Fred mcQueary, M.D. Named St. john's Clinic President
Feb. 6, 2008

Fred McQueary, M.D., St. John’s Clinic orthopedic surgeon, has been named St. John’s Clinic Springfield Division President. He was chosen from a field of candidates after a nationwide search that began last May. He replaces Walter J. Gaska, M.D., who is transitioning into the role of president emeritus.

“Dr. McQueary has been a leader who has shown a passion for clinical excellence and a vision that will help St. John’s move into the future. We look forward to his continued leadership,” said Kim Day, St. John’s Health System president and CEO. “We owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Gaska for the service he has provided over the past 8 years. Dr. Gaska has been a very important part of the health care team at St. John’s and we are pleased he will continue as president emeritus, assisting St. John’s Foundation for Community Health’s fundraising efforts and focusing on special projects at St. John’s Clinic.

Dr. McQueary holds a number of leadership positions at St. John’s including: department chair for surgical specialties; hospital chief of surgery; and serves as a member of St. John’s Health Plans and St. John’s Health System boards of directors. Both Drs. Gaska and McQueary will continue their medical practices in their new roles.

He joined St. John’s in 1986 after serving as an assistant orthopedic surgeon at Harvard University Health System and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He earned his medical degree in 1980 at University of Missouri – Columbia; completed a residency at University of Iowa Hospitals and a clinical fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

“Having worked closely with Fred over the past number of years, I think he is an excellent choice to lead our clinic into the future – leading efforts locally and regionally and extending its national recognition,” said Brian Mahaffey, M.D., St. John’s Clinic board chairman. “I think he will do a great job following Walt, who led our Clinic to where it is considered one of the best multispecialty clinics in the United States.”

For media information, contact St. John’s Media Relations at 417-820-2426 or cora.scott@mercy.net.