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PATERSON, N.J. (June 1, 2023) — St. Joseph’s Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric T. Choi, MD, FACS, as the new Chairman of Surgery to provide leadership and oversight of surgical services and functions across St. Joseph’s Health. Dr. Choi leads a team of highly skilled, board-certified surgeons at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson and St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center, who bring to patients the most advanced surgical methods with the latest technology. Dr. Choi joined the St. Joseph's Health team as Vice Chairman of the Department of Surgery for the Division of Vascular Surgery in September 2022. “Dr. Choi is an accomplished surgeon, educator, and researcher who has already proven himself to be an excellent leader and mentor,” said Kevin J. Slavin, President and CEO. “During his time here, Dr. Choi already has spearheaded several initiatives that have further elevated and enhanced our surgical services, and is the right person to lead our surgical care team into the future.” Joseph Duffy, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for St. Joseph’s Health, has served as interim Chair of Surgery, and lauded Dr. Choi’s abilities to bring together surgeons from all specialties to benefit the patients. “Dr. Choi is a world-class leader in the operating room and the board room, and well-equipped to advance what’s best for patients, our surgeons, and our community,” said Dr. Duffy. “I’m thrilled to take on this new role to continue to evolve our surgical services and bring the most advanced care to our patient,” said Dr. Choi. “Whether their needs are routine or complex, inpatient or same-day, they can count on St. Joseph’s for outstanding surgical care – provided with the compassion, comfort, and convenience that St. Joseph’s is known for.” In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Choi performs vascular surgery for aortic aneurysmal disease, carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease and dialysis arteriovenous (AV) access. Prior to joining St. Joseph's Health, Dr. Choi served as Chief, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Co-Surgical Director of the Temple Heart and Vascular Institute, and Professor of Surgery at Temple University. Dr. Choi completed his residency in General Surgery and Fellowship in Vascular Surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He went on to practice vascular surgery at Barnes-Jewish and John Cochran VA prior to his work at Temple University Hospital. In addition to his clinical work, he also served as an Associate Professor of Surgery and Radiology at Washington University School of Medicine. ABOUT ST. JOSEPH’S HEALTH Founded in 1867 by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, St. Joseph’s Health is a world-class hospital and healthcare network supported by more than 5,000 leading and renowned physicians, nurses and care teams. From its humble beginnings, St. Joseph’s Health has become one of the premier health systems in the state. The organization continues to evolve as the leading health resource in the community, the largest employer in Passaic County, and one of the largest providers of charity care in New Jersey. The St. Joseph’s Health system is one of the leading clinical teaching and academic centers in the country, and has been recognized for its innovative programs and cutting-edge services. The health system operates a full continuum of care, including a regional tertiary care medical center (St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Paterson), an acute care medical center (St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center, Wayne) a state-designated children’s hospital (St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Paterson), a rehabilitation and long term care facility (St. Joseph’s Healthcare & Rehab Center, Cedar Grove), an outpatient facility (St. Joseph’s Totowa Health Campus, Totowa) comprehensive home care (Visiting Health Services of New Jersey), and multiple ambulatory care centers located throughout Northern New Jersey. The system is further supported by St. Joseph’s Health Medical Group, which operates more than 100 physician medical and specialty practices across northern New Jersey. Among its awarding-winning specialties, St. Joseph’s is home to the nationally acclaimed Alternatives to Opioids (ALTO®) program; the first accredited Geriatric Emergency Department in New Jersey; and recognized by US News with a Top nursing home award and a five-star rating. In addition, St. Joseph’s University Medical Center is a six-time recipient of the prestigious Magnet® Award for Nursing Excellence, the profession’s highest honor. In September 2019, St. Joseph’s Health established a strategic and clinical partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, one of New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive and integrated health networks. Together, the two health systems operate a jointly-owned home health and hospice agency, serving patients and families across Bergen, Passaic and Morris Counties. In addition, St. Joseph’s and Hackensack Meridian have collaborated on clinical affiliations in acute rehabilitation (with the HMH JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute) and comprehensive oncology care (with the HMH John Theurer Cancer Center). For more information, please visit www.stjosephshealth.org.