Aspirus St. Luke's Names Dr. Nicholas Van Deelen Chief Medical Officer & Vice President of Medical Affairs

St. Luke’s has named Dr. Nicholas Van Deelen Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs.

Dr. Van Deelen has been practicing emergency medicine at St. Luke’s for 22 years and will continue to practice on a limited basis in the department. Dr. Van Deelen earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor and completed his emergency medicine residency at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

“Dr. Van Deelen is known for his ability to build relationships, both internally and externally, which is vital to achieving sustainable improvements in patient care,” St. Luke’s President & CEO Kevin Nokels said. “His leadership experiences as medical director, success in team building, passion for clinical quality and patient safety, and dedication to advocating for patients makes him a great fit for this role.”

During his career, Dr. Van Deelen has worked passionately to decrease the impact of drugs in our community. He has worked with colleagues at St. Luke’s to develop an Opioid Education and Naloxone distribution program. He joined with community members as part of the Clarity Project to improve care for those struggling with mental illness.

An active member of the medical executive committee, Dr. Van Deelen serves as the Chief of Staff Elect for St. Luke’s Hospital. He’s also earned a St. Luke’s Physician of the Year award from St. Luke’s Foundation and a John B. Sanford Community Service award from the Lake Superior Medical Society.

Dr. Van Deelen succeeds Dr. Gary Peterson who served in the role since 2001.