Janice Ryba has dedicated her time and talents to patients for over thirty years and still continues her role in the community as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at St. Mary Medical Center. In 2000, Ryba was working within the Community Healthcare System and carrying with her numerous responsibilities (e.g. directing clinicals and support services departments; this includes quality and risk management, regulatory compliance, medical staff education, respiratory therapy and neurodiagnostics, acute rehabilitation, laboratory services and pharmacy).
“I assisted the CEO back in 2000 with several initiatives such as staffing redesign and quality improvement. I was really supporting in all three of our hospitals at that point overseeing several services. That is how I first became involved with Saint Mary’s,” Ryba said.
In August of 2007, Ryba came to Saint Mary Medical Center permanently as their CEO and has loved her position ever since. Currently, she sets the stage for future strategies of Saint Mary its partner hospitals. As a not-for-profit hospital, her responsibility is to make sure everyone involved is making a difference in the community, and constantly improving and enhancing our health care services.
“We work strategically within the neighborhoods we serve. Facilities such as the YMCA, the local school system, the mayor’s office, and other community-driven resources work with us on initiatives for the community that we serve. The hospital enhances its own services to make sure we are meeting the health needs of the community,” Ryba said.
Several initiatives have been accomplished by St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart such as becoming a chest pain accredited center, a primary stroke center, achieving bariatric center of excellence designation, and maintaining a strong Obstetrics and Gynecology presence. Close relationships and partnerships with the medical staff help further community growth as well.
“Not only is my job to help the community with health initiatives, but it’s also important that we develop a strong partnership with our medical staff to bring the highest level of local medical expertise close to home. My job is to instill in our employees the notion that we are all here for the patients,” Ryba said.
The Valparaiso Health Center which opened in February has been one of St. Mary’s greatest successes this past year. Many patients have provided positive responses to the care they receive; they truly appreciate the ease of access and accommodating, friendly staff. Same day services, for most diagnostic tests, especially mammography and ultrasound, ensure that all tests are completed quickly and efficiently so the physicians can expedite the patient's care.
Individualizing patient care is a very high standard in all of Saint Mary’s facilities.
In 2012, Ryba was named one of the most influential women in health care by the Women of Northwest Indiana Organization. Many accomplished women were present and she was humbled to have such support on a professional and personal level. She was not expecting to receive such a prestigious reward and gives credit to her supportive team.
Ryba sees the staff at the Saint Mary Medical Center as her family, but she does not forget the family support at home. She has been happily married for over 20 years to her wonderfully supportive husband and they both are currently living with her father in Munster. At home, both take care of her dad along with an additional caregiver.
She makes sure to spend a lot of her time with her family and friends in Northwest Indiana. Hosting parties and participating in community activities are among her favorite things to do.
“On my days off, I like to travel and I also enjoy just relaxing and reading. For hobbies, I love solving Sudoku and crossword puzzles. I play golf to hopefully improve my game as well,” Ryba said. “Being in the outdoors and engaging in golf outings hold some of my fondest memories.”
For three years, Ryba has additionally been on the Board of Directors for the Red Cross. She is also involved with the Portage Township YMCA as an activity and supportive administrator to enhance the family friendly and healthy environment. She highly supports Meals on Wheels for the community, too.
“At a very early age, each community should teach healthy eating choices and active lifestyles, and health care providers can play a key role. Students should then understand how their choices can affect the rest of their lives. For our adults, it is not just about prevention, but instilling the process of handling and managing chronic diseases,” Ryba said. “I would also like to remind our Northwest Indiana residents that we provide a wide variety of classes and other informational sessions to assist their needs.”