St. Francis Hospital specialists assume national, state leadership roles

INDIANAPOLIS – Two St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers staff members have been elected to lead a national and state chapter of medical service professional organizations.

Janet O’Hair recently was elected president of National Association Medical Staff Services and Belinda Sherlock is the president of the Indiana Association of Medical Staff Services. Their elections mark the first time two professionals from the same health-care facility have simultaneously led the organizations.

O’Hair is manager of the Medical Staff Services Department at St. Francis’ Beech Grove campus; Sherlock is a credentialing specialist. Together, they have more than 35 years of experience in their field.

Medical staff service specialists are responsible for ensuring the process of credentialing physicians and licensed health-care practitioners is appropriately completed. These specialists conduct thorough searches of a practitioner’s education, training and experience, all of which affect the quality and safety of patient care.

NAMSS and IAMSS are the preeminent organizations for the professional development of those responsible for managing credentialing, physician privileging, practitioner/provider organizations and regulatory compliance in health care.