Perry County Memorial Hospital Administrator Patrick G. Bira has advanced to "Fellow" status in the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society representing more than 30,000 healthcare executives.

The announcement was made at the College's 61st annual convocation ceremony recently at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.

There are 2,700 healthcare executives who have earned Fellow status. In MIssouri, there are only 71 Fellows.

Fellow status is the highest level of professional achievement in the college. To obtain Fellow status, members must demonstrate their education, credentials, experience and leadership in the healthcare field over a period of several years and must hold the position of president or vice president.

Bira will not be able to use the letters "FACHE" after his name in all professional communications, indicating that he is a Fellow of the College.