Graves Gilbert Clinic, Ascension Saint Thomas work to enhance health care access

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Graves Gilbert Clinic and Ascension Saint Thomas have announced a formal clinically integrated alliance agreement to launch a new outpatient-centered health care system.

According to a release on Tuesday, this collaboration has a mission to meet the changing needs of the growing regional population.

The release further states the joint effort will “enhance access to outpatient care, expand diagnostic and treatment services, support clinic