OhioHealth
OhioHealth is a not-for-profit, faith-based health system headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, consisting of a network of 16 hospitals including three joint-venture hospitals, more than 200 outpatient care sites, and a workforce of 35,000 associates, physicians, and volunteers dedicated to improving the health of communities across 50 counties in central, north central, and southeast Ohio.[1][2][3] Founded in 1891, the organization traces its roots to early Methodist hospitals and has grown into one of the largest integrated health systems in the state, emphasizing compassionate care, medical innovation, and community stewardship in alignment with its United Methodist heritage.[1][4] OhioHealth operates flagship facilities such as the 1,059-bed Riverside Methodist Hospital, a major teaching hospital in Columbus that has served patients since 1892, alongside specialized services including the OhioHealth Research and Innovation Institute, which advances clinical breakthroughs and medical education.[5][1] In fiscal year 2024, the system provided $444.4 million in community benefits, including $121.7 million in charity care and $234.4 million in unreimbursed Medicaid services, underscoring its commitment to accessible healthcare for underserved populations.[4] Recognized for workplace excellence, OhioHealth was named one of Newsweek's America's Greatest Workplaces for 2025, reflecting its focus on employee well-being and patient-centered outcomes across its expansive network.[2]History
Founding and Early Development
OhioHealth traces its origins to the Protestant Hospital Association, established on March 16, 1891, by nine prominent residents of Columbus, Ohio, who sought to create a hospital to address the growing healthcare needs of the local community, particularly its underserved Protestant populations amid limited medical facilities at the time. Incorporated by the Methodist Episcopal Church on March 18, 1891, the association reflected an early commitment to not-for-profit care rooted in faith-based service. The hospital opened on June 2, 1892, in a modest 15-room house at the corner of 3rd and Dennison avenues in what is now Victorian Village, initially accommodating up to 40 patients and operating under strict moral guidelines that prohibited drinking, smoking, gambling, and swearing to align with its religious ethos.[6][7] In 1922, the facility was renamed White Cross Hospital, solidifying its affiliation with the Ohio Methodist Episcopal Conference and reinforcing its mission as a charitable institution dedicated to accessible healthcare for all, irrespective of financial means. During the early 20th century, including the periods of World War I and the Great Depression, White Cross Hospital served as a vital community resource in Columbus, navigating economic hardships such as defaulting on debts by 1932 due to the Depression's exigencies while relying on church support and local philanthropy to sustain operations and provide essential medical services. This era underscored the hospital's resilience and its role in supporting the region's health needs amid broader societal challenges.[8][9] A significant expansion milestone occurred in 1958, when groundbreaking began for a new campus on Olentangy River Road, prompting the adoption of the name Riverside Methodist Hospital just days later and marking a pivotal advancement in inpatient care capacity to meet the demands of a burgeoning population. This development built directly on the foundational not-for-profit principles established by the Methodist Episcopal Church, which evolved into the United Methodist Church, ensuring OhioHealth's enduring emphasis on equitable, community-oriented healthcare.[6][1]Formation and Expansion
In 1984, OhioHealth's corporate structure began to take shape with the formation of U.S. Health Corporation, established as a not-for-profit parent entity to oversee and consolidate multiple independent hospitals in central Ohio, including Riverside Methodist Hospital.[10] This move marked the beginning of a strategic effort to create a unified healthcare system amid growing pressures for efficiency and expanded services in the region.[10] The 1980s and early 1990s saw significant growth through key mergers that broadened the system's footprint. In 1986, U.S. Health Corporation merged with Marion General Hospital, enhancing its presence in north-central Ohio.[10] This was followed in 1988 by the acquisitions of Mercy Hospital in Columbus and Grant Medical Center, which integrated additional acute care facilities and strengthened urban service capabilities.[10] By 1992, the system further expanded with the merger of Hardin Memorial Hospital in Kenton, incorporating rural healthcare resources into its network.[10] These consolidations transformed disparate hospitals into a coordinated regional provider, emphasizing collaborative care delivery.[10] In 1997, following a lawsuit settlement with U.S. Healthcare Inc., a Pennsylvania-based managed care organization, U.S. Health Corporation rebranded as OhioHealth to establish a distinct identity and avoid trademark conflicts.[11] This renaming solidified the organization's focus on statewide healthcare integration. Through continued strategic acquisitions in the late 1990s and early 2000s, OhioHealth expanded its services to cover 47 Ohio counties, evolving from a localized group into a comprehensive regional network.[10]Recent Restructuring and Growth
