Anne Burns: St. Joseph’s Hospital Chief of Staff / Emergency Medicine Physician
Dr. Anne Burns is today’s Sunday Share. Anne is an Emergency Medicine Physician at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. As one of the most humble people I know, she has a distinguished career marked by a remarkable dedication to healthcare leadership and community service. Having served as the ED Medical Director for eight years, including during COVID, she transitioned to a pivotal role as the Chief of Staff for St. Joseph’s Hospital and all its affiliated institutions, including Barrow Neurological Institute. As of January 1st, 2024 Anne represents and leads over 1700 physicians, PA's, and NP's as the face of the medical staff. She’s making history as the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the 129-year history of St. Joseph’s. It’s interesting to note that Anne’s father held the same position in the early 1990s.
In addition to leading the staff and treating patients at St. Joseph’s, Anne serves as the lead Emergency Response Physician (ERP) for State Farm Stadium during the NFL season. In this role, she oversees emergency medical scenarios, and her highlight includes preparing an emergency response plan for and attending the Super Bowl in 2023.
More important than her professional accomplishments, Anne is a devoted mother to Austin and Tyler and stepmother to Kolbe and Katie, along with their furry companions Bella and Braqamole. She notes that balancing her career with motherhood is challenging, and she is very proud of how she and her ex-husband co-parented their two boys. Anne says she was lucky to meet her now-fiancé Jimmy Bayless and that their four children get along so well. Three are at the U of A, and the fourth is a junior in high school. Anne and Jimmy plan to tie the knot this year.
Anne's commitment extends beyond home and hospital. She’s a member of The Board of Visitors, Arizona's oldest women’s charitable organization and actively participates in fundraising for the healthcare needs of women, children, and the elderly. Anne’s favorite place to get away is at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, riding the whitewater on rafting trips on the Colorado River. It is the only place where she can completely disconnect from everything and feel completely at peace. She was 12 when she took her first trip and has been back four times since, including a trip in 2021 with Fiancé Jimmy and all of the kids. She’s planning another expedition in 2025.
Anne credits her successful career to fostering a collaborative team spirit and recognizing the vitally important contributions of all team members. Her philosophy emphasizes shared goals and mutual appreciation. As Anne says “I learn the names of the people who work alongside me, whether it is a nurse, CT technician or EVS worker. I say hello to them when I arrive and I thank them whenever I can, especially at the end of a long day in the ED. I want them to realize that as a physician, I do not see myself as “better” than them or superior. We are all members of the same team and everyone’s contributions are important!”
Anne thank you for saying yes! I am honored that you were willing to be shared. Your career path shows that working hard and treating everyone with respect and kindness makes a difference. You’re a great example that a person can be successful and selfless at the same time. It’s encouraging for all of us to see balance in work and life happening real time.
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