2007 40 Under 40 Honoree: Dr. Robert Steele

Dr. Robert Steele wants to use his position as a pediatrician with St. John’s Physicians & Clinics to offer education about a subject for which he is passionate.

“Besides continuing to enjoy my role as pediatrician in Springfield, I would like to expand the promotion of immunizations as an important tool for the prevention of disease on the local, state and national levels,” he said.

Steele is chairman of Missouri’s Advisory Committee on Childhood Immunizations and is heading the Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Immunization Education Project.

“We have been able to affect change regarding multiple aspects of vaccination policy that have improved the health of the children of Missouri,” he said. “The experience has also taught me a lot about how to effectively work with legislators, the governor’s office and other government officials.”

Besides working as a full-time pediatrician who sees patients every day, Steele finds plenty of other ways to stay busy at work.

“I am involved in clinical research within the hospital regarding immunizations and how to best improve immunization rates,” said Steele, who also is part of the clinical faculty at Missouri State University.

Steele participates in the pediatric lecture series for MSU’s physician assistant program and teaches students in his office during their pediatric rotations.

Steele also finds time to serve the community. He is the medical director for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Springfield, and he served two consecutive terms on the board of directors for the Parenting Life Skills Center. Steele also is a medical provider for the Child Advocacy Center and a board member of the Natey Foundation.

Steele has a growing family. He and his wife, Reneé, have three children – Ryan, 14, Mitchell, 12, and Dora Jean, 3 – and they’re expecting twins in November.

Stats

Position: Pediatrician, St. John’s Physicians & Clinics

Age: 39

Favorite professional sports team: New Orleans Saints – “I was born in New Orleans (and) have been a dyed-in-the-wool Saints fan since before I can remember.”

A quote to live by: “Life is not a dress rehearsal.”

Information accurate at the time of the honor.[[In-content Ad]]