Howard Place, M.D. Appointed to Interim Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs

On July 1, 2022, SLUCare Physician Group fully integrated into the SSM Health system, to afford patients improved and seamless access to all levels of care, including highly specialized procedures and clinical trials.

This integration brings an investment in the Saint Louis University School of Medicine to expand clinical research, medical training, and education across the region.

The culmination of this integration includes a pivotal role — the vice dean for clinical affairs. This academic physician leader of the SLUCare Physician Group of SSM Health Medical Group provides strategic and operational leadership to maximize the SLU-SSM partnership.

Taking the helm as interim vice dean for clinical affairs is Howard Place, M.D., the former Richard J. Kemme M.D. Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Place's acceptance of this interim role reflects his commitment to defining this role and strengthening the integration, to be followed by a search for a permanent vice dean.

“We are excited that Dr. Place has accepted the role of interim vice dean of clinical affairs,” said Christine Jacobs, M.D., dean and vice president for medical affairs, SLU School of Medicine. “Dr. Place is a highly regarded physician with a wealth of experience in clinical practice and medical education. His leadership and strategic vision will advance our partnership and the broader development of a best-in-class regional healthcare delivery network.”

Place joins the leadership teams of SLU School of Medicine and SSM Health and plays a key role in fostering the alignment of these partner organizations with a more than century-old relationship.

“I am pleased to take on this role which will help to facilitate the integration of SLUCare into SSM Health,” said Howard Place, M.D., interim vice dean of clinical affairs. “There is so much potential good from the combination of these two wonderful, caring organizations. It is an exciting time.”

Place was appointed vice chair of orthopaedic surgery at SLU in 2008, interim chair in 2017 and chair in 2019. He earned his medical degree in 1983 from Saint Louis University School of Medicine and completed orthopaedic surgery training at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado. Place has served as chief of orthopaedic surgery at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and was chief of the Orthopaedic Surgery Service for the 47th Field Hospital in Desert Shield/Storm in 1990-1991.