A local surgeon from Washington County has been appointed to chair the Surgery Department at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia.
Dr. Erica Ibendahl will collaborate with hospital leadership and work to meet the everchanging needs of the patient community. She will assess areas of opportunity and identify areas for growth within St. Mary’s surgery department to enhance patient experience and ensure high-quality surgical outcomes.
Dr. Ibendahl accepted her new position after being elected by her peers.
With over 10 years of experience, she brings with her extensive first-hand knowledge about how to operate a best-in-class surgical department and will serve a two-year term. Dr. Ibendahl is looking forward to collaborating with hospital leadership on areas of opportunity and growth for the surgery department. She says her goal is to focus on meeting the needs of the patients and servicing them locally as opposed to referring them out to other communities.
“I grew up in Washington County and I chose this community to raise my children in. I want to be a part of serving the people of this region and continue to see good things happen here.”
Ibendahl notes St. Mary’s Hospital’s advanced surgical team spans many different specialties, using the latest technology and advanced procedures to deliver the right care across multiple specialties. She says there is no need to travel far for advanced care needs including hernia repair or heart valve replacement.