In 2022, OhioHealth underwent a significant restructuring to streamline its operations amid evolving healthcare demands, announcing the elimination of 637 positions across its information technology and revenue cycle management departments. Of these, 567 jobs were in IT roles, with the remaining 70 in revenue cycle functions such as billing, set to conclude by January 3, 2023. This move, described by the organization as necessary for efficiency and adaptability, marked its largest layoff to date and reflected broader industry efforts to optimize administrative functions in response to post-pandemic challenges.[12][13] By 2025, OhioHealth had expanded its network to include 16 hospitals, five joint-venture hospitals, and more than 200 ambulatory sites across a 50-county region in Ohio, demonstrating sustained growth through strategic developments. This expansion built on earlier mergers while incorporating new facilities, such as the OhioHealth Canal Winchester Health Center opened in August 2025, to enhance access to outpatient services. The system's growth emphasized integration of primary care, specialty services, and community health initiatives to meet increasing regional demands.[1][14] In 2025, OhioHealth pursued key joint ventures to bolster specialized care offerings. It formed a partnership with Lifepoint Behavioral Health in September to jointly operate two 72-bed behavioral health hospitals in central Ohio, focusing on emergency mental health services, inpatient acute psychiatry, and outpatient programs to address rising behavioral health needs; the joint venture became official on November 1, 2025.[15][16] Additionally, in October, OhioHealth collaborated with Nationwide Children's Hospital to develop a 42,000-square-foot family care facility in Ontario, Ohio—set to open in spring 2026—integrating primary care, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, imaging, and therapy services under one roof. These initiatives highlighted OhioHealth's commitment to collaborative models for comprehensive, family-centered care.[17][18] To improve patient care and alleviate nursing workload pressures, OhioHealth advanced its implementation of smart room technology in 2025, expanding from an initial rollout at Pickerington Methodist Hospital to 26 rooms at Doctors Hospital. This technology integrates virtual nursing support, patient monitoring, and interactive features to enable remote assistance for routine tasks, resulting in reduced nurse turnover and enhanced bedside efficiency. The expansion aligned with OhioHealth's strategic focus on innovative tools to support staff retention and elevate the care environment amid ongoing workforce challenges.[19][20] In November 2025, OhioHealth announced further expansions, including a $65 million project at Pickerington Methodist Hospital to add a two-story, 27,000-square-foot addition that will triple its capacity, and a $255 million expansion at Dublin Methodist Hospital, with construction set to begin in 2026 to add a six-story, 207,000-square-foot facility. These projects underscore ongoing investments in infrastructure to support growing regional healthcare needs as of November 2025.[21][22]Leadership and Governance
Executive Team
Stephen Markovich, MD, has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of OhioHealth since July 2019, leading the organization's strategic direction and operational execution across its network of hospitals and facilities. A retired Major General from the U.S. Air Force after 38 years of service, Markovich commanded the Ohio Air National Guard, logged over 2,000 flight hours as a fighter pilot, and led medical-response task forces for disasters, including three Middle East deployments.[23] His military background informs OhioHealth's emphasis on high-reliability processes, and in late 2024, he outlined plans for 2025 that include integrating artificial intelligence tools like DAX Copilot for physician documentation and virtual care, which OhioHealth began implementing in 2024.