Cape Girardeau cardiologist Dr. James B. Chapman became president of the medical staff at St. Francis Medical Center on Jan. 1. He succeeds oncologist Dr. Stanley D. Sides, whose two-year term expired at the end of 1993.

Chapman, one of five cardiologists associated with Cardiovascular Associates of Cape Girardeau, has been a member of the St. Francis Medical staff since 1985.

He earned his medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at St. Vincent Hospital and Health Care Center in Indianapolis where he also fulfilled a fellowship in cardiology.

In addition to Chapman, other officers on the St. Francis medical staff for 1994-95 are general surgeon Dr. Jonathon Foley, vice president, and neurologist Dr. Robert Gardner, secretary.