Kettering Health and Ohio University scale partnership to improve health for Ohio communities

Kettering Health and Ohio University announced today a comprehensive academic, research and clinical affiliation designed to improve health for Ohioans by expanding a trusted partnership to strengthen the physician workforce, transform care delivery and improve health outcomes for communities across Ohio, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Building on a history of a long-standing partnership, the affiliation unites Kettering Health’s extensive clinical system, known for its innovative and integrated approach to acute and ambulatory care, with the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s nationally recognized leadership in osteopathic medical education and research. By combining their expertise through a long-term collaborative model, the organizations aim to improve health outcomes by advancing whole-person care, accelerating medical training and supporting innovative health care solutions.

A central component of the affiliation is the creation of a joint Health Innovations Hub, which will bring together talent and resources from both organizations to advance models for education, clinical training and translational research to improve community care and health outcomes across the state, especially in southwest Ohio. The organizations will also explore the feasibility of creating a regional Ohio University Heritage College campus within the Kettering Health service area.

“This affiliation is focused on improving health for the people of Ohio,” said Mike Gentry, president and CEO of Kettering Health. “By scaling a trusted relationship with the HCOM, we’ll grow the healthcare workforce, expand access to care, and support statewide health priorities through education, research and clinical innovation.” 

Workforce expansion is a primary focus as the affiliation will seek to expand residency and fellowship training opportunities and evaluate the potential for establishing or enhancing programs.

“Ohio University recruits and trains more physicians than any other university in the state and is one of the state’s largest providers of healthcare professionals. Most of our medical students remain in the state to practice medicine, helping to fill critical gaps in the health care workforce,” said Ken Johnson, D.O., vice president of health affairs and senior strategist for health partnerships at Ohio University. “We are excited for this opportunity to help meet the needs of southwest Ohio. Bringing together Kettering Health’s clinical excellence and the Heritage College’s academic leadership will create a stronger pipeline to recruit and retain medical and health professions students from Southwest Ohio.”

The affiliation will support the State of Ohio’s Priority Goals, as identified by the Department of Medicaid, by advancing research and expanding training to help address behavioral health needs, improve maternal and infant health, enhance early childhood and adult wellness and advance chronic disease management.

“Integrated education, research, and clinical care amplify impact,” said Steven Crawford, MD, chief medical officer of Kettering Health Medical Group. “This affiliation allows us to train physicians in real-world settings, advance research that directly informs patient care and expand access where the need is greatest.”

“This Affiliation is a long-term investment in the health and well-being of Ohioans,” said Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. “By combining our strengths, we will build healthier communities, reduce disparities and ensure patients across Ohio have better access to high-quality, compassionate care.”