(left to right, Allan(son), Daniela (daughter), Yael (daughter), Dr. Spiwak, Mrs. Sarita Spiwak)

On April 10, 2011, the Spiwaks hosted an artwalk in their home.  It was at this event that Mary Eileen Monahan, CEO of St. Francis Medical Center Foundation, presented Dr. Jose Spiwak with the very first St. Francis Medical Center “Foundation Legacy Award.”  Dr. Spiwak has a 30 year legacy of giving - not only in service to our patients, but also in support of the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation and all of the wonderful programs that provide critical services to our community.   St. Francis Medical Center is pleased to recognize and honor Dr. Jose Spiwak for his inspiration and commitment to our mission of serving the sick and the poor. 

(left to right, Gerald Kozai, President/CEO St. Francis Medical Center, Dr. Spiwak, Mary Eileen Monahan, VP/CEO St. Francis Medical Center Foundation)

The Daughters of Charity, St. Francis Medical Center, and Dr. Spiwak share a legacy of service to the community and a commitment to excellence that lifts us to the next level of performance and care.  This common commitment provides the drive and momentum that propels St. Francis Medical Center to higher standards of quality, performance, and patient-centered care.  Dr. Spiwak holds this commitment and vision along with us, which is reflected in the many achievements SFMC has attained today.

Dr. Spiwak was born in Bogota, Columbia, where he attended the Universidad Javeriana Medical School.  While there he co-founded the only toxicology clinic in Bogota at that time.  Upon graduating he completed his internship and residency in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at renowned hospitals in Israel and the United States.

Dr. Spiwak began practicing at St. Francis Medical Center in 1978.  He started a partnership with Dr. Charles Klieman in1980. 


(Dr. Spiwak & Dr. Klieman)

While serving his community, Dr. Spiwak decided to serve his country and joined the US Army.  He served in the Army from 1991-2000, ending his tour as a Lieutenant Colonel.  Dr. Spiwak has occupied many positions at St. Francis Medical Center, including Associate Chairman of Surgery, Chairman of Cardiovascular/Thoracic Section, Executive Committee Member, Wound Care & Hyperbaric Director, and Chief of Staff.

Dr. Spiwak led initiatives to expand state-of-the-art technology and procedures at St. Francis Medical Center.  His recruitment and training efforts propelled us into new, advanced techniques in abdominal aortic aneurism surgery and innovative vascular surgeries.

Concerned that heart disease and stroke are the #1 and #3 causes of death in our community, Dr. Spiwak joined St. Francis Medical Center’s “SAVE” program (Stroke and Aneurysms Vascular Evaluation), and provided community screenings for Peripheral Artery Disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and carotid artery disease.

Dr. Spiwak provides vital support to the Trauma Team and Trauma Program.  According to a member of our Surgical Services Team:

“Dr. Spiwak is always here whenever we need him.  He will drop what he is doing to be here.  He is an exceptional physician, and his brilliance translates into his surgical hands.  He brings people back to life who wouldn’t have otherwise survived.   Recently we had a trauma patient with 27 bullet wounds.  Because of Dr. Spiwak, the patient is alive and now at home.  He’s a very talented surgeon.”

(Dr. Spiwak in surgery)

It is through a lifetime example that Dr. Spiwak provides leadership and encouragement to the newest members and future members of our medical staff.

All of us at St. Francis Medical Center are privileged to serve our community.  Our Mission is to not only care for those who are sick and living in poverty, but to bring wholeness and wellness to each life we touch.  As leaders we are called to exemplify our Vincentian values and Catholic identity, to mentor those who share our commitment to serve, and to provide them with the tools they need to successfully lead St. Francis Medical Center into the future. 

Thank you, Dr. Spiwak, for your legacy of leadership and the dignity and honor you bring to the medical profession and to our health ministry.  You embody our values and your personal commitment to St. Francis Medical Center and to our community are gratefully acknowledged.