About Us
St. Joseph Hospital is a values-based Catholic health care provider with a tradition of and commitment to excellence, based on the vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. The hospital's strong belief in the intrinsic dignity of each person commits it to be a just employer to our caregivers; to provide health care for the whole person, body, mind and spirit; and to collaborate with our medical staff and other health care providers to increase access to quality care.
St. Joseph Hospital is one of 51 hospitals within Providence, the third largest not-for-profit health system in the United States. As a Providence ministry, St. Joseph Hospital's rich tradition of serving the health care needs of our community flow from our core values of Compassion, Dignity, Justice, Excellence and Integrity. These values shape each interaction with every person the hospital touches.
As a result, St. Joseph Hospital has become the largest and busiest hospitals in Orange County, as well as the hospital of choice in our service area. Our quality indicators are second to none. We take pride in providing high-quality, excellent care through the integration of best practices, a focus on leading-edge research, investment in the latest medical technology and responsiveness to community needs.
St. Joseph Hospital is committed to providing compassionate, reliable and safe care. That’s why we continually implement quality initiatives that ensure our patients receive the absolute best care. Our quality dashboard shows our progress on five quality measures.
Thank you for allowing us to serve your health care needs.
St. Joseph Hospital has been setting the gold standard for health care in Orange County as one of Orange County's first hospitals. Since opening in September of 1929, our dedication to service, compassion, and quality health care has put St. Joseph Hospital in the forefront of both medical innovation and medical triumph.
The compassionate spirit of our founding Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange lives on. From physicians, to nurses, to professional staff, to volunteers and donors, all are deeply committed to giving the care and service that characterizes St. Joseph Hospital. From the very beginning, our talented and caring clinicians have worked hard to achieve many milestones in the hospital's rich history.
Physician Pioneers
Dr. Herbert Johnston a noted surgeon in Anaheim, convinced the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange that the county needed a modern hospital. Thus began St. Joseph Hospital. He established the hospital’s first medical staff, comprised of fewer than 50 doctors.
Among them was a young physician who worked in Dr. Johnston’s clinic, Dr. Milo Tedstrom. It was Dr. Tedstrom who admitted the hospital’s first patient on September 16, 1929. He went on to become the first internist and cardiologist in Orange County, was the Chief of the Medical Staff from 1934 to 1936, and was a vital member of the Medical Staff for 48 years. One of his heart patients became the first person on the West Coast to have a pacemaker installed. He served as Chairman of the hospital’s Executive Board from 1961 to 1965, during which time St. Joseph Hospital opened its first major expansion - a 290-bed hospital building. He also set up St. Joseph Hospital’s first diabetes clinic. With all his accomplishments, Dr. Tedstrom’s favorite medical task was treating patients in diabetic comas. “You would come in and see them unconscious, and you would give them the proper dose of insulin and have them come out of it and live,” he said. ‘It was a big thrill.”
Dr. C.D. Ball was the first member of the Ball family of physicians to join the St. Joseph Hospital Medical Staff, in 1929, was C.D. Ball. In those days, it was common for him to fight flooding rivers and brave the rattle snakes of Gospel Swamps (today called Fountain Valley) to attend to sick patients. The Ball family came from a long line of American physicians, traced back to Silas Ball who practiced during the Revolutionary War in the 1700s. Six of C.D.’s sons and grandsons continued the family tradition here, the last being Orthopedic Surgeon Donald Ball, M.D., who retired and became a member emeritus in 2008. Those who served at St. Joseph Hospital include C.D., Dexter R., John, John Jr., Dexter T., Robert and Donald Ball. Their contributions to medicine extend beyond St. Joseph Hospital. C.D. was the founder of the Orange County Medical Association, and he, along with Dexter R., John D. Sr. and Dexter T., all eventually served as an OCMA presidents.
Dr. Ralph White, who logged six decades of service in Orange County, joined the St. Joseph Hospital Medical Staff in 1939 when there were 200 Medical Staff members. He watched the Medical Staff grow to more than 1,000 members. Dr. White estimates he delivered 1,500 babies during his tenure. He recalls, “There weren’t any specialists when I started out in the field...My specialty is the skin and all of its contents.” After retiring in 1976, Dr. White continued to support St. Joseph Hospital’s mission as a volunteer and donor. He elaborates, “St. Joseph Hospital has always been in the forefront of advancements in medicine, surgical techniques, the whole gamut, really, of medical practice. The hospital wouldn’t be what it is without donations.”
When another of Orange County’s pioneer physicians, Dr. Jesse Burlew, passed away in 1950 he bequeathed funds to maintain the doctor’s library, now named the Burlew Library. He practiced for 43 years in Santa Ana, and is a past Chairman of the Board at St. Joseph Hospital. His civilian practice was interrupted by World War I, when he served as Captain in the Army’s medical corps. Dr. Burlew was the first Orange County surgeon to be made a fellow of the American College of Physicians and Surgeons.