[24][25] These initiatives support broader goals of improving patient outcomes, addressing health disparities, and investing $400 million in facilities like the revitalized Grant Medical Center, with the first phase completed in March 2025, alongside expansions in women's health through a new dedicated women's health center at Riverside Methodist Hospital scheduled to open in 2027.[24][26][27] John McWhorter serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a role he assumed in July 2020 to oversee daily operations, including hospitals, ambulatory care, nursing, shared services, customer satisfaction, and lean strategy implementation. With prior experience as COO at Baylor Scott & White Health in Texas and leadership positions at hospitals in Arkansas and Dallas, McWhorter ensures alignment with OhioHealth's enterprise goals through partnerships and performance optimization.[28] He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Samford University, a Master of Healthcare Administration, and a Doctor of Science in Health Services from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, contributing to his focus on efficient resource management.[28] Chris Clinton is President of the OhioHealth Regional Market, responsible for managing operations and strategic growth across eight regional hospitals, including OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital and OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, with an emphasis on expansions into underserved areas. Joining OhioHealth in 2013 as Vice President of Neuroscience, Heart, and Vascular services at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Clinton previously held administrative roles at the Cleveland Clinic, Carolinas Medical Center, and St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, building expertise in surgical operations and shared services like supply chain and pharmacy.[29] He earned a Master of Health Administration from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Eastern Washington University.[29] Karen J. Morrison holds the positions of President of the OhioHealth Foundation and Senior Vice President of OhioHealth Corporation, directing enterprise strategies for external affairs, community reinvestment, health equity, and government relations at local, state, and federal levels. With over 30 years at OhioHealth as a healthcare executive and lobbyist, she oversees philanthropic fundraising and advocacy to advance equitable access to care.[30] Morrison's educational background includes an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University, a graduate degree in Preventive Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, and a law degree from Capital University, enabling her to shape policies addressing social determinants of health.[30] Brian Jepson serves as President of the OhioHealth Central Market, overseeing operations and development for major facilities such as OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Dublin Methodist Hospital, and Grant Medical Center, with responsibilities extending to joint ventures and emergency departments. Previously President of Riverside Methodist Hospital, Jepson brings experience from executive vice president and COO roles at Rochester General Hospital in New York, Metro Health Hospital in Michigan, and Morris Hospital in Illinois, where he managed professional and support services with a focus on business operations.[31] His Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration from Ohio University support financial and strategic oversight in his current market leadership.[31] Other key members of the Executive Team include Teri Caulin-Glaser, MD (Executive VP and Chief Clinical Officer); Matt Weger (Senior VP and Chief Information Officer); Cynthia Latney (Senior VP and Chief Nursing Executive); Mike Ezzie, MD (Senior VP and President, OhioHealth Physician Group); and Jesse Longoria (Senior VP and Chief Strategy & Growth Officer), among others.[32]Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of OhioHealth provides governance and oversight for the organization, ensuring alignment with its mission as a not-for-profit healthcare system. Composed of 20 members from diverse sectors including healthcare, business, and faith communities, the board emphasizes community representation and fiduciary responsibility, with no members holding direct economic interests in the organization. This structure supports OhioHealth's affiliation with the United Methodist Church, promoting charitable outreach and ethical decision-making.