Saint Francis Health System and Oklahoma State University Medical Authority (OSUMA) Enter a Management Contract for Downtown Tulsa Hospital

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

On October 1, 2016, Saint Francis Health System began managing Oklahoma State University Medical Center (OSUMC). The Oklahoma State University Medical Trust voted to enter into a new 10-year management contract with Saint Francis Health System to operate OSUMC in downtown Tulsa and enhance medical residency training programs with the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Under the terms of the agreement, Saint Francis Health System will provide executive leadership, operational oversight and strategic direction for the hospital and its affiliated clinics and programs.

“As an organization committed to the current and future health of Oklahoma, OSU is proud to affiliate with Tulsa’s only locally owned and operated health system and the market leader in healthcare delivery – Saint Francis Health System,” said Dr. Kayse Shrum, President, OSU Center for Health Sciences.

Dr. Shrum added, “Both Saint Francis Health System and OSUMC play an important role in providing access to healthcare to the medically underserved and rural areas in the region. This partnership will allow both organizations to bolster their ability to meet the needs of this vulnerable population.”

“This long-term management contract with Saint Francis includes capital investments to improve hospital facilities and operations as well as medical education commitments to further enhance the longstanding relationship with the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and its medical residency programs in Tulsa,” said Jerry Hudson, chair of the OSU Medical Center Trust.

Saint Francis’ new relationship with OSUMC is not only a benefit to the employees, physicians and medical residents, but also to the current and future patients who will benefit from a strengthened and stabilized OSUMC.

As the teaching hospital for the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, OSUMC plays a vital role preparing the next generation of physicians and other medical providers who will serve Oklahoma. OSUMC, through its residency programs, trains more than 150 physicians each year. A significant number of these physicians choose to practice in rural and underserved areas throughout the region post-residency.

“Saint Francis Health System recognizes the critical need met by OSU medical graduates in the region and seeks to provide a sustainable infrastructure,” said Jake Henry Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Saint Francis Health System. “This is consistent with Vision 2020, our five-year strategic plan that speaks to the development of medical manpower.”

Henry continued, “Saint Francis Health System’s mission to extend Christ’s healing ministry compels us to seek opportunities and relationships that will allow us to further our mission, vision and values within the community. This agreement is one of those opportunities.”

“This agreement further solidifies the financial stability and future growth potential of OSU Medical Center. Saint Francis brings a local partner with an outstanding record of operating superior health centers and a commitment to quality and compassionate care right to the heart of Tulsa,” said OSU President Burns Hargis.