Getting to know Dr. Hossain Marandi, new president of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon
This summer, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital welcomed Dr. Hossain Marandi as the new hospital president and leader of the strategic direction for all pediatric services within the SSM Health system. Prior to this role, he most recently served as President and Department Chief of Pediatrics at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Marandi and his family now call St. Louis home and are making the most of all this new opportunity has to offer.
What intrigued you about the opportunity to lead SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital?
Joining SSM Health Cardinal Glennon had both professional and personal appeal for me. Professionally, it is exciting to join the hospital at a time of growth. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be involved with building a new hospital from the ground up. In addition, Cardinal Glennon has been recognized as a top children’s hospital and can become an even more prominent source for pediatric care and research nationally.
Personally, my devotion to the Catholic Church and its generosity to my family has been a driver in my career. I have spent most of my time serving in Catholic health care ministries and the opportunity to continue that service was very welcoming to me.
It can be exciting, but tough to move to a new city, especially with children. What did your family do to help your boys adjust?
Moving can be tough on children and it was no different for us. We needed to help our two boys have some continuity within their lives as well as provide new and exciting adventures such as trips to the zoo and local attractions that allow them to adapt to the new environment.
It was a blessing that St. Louis is soccer city. Our boys immersed themselves in the soccer scene, from playing on local teams to attending games at the stadium.
Also, a great benefit of technology is that it has closed distances and allowed for instant contact with those we care about. FaceTime and online gaming have allowed our boys to reconnect with their friends in other states while doing something they love, playing video games.
You’ve probably heard about St. Louis’ unique culinary traditions. Have you tried any of them, and if so, what do you think?
We made sure to try toasted ravioli, Imo’s pizza, and Ted Drewes frozen custard. I liked the pizza and my entire family loved the custard.
Since we hear that your family is a big fan of both soccer and college football, if you could attend just one sporting event this year, who would your family want to see play?
That is a tough question as there are so many options. Since we moved here, we have attended both a Cardinals and a St. Louis City SC game. We have tickets for the Tennessee vs Mizzou game later this year. We can’t wait to attend a Blues game, so I would say that is on top of the list right now. We are excited to have so many options.
Likewise, A little droid told us that Star Wars is a favorite in your household. If you could hire a Star Wars character to work at Cardinal Glennon Hospital, who would you choose and why?
That is another tough one to answer. I would say it is a tie between Grogu and BB8. How cool would it be to see Grogu flying around the halls of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon in his pod or run into BB8 as he wheels around the units? They would bring so much happiness and smiles to the faces of the staff and the children we care for.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given about raising kids?
Enjoy every stage of their lives as they change so quickly, and cherish them while you have them with you. Because you will wake up one day and they will be adults and out of the house, and it will never be the same.
Learn more about Dr. Marandi’s experience and dedication to pediatric care.
Read about the next era of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.