Careers in View: OSF Saint Anthony’s Dr. Dennis Sands

 

By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE
IBJ Managing Editor
[email protected]

With an interest in medicine, biology and chemistry for as long as he can remember, OSF Saint Anthony’s Dr. Dennis Sands got his first taste of it all in the chemistry lab at Cargill in Dayton, Ohio.

The only job he ever had before becoming a doctor was uniquely “sweet,” as he performed quality control for Cargill on sweeteners for Coca Cola and M&M/Mars candy.

As for a defining moment where he knew he wanted to pursue a career in medicine and healthcare, he says that it came from when physicians came to speak at his high school and was further solidified through the physicians he met during his training days. “Also, Christ,” he adds, “the greatest healer of all. Those are all sources of inspiration.”

After finishing studies along an arduous career path to becoming an OB-GYN, or Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Dr. Sands found himself at the Medical College of Wisconsin, serving in pediatrics and women’s health as its medical director of Women’s and Children’s Services.

He completed his medical degree at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and his OB-GYN residency at St. Louis University. He also completed his MBA at Marquette University and acquired his Lean Certification through University of Michigan.

Today, he is the Chief Medical Officer at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center and a Board-Certified Physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Sands has been at OSF Saint Anthony’s since 2016. “I have worked for OSF as the Chief Medical Officer, or CMO, for nine years,” he says. “I still take care of patients, which is very rewarding, while working to provide a safe environment for care.

“We spend a great deal of time devoted to ensuring high quality patient care,” the doctor notes. He further shares that in his role as CMO, “I work with our hospital accreditation team, medical group specialists, legal team, contracting for our physician groups, working with risk and compliance, our compensation advisory and clinical excellence committees, and utilization review.”

Dr. Sands also serves on the Medical Executive Committee, “where I work alongside our excellent physicians,” he adds.

In talking about some of the more unique or surprising aspects within his role at OSF Saint Anthony’s, Dr. Sands is quick to point out: “I always learn from our patients, nurses and physicians. I never stop learning, and I never stop reading.”

Regarding his role as a healthcare leader, Dr. Sands has some sage advice he shares as well: “I think being a good follower first will help teach you to lead. I am a Stephen Covey fan, so any of his books on leadership are sources of inspiration.

“Also, always listen first, and keep learning,” he shares further. “The people who perform the work are the ones with all the knowledge. We can do nothing without them. Seek their knowledge and wisdom first before you weigh in. Realize you don’t have all the answers.

“Praise often,” Dr. Sands says regarding his work as a leader and with colleagues and mission partners at OSF. “We are always giving feedback.”

And along his career journey, he points out that there has been one notable time thus far that definitively stands out.

“The Covid pandemic changed the way we practice medicine,” Dr. Sands notes. “It caused virtual care to become mainstream. It telegraphed our dependence on other countries for medical supplies. It caused renewed interest in vaccine efficacy. And it put our humanity on full display.”

Moving forward, Dr. Sands notes that there will be continuing challenges faced by healthcare organizations such as OSF, including as it maintains the many relationships it has built in the communities it serves.

“The wedge of the insurance industry between the doctor-patient relationship is notable,” he shares candidly. “Doctors and nurses truly want the best for their patients and often our complex system gets in the way. The government does not have the solutions to our healthcare problems today. Hence, we probably should not look to it for answers, but rather to our communities, businesses, churches and local leaders.”

And for anyone considering a career in medicine or healthcare – what further words of advice and inspiration does Dr. Sands have to share?

“Medicine is a very rewarding career, but you should be ready to face trials and challenges, as in any career. Be prepared to pivot. And if you want to help people, healthcare is an excellent way to do so.”

OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center is a 49-bed Rural Health designated acute care hospital in Alton, Ill. that serves the residents of Madison, Jersey and Macoupin counties. It is home to OSF Moeller Cancer Center, which provides the latest diagnostic tools and treatment for patients in a relaxing environment. OSF Saint Anthony’s also provides 24-hour access to a physician-staffed emergency department, in addition to cardiovascular, neurology, pulmonology, surgical, rehabilitation services and more.

OSF Saint Anthony’s is fully accredited by the Joint Commission for Healthcare Facilities, American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, American College of Radiology, American Heart Association, IDPH and TJC Primary Stroke Center.

OSF Saint Anthony’s is part of OSF HealthCare – an integrated health system with 17 hospitals in Illinois and Michigan and robust Innovation and Digital Health divisions that provide access to specialty care and remote monitoring, helping people receive the care they need close to home. OSF HealthCare is operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis with headquarters in Peoria, Ill.

Photos accompanying this story have been provided by OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center.

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[EDITOR’S NOTE: We all know how impactful case studies can be to business, industry and economic growth as well as to development. The same can be said for what the Illinois Business Journal has introduced as an ongoing series: Careers in View. Similar to a case study, but instead a career study: A look at professionals and their unique career journeys. If you have someone in mind to be considered for a future Careers in View feature with the IBJ, send an email to [email protected]. Include details about the person and their career to be considered, along with a profile photo and some shots of their career in action.]