The St. Joseph Hospital campus continues to grow and our programs and services continue to expand and meet the diverse needs of the community. Through its compassionate spirit, St. Joseph Hospital remains innovative and creative in providing a caring ministry today – and tomorrow. This is what truly makes St. Joseph Hospital the premier medical facility in Orange County.
Administrative Team
- Chief Executive: Jeremy Zoch, PhD, MHA, FACHE
- Chief Nursing Officer: Michelle Genova, RN
- Chief Mission Integration Officer: Cathy Fletcher
- Executive Director, Operations: Jason Zepeda
- Executive Director, Quality & Patient Safety: Jahmela Pech
- Executive Director, Strategy & Business Development: Kim Pensenstadler
- Chief Financial Officer: Eileen Haubl
- Chief Philanthropy Officer: Amy Daugherty
- Director of Communications: Connie Martin
- Chief Human Resources Officer: Marlene Grove
As stewards of life-long health and wellbeing, we actively pursue awards and certifications that require us to adhere to the highest standards of care. Our most recent achievements include:
Providence St. Joseph Hospital Radiation Oncology program based at the Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment has earned a full three-year accreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR). Providence St. Joseph is the only community hospital cancer program in Orange County with this distinction.
Providence St. Joseph Hospital of Orange received the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Quality Achievement Award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines. Last year, the hospital received the Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award.
Recognized as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Work in healthcare, 2021-22.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield named St. Joseph Hospital a Blue Distinction Center for spine surgery, hip and knee replacement, bariatric surgery, and maternity care. The honor recognizes hospitals that demonstrate expertise in providing quality care and is designed to help consumers identify which hospitals offer better outcomes (e.g., fewer medical complications, fewer readmissions and higher survival rates) in the delivery of specialty care.
The Women's Choice Award has named St. Joseph Hospital as one of America's Best Hospitals for:
- Breast Care
- Cancer Care
- Heart Care
- Obstetrics
- Stroke Care
- Bariatric Surgery
St. Joseph Hospital was honored with the Silver Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association for Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) for MICU. The award distinguishes critical care units who exemplify excellence in clinical practice and utilize today’s best evidence-based practices to create superior outcomes for critically ill patients.
Providence St. Joseph Hospital, Orange has been recognized as a High Performing Hospital for 2023-23 by U.S. News & World Report. Three Providence St. Joseph specialties earned “High Performing” ratings and thirteen procedures and conditions were recognized. St. Joseph Hospital rated 21st in the state and 12th in the Los Angeles/Orange County region; ranking St. Joseph Hospital among the top five percent of hospitals in the state of California.
Three specialties earned “High Performing” ratings:
- Orthopedic
- Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
- Geriatrics
“High Performing” is the highest rating U.S. News awards for that type of care.
In addition, 13 procedures are rated as “High Performing:”
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Heart Attack
- Aortic Valve Surgery
- Heart Bypass Surgery
- Heart Failure
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
- Kidney Failure
- Back Surgery (Spinal Fusion)
- Stroke
- Hip Fracture
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Pneumonia
U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospital 2020-2021
- Heart Bypass
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Heart Failure
- Knee Replacement
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Geriatrics
- Nephrology
- Pulmonology
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Healthgrades
- Outstanding Patient Experience/Ranked Among the Top 15% in the Nation
- 100 Best Hospitals for Critical Care
- Critical Care Excellence/Ranked
- Among Top 5% in the Nation
- 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery
- Spine Surgery Excellence Award/Ranked Among Top 10% in the Nation
- Five-Star Recipient for Spinal Fusion Surgery
- Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment
- Five-Star Recipient for Back Surgery
- Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Sepsis
Women's Choice Awards 2020
- Bariatric Surgery
- Cancer Care
- Obstetrics
- Breast Center
- Stroke Care
- Heart Care
Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center 2020
- Center for Spine Surgery
- Center for Bariatric Surgery
- Center for Maternity Care
- Center for Hip and Knee
- Replacement Designation
American Heart Association
- Get with the Guidelines Silver Plus Stroke
Healthgrades
- Recipient of the Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award for 2 years in a row
- Named among the Top 5% in the Nation for Outstanding Patient Experience
- Named among the Top 5% in the Nation for Spine Surgery
- One of Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals™ for Orthopedic Surgery
- One of Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals™ for Spine Surgery
- Recipient of the Healthgrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award
- Recipient of the Healthgrades Spine Surgery Excellence Award
- Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Overall Orthopedic Services
- Five Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment for 4 years in a row
- Five Star Recipient for Spinal Fusion Surgery
- Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Critical Care
- Recipient of the Healthgrades 2019 Critical Care Excellence Award
