Kettering Health and Ohio University announced a comprehensive academic, research, and clinical affiliation designed to improve health for Ohioans by expanding their partnership to strengthen the physician workforce, transform care delivery, and improve health outcomes in rural and underserved areas.
The affiliation unites Kettering Health’s extensive clinical system, known for innovative and integrated acute and ambulatory care, with Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s nationally recognized leadership in medical education and research. A central component is the creation of a joint Health Innovations Hub bringing together talent and resources to advance education, clinical training, and translational research to improve community care. The organizations will also explore feasibility of creating a regional Ohio University Heritage College campus within Kettering’s service area.
Mike Gentry, president and CEO of Kettering Health, said: “This affiliation is focused on improving health for the people of Ohio. 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. 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 medical students remain in the state to practice, helping fill critical workforce gaps. The affiliation will seek to expand residency and fellowship training opportunities and evaluate potential for establishing or enhancing programs. The partnership supports Ohio’s Priority Goals by advancing research and expanding training to address behavioral health needs, improve maternal and infant health, enhance early childhood and adult wellness, and advance chronic disease management.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.ohio.edu/news/2026/01/kettering-health-ohio-university-scale-partnership-improve-health-ohio-communities