At the same time, the hospitals both in this region and in the state, (CHRISTUS Santa Rosa included), are being challenged by the financial reforms that could impact the hospital patient care to which we have become accustomed. Most of us are aware of the CMS response to the federal fiscal realities: they are decreasing what they previously paid for services and will penalize hospitals which do not meet specific quality metrics. This reduced fee strategy is rapidly being adopted in some form or fashion by other payers, so we should not be surprised when we see it.

Dr. Melora Berardo is the new President of the Medical Staff for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System. She has served the New Braunfels Medical community as a Pathologist since 2000, and has since been the Medical Laboratory Director beginning in 2002. We sat down with Dr. Berardo to find out more about her and her goals for her term as President of the Medical Staff.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: My dad was a physician with the United States Army, so my family travelled a lot. We finally settled in San Antonio when I was in the 8th grade. I attended James Madison High School, went to Trinity University for my undergraduate degree, and then received my medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

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For additional questions please contact your facility Medical Staff Coordinator.  

For questions about the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Emergency Preparedness Plan, please contact Esmeralda Valague, MA, Regional Emergency Preparedness Manager.