April 6, 2007 OKLAHOMA CITY –SSM Health Care of Oklahoma (SSMOK) today named Steve Powell Vice President of SSMOK Ambulatory Services effective May 14th. He will be responsible for overseeing the operations of Healthfirst Physician Management Services, the newly formed Saints Medical Group, and the development of SSMOK ambulatory services ventures.

Powell’s background includes more than 20 years of successful accomplishments as an executive at the Surgery Center of Midwest City; Renaissance Women’s Hospital Edmond and the Central Oklahoma Medical Group. Most recently, Powell was the Vice President of Operations for Universal Surgery Centers, Inc. where he was responsible for the development, operations and financial success of their surgery and specialty hospitals located throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

“Steve brings tremendous strengths to the SSM Health Care of Oklahoma leadership team,” said Chris Howard, Regional President/System Vice President, SSM Health Care. “He has proven success in managing operations in a variety of health care settings and will be a key asset in achieving our growth strategies.”

Powell received a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and a Masters of Science in Health Care of Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

SSMOK’s health care facilities include St. Anthony Hospital, St. Anthony North, St. Anthony South, Healthfirst Physician Management Services, and Bone & Joint Hospital. SSMOK is affiliated with Unity Health Center in Shawnee, OK, and it holds interests in Healthcare Partners Investments and its facilities that include Community Hospital, Northwest Surgical, LakePointe Diagnostic Imaging Center, and ProMotion Physical Therapy.

SSMOK is a member of SSM Health Care, sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary. Based in St. Louis, MO, SSM Health Care is one of the country’s largest Catholic health care systems and the first health care recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.