising, and he loves exploring the St. Louis area with his family.
We love to see our amazing kiddos get a well-deserved moment in the spotlight!
Congratulations to Dash, who was just discharged from St. Louis Children's after a successful heart transplant—and over a year waiting for a donor. As you can imagine, the months of waiting were tough on both Dash and his family, but his love of football and some extra encouragement from Iowa State Football kept him going.
Dash is finally home with his new heart, and our entire team was proud to cheer him on as he rang the bell.
Watch Dash's story as the grand finale of NBC News' Good News segment and join us in congratulating him on reaching this incredible milestone! https://heyor.ca/SZwf87
After more than a year in St. Louis Children’s Hospital, 9-year-old Dash Burr got the ultimate birthday gift when he received a new heart, a surprise parade from the hospital’s staff, and a special message from Iowa State football quarterback Rocco Becht. NBC News’ Jose Diaz-Balart has that st...
10/17/2025
For years, Bruce’s hip pain kept him from getting the most out of life.
The constant pain forced him to not only surrender his beloved fishing trips, but also filled simple, daily acts like walking or getting out of bed with agony. Bruce knew he needed a hip replacement, but the thought of surgery made him nervous.
Bruce finally made the decision to move forward with the procedure, choosing BJC Medical Group orthopedic surgeon Jesse Beard, DO, at Parkland Health Center.
Dr. Beard used the advanced anterior approach for the hip replacement—a less invasive technique designed for a faster recovery. Dr. Beard was also able to correct a significant difference in leg length that Bruce had developed due to the severity of his hip damage, leading to improved balance and movement.
The results were life-changing.
“I’m so glad I did it,” Bruce says. “I feel fabulous. The pain is gone, and I am moving around more easily—getting out, staying active, and just feeling like myself again.”
For Bruce, the most powerful part of his experience was the care he received along the way.
“They didn’t just treat my hip; they eased my nerves and gave me peace of mind.” Bruce said. “That meant everything to me, and I knew I was in the right place.”
Now, Bruce is back on his feet and can't wait to cast a reel again. Read Bruce's full story: https://heyor.ca/74QmYi
10/16/2025
You have the power to bring a smile to a child’s face this Halloween.
With your gift of just $10, you’ll send a spooky-cute plush creature to a young patient at St. Louis Children’s—brightening their day when they need it most. While some of these kids can’t participate in traditional Halloween activities, you can bring the magic of Halloween to them.
❌ Don’t believe the myth that orthopedic surgeons only want to operate. This Bone and Joint Week, we are setting the record straight: Our specialists are here to find the right treatment for you. Consulting a surgeon doesn't guarantee a procedure—it guarantees an expert evaluation of your options.
Meet Kevin Quigley, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician with BJC Medical Group at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters and Progress West. As a musculoskeletal expert, Dr. Quigley’s first course of action is almost always non-operative care. His main goal is to create a personalized plan to manage symptoms and find your best path to pain relief—surgery is the last resort.
When surgery is necessary, Dr. Quigley embraces the latest technology. He notes that robotic-assisted joint replacement has been a "game-changer" for the field: "Improved accuracy leads to less damage to surrounding muscle and soft tissue, which translates to faster early recovery from these surgeries."
For Dr. Quigley, it is rewarding to help people suffering from joint pain, which he knows can be draining, both physically and mentally. The best part of his job is seeing patients who were once struggling return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Dr. Quigley's 35 years of high-level soccer gave him a unique perspective on joint health and injury recovery. Having relied on excellent doctors and trainers throughout his athletic career, he now uses that experience to "pay it forward," providing highly empathetic care and expert guidance to young athletes facing similar challenges.
Not a pro athlete? Dr. Quigley encourages everyone to get moving for at least 30 minutes a day. Simple, low-impact activity not only helps strengthen bones, support joint health, and build muscle, but also offers great cardiovascular, psychological, and sleep benefits. If you aren’t sure where to begin, walking is a great place to start.
Ready to take the next step in bone and joint preservation? Learn more about our orthopedics program and find a provider near you for expert guidance and a personalized plan to keep you strong and active: https://heyor.ca/huhS3y
10/13/2025
Most people know that organ donation can save a life—but in a recent case at St. Louis Children's Hospital, an organ donation helped not just one, but two patients.
“One donor gave the gift of life that ultimately helped two children,” said Dr. Jacob Miller, a WashU Medicine pediatric heart surgeon. “This was a remarkable team effort. The expertise and collaboration that made this possible is extraordinary, and we’re so gratified that both patients are doing well.”
This groundbreaking case was the first living pediatric “domino” partial heart transplant in the Midwest. The procedure has only been performed at seven other hospitals in the U.S.
A domino transplant occurs when one donor’s organ is transplanted into a patient, who then becomes a donor for another patient. In this case, the first pediatric patient needed a new heart. Despite damage to the patient’s heart, the heart valves were healthy, which offered an opportunity for another child to benefit. When a donor heart became available, the first patient received a total heart transplant. Surgeons then removed that patient’s fully functioning aortic heart valve and transplanted it into another young patient whose aortic valve was failing. Through this domino procedure, two children received lifesaving treatment.
“This is a milestone for our team and for patients and families hoping for long-term solutions,” said Dr. Eli Fredman, a WashU Medicine pediatric cardiologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “None of this would be possible without the trust our patients’ families place in us and the extraordinary generosity of donor families, whose decisions give hope to others.”
St. Louis Children's Hospital and WashU Medicine have been at the forefront of pediatric organ transplantation for decades and today offer pediatric transplantation programs for lung, kidney, liver, and bone marrow. We remain one of the only pediatric programs in the country to perform heart-lung transplants.
With clinicians’ commitment to innovative care, the Heart Center has become one of only eight programs in the nation to perform this rare, lifesaving procedure.
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For more than 140 years, St. Louis Children's Hospital has provided exceptional care for children in all 50 states and 80 countries around the world. With its academic partner, Washington University School of Medicine, Children’s is consistently ranked among the nation’s best pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
A member of BJC Healthcare, Children’s follows one simple mission – to do what’s right for kids. That mission comes to life through medical discovery, innovative therapies and compassionate care.
Children's is the oldest children's hospital west of the Mississippi River and is one of America's leading institutions dedicated to treatment and care of infants and children. Each year, more than 250,000 patients visit the hospital, which offers comprehensive services in every medical and surgical specialty and in 2018, Children's expanded with a state-of-the-art, 12-story medical tower.
Children’s relies on generous donors to deliver specialized care for families in need, extend health care services to the community, and pursue research that promises to transform pediatric medicine.
To find out more, visit StLouisChildrens.org or find us on Twitter and Instagram at @STLchildrens.