[32][1][33] The board includes five officers: Lisa Ingram as Chair, who guides policy development and community relations; Linda Hondros as Vice Chair; Donna James as Secretary; Andy Rose as Treasurer, overseeing financial matters; and Stephen Markovich, MD, as President and CEO. The remaining 15 members are Sandy Doyle-Ahern, Michael Coleman, Rev. Karen Cook, David Eichinger, Rev. Wade Giffin, David Harrison, Nicholas Honda, MD, Jeffrey Hutchison, DO, Mike Mahaffey, Arvind Malik, MD, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, Jennifer Papp, DO, John Schwemer, Peggy Simmons, and Doug Strine. These individuals bring expertise from medicine, clergy, and civic leadership, fostering strategic alignment with the system's nonprofit objectives.[32] Key responsibilities of the board include approving major expansions to enhance care capacity and supporting equity initiatives to address health disparities, as demonstrated in ongoing projects like the 2025 developments at Dublin Methodist Hospital and community benefit programs. The board also resolves policy conflicts, upholds compliance, and advances the organization's commitment to population health and ethical standards.[32][33][26]Facilities
Hospitals
OhioHealth operates a network of 16 hospitals spanning central, north central, and southeast Ohio, providing inpatient care with a collective capacity exceeding 2,000 licensed beds as of 2025.[2] These facilities serve diverse communities, from urban centers like Columbus to rural areas, emphasizing acute care, emergency services, and specialized inpatient treatments. The hospitals vary in size and focus, with larger institutions handling high-volume trauma and complex cases, while smaller critical access hospitals support local needs in underserved regions. Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus is OhioHealth's largest facility, a 1,059-bed teaching hospital established in 1892 that serves as a cornerstone for advanced inpatient care in the region.[5] It functions as a Level II Trauma Center within OhioHealth's trauma network, managing severe injuries and emergencies with comprehensive support services.[34] Grant Medical Center, also in Columbus, is a 505-bed urban hospital known for its neuroscience expertise, including advanced treatments for brain and spine conditions as part of OhioHealth's broader neuroscience program.[35][36] It operates as a Level I Trauma Center, the busiest in Ohio, handling the highest volume of critical cases downtown.[37] Dublin Methodist Hospital in Dublin features 110 staffed beds and focuses on efficient inpatient services in a growing suburban area, with expansions underway including a $255 million project set to begin construction in early 2026 and complete in 2028, adding capacity for more beds and operating rooms.[38][39] Doctors Hospital in Columbus provides 174 staffed beds with an emphasis on orthopedic and general surgical inpatient care in a southwest location.[40] The remaining hospitals in the network offer essential inpatient services tailored to their locales:| Hospital Name | Location | Bed Capacity | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berger Hospital | Circleville, OH | 83 staffed beds | Community-focused acute care in rural Pickaway County.[41] |
| Grady Memorial Hospital | Delaware, OH | 60 staffed beds | Serves Delaware County with general medical and surgical inpatient services.[42] |
| Grove City Methodist Hospital | Grove City, OH | 26 licensed beds | Micro-hospital model emphasizing short-stay inpatient care and quick recovery.[43] |
| Hardin Memorial Hospital | Kenton, OH | 25 staffed beds | Critical access hospital providing essential inpatient services in rural Hardin County.[44] |
| Marion General Hospital | Marion, OH | 203 staffed beds / 250 licensed beds | Full-service facility with expanded private patient rooms completed in recent years.[45][46] |
| Mansfield Hospital | Mansfield, OH | 311 staffed beds / 326 licensed beds | Tertiary-care center designated as a Level III trauma facility and primary stroke center.[47][48] |
| Morrow County Hospital | Mount Gilead, OH | 25 licensed beds | Critical access hospital that joined OhioHealth as a full member in January 2025 (announced in 2024), focusing on rural inpatient needs.[49][50][51] |
| O'Bleness Memorial Hospital | Athens, OH | 67 staffed beds | Supports southeast Ohio with general inpatient care in Appalachian communities.[52] |
| Pickerington Methodist Hospital | Pickerington, OH | 96 licensed beds | Newer facility opened in 2023, including a Level II maternity unit and 12-bed ICU.[53] |
| Shelby Hospital | Shelby, OH | 21 staffed beds | Critical access hospital offering transitional care and short-term inpatient rehabilitation.[54] |
| Southeastern Medical Center | Cambridge, OH | 86 staffed beds / 98 licensed beds | Joined OhioHealth in 2023, providing inpatient care including ICU services in Guernsey County.[55][56] |
| Van Wert Hospital | Van Wert, OH | 29 staffed beds / 34 licensed beds | Acquired in 2022, focuses on inpatient and emergency services in northwest Ohio.[57][58] |