For Immediate Release: February 4, 2009

Contact: Brian Reardon (217) 544-6464, ext. 44306

St. John’s selects Dr. Charles Lucore as Executive Director of the Prairie Heart Institute

SPRINGFIELD -- Charles L. Lucore, M.D, F.A.C.C., has been selected as Executive Director of the Prairie Heart Institute (PHI) at St. John’s Hospital.

Dr. Lucore is a graduate of Colgate University and Duke University School of Medicine.  He was a faculty member in the Department of Cardiology at Washington University School of Medicine prior to joining Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants in 1992.  Since joining Prairie, Dr. Lucore has served as Co-director of the cardiac cath lab and Chairman of Cardiology at St. Johns Hospital.  He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a member of the Ethics and Discipline Committee.

“St. John’s Hospital is delighted Dr. Lucore has accepted this position. Under his leadership, we are confident the Prairie Heart Institute will continue providing superior care to patients,” said Robert Ritz, President and CEO of St. John’s Hospital.

Ranked among the top 1% of hospitals for response time to heart attacks, St. John’s Hospital is nationally recognized for excellence in cardiac care. “Our staff creates our success. Because of the talent and commitment of professionals such as Dr. Lucore, our patients receive the best care available,” added Ritz.

In the Executive Director position Dr. Lucore will provide administrative direction to PHI and all cardiovascular services throughout St. John’s Hospital.