- Critical Care Excellence Award™ for MICU for superior clinical outcomes in treating pulmonary embolism, respiratory system failure, sepsis and diabetic emergencies
- Five Star Recipient for Treatment of Sepsis for 2 years in a row
- Five Star Recipient for Gallbladder Removal Surgery
- Recognition for gastrointestinal care
Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction® Center
- Center for Cardiac Care
- Center for Knee and Hip Replacement
- Center for Maternity Care
Women’s Choice Award
- One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience
- One of America’s Best Hospitals for:
- Breast Care
- Cancer Care
- Obstetrics
- Stroke Care
- Bariatric Surgery
U.S. News & World Report
- Ranked among Best Regional Hospitals for fourth consecutive year
- High Performing in the following areas:
- Hip Replacement
- Knee Replacement
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
- Aortic Valve Surgery
- Heart Bypass Surgery
- Heart Failure
Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction® Center
- Center for Maternity Care
Women’s Choice Awards
- One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience
- One of America's Best Hospitals for:
- Breast Care
- Cancer Care
- Heart Care
- Obstetrics
- Stroke Care
American Association for Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- Gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence for medical telemetry unit
- Silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence for pulmonary renal unit
U.S. News & World Report
- One of the Best Regional Hospitals in the Los Angeles/Orange County Metropolitan Area
- High Performing in the following areas:
- Orthopedics
- Knee Replacement
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
- Aortic Valve Surgery
- Heart Bypass Surgery
- Heart Failure
- Nephrology
Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction® Center
- Center for Bariatric Surgery
- Center for Maternity Care
American Association for Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- Gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence for medical telemetry unit
U.S. News & World Report
- Best Regional Hospitals in the Los Angeles/Orange County Metropolitan Area
- High Performing in the following areas:
- Orthopedics
- Hip Replacement
- Knee Replacement
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Lung Cancer
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
- Aortic Valve Surgery
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Heart Bypass Surgery
- Heart Failure
Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction® Center
- Center for Hip and Knee Replacement
U.S. News & World Report
- Best Regional Hospitals in the Los Angeles/Orange County Metropolitan Area
St. Joseph Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission. The public may contact The Joint Commission's Office of Quality Monitoring to report any concerns or register complaints about a Joint Commission accredited healthcare organization by either calling 1-800-994-6610 or e-mailing: complaint@jcaho.org
Proudly serving our dear neighbor since 1929
On Sept. 16, 1929, St. Joseph Hospital opened its doors as one of the first hospitals in Orange County. Established by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, the philosophy of going into the community and caring for our dear neighbor has been a longstanding tradition in our hospital's history. Our caregivers, nurses, physicians and volunteers are committed to extending the legacy of our founding Sisters through everything they do for our patients, our community and each other.
A legacy of compassion, dignity, justice, excellence and integrity
The legacy of St. Joseph Hospital began with the Sisters of St. Joseph and dates back to 1650 in Le Puy, France. Before arriving in America, the Sisters were organized by Jesuit priest, Father Jean Pierre Madaille, to serve the poor and suffering (their "dear neighbors") and spread the Catholic ministry in their community. The Sisters dedicated their lives to God and served the people of France for many years. When they came to America, they eventually settled in Eureka, Calif. and opened their first hospital in response to the flu epidemic.
In 1922, the Sisters were invited by Archbishop Cantwell to move their Motherhouse from Eureka, Calif. to Southern California. They bought the 10-acre Burnham estate on Batavia Street in Orange, Calif. for $10,000 and officially became the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. After finding a bank that would loan them money, the Sisters decided to open a modern hospital to serve the health care needs of Orange County. The Sisters had a strong vision for what they wanted, which was to open a brand new hospital that would be the "last word in magnificence and technology." They broke ground for the new 190-bed hospital on May 26, 1928. On Sept. 16, 1929, St. Joseph Hospital opened with a medical staff of less than 50.
St. Joseph Hospital is proud to continue the rich heritage of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange by building on our legacy of providing care with compassion, dignity, justice, excellence and integrity.
Watch a video that outlines the history of St. Joseph Hospital over the past 90 years.
Remembering our history; envisioning our future
Help us celebrate our 90th anniversary
You can help us celebrate our 90th anniversary milestone by making a gift to the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation. As a nonprofit hospital, we depend on philanthropic support to carry on the traditions of our Sisters and provide our community with top quality, state-of-the-art care. Please visit sjofoundation.org or contact the Foundation at 714-347-7900 or Foundation@stjoe.org to learn how you can support St. Joseph Hospital.
Feel free to share your memories and celebratory wishes on social media by using the hashtag #SJO90 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.