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Courtesy of Ascension St. John Medical Center, Tulsa healthcare received a shot in the arm Wednesday. 

An estimated crowd of 300 celebrated the hospital’s trauma care center receiving a Level I designation from the American College of Surgeons (ACS).  

Level I is the organization’s highest designation, and Ascension St. John is Tulsa’s first hospital to reach it.  The state’s only other Level I trauma center is the University of Oklahoma Medical Center in Oklahoma City. 

“This achievement is about more than advanced medicine,” Ascension St. John CEO Bo Beaudry said.  
“It reflects the unwavering commitment, skill and teamwork of the people behind our trauma program.” 

“…Your preparation, skill, compassion and courage save lives every single day. You earned this designation working tirelessly, side-by-side, bringing this to life.” 

Beaudry told the crowd the push to achieve Level I status began with a conversation he had with Trauma Medical Director Dr. Michael Charles shortly after Beaudry became CEO two years ago. 

Charles told Beaudry that the hospital had been working toward Level I classification for some time, prompting Beaudry to ask what needed to happen to complete the task. 

“We are proud of this designation, but more than that, we are proud of who we achieved it for,” Beaudry said. “This is for Tulsa. This is for Oklahoma. This is for every person who will walk through our doors in need of care. And this is just the beginning.” 

As Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols took to the microphone, he quickly donned a blue Ascension St. John “Level 1 Trauma Has Landed” T-shirt given to all attendees. He said beyond the medical expertise, what sets the hospital apart is that it treats patients like family. 

“I spend a lot of time with other mayors across the country who get to brag about things in their community,” Nichols said. “There are not many, particularly not the size of this community, who can say this (that it is Level I-certified).”  

“…I can tell you that everybody across the country is going to know about Ascension St. John, and I’m very proud of that.” 

Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, spoke of Ascension St. John’s history in the community and the profound impact the new classification will make on the region. 

“This is a monumental step forward for Tulsa’s healthcare landscape,” he said. “It’s a milestone that ensures our city is equipped to serve not only its own people but also those across the wider region — from rural communities to neighboring states — who rely on us in critical moments.” 

“…From the Chamber’s perspective, this milestone also strengthens Tulsa’s position as a hub for talent, investment and innovation. World-class health care is not just a quality-of-life issue; it’s an economic development driver. Businesses look at the strength of a region’s health care system when deciding where to invest, and today, Tulsa sends a loud-and-clear message; we are a city that prioritizes excellence in health and in service to our people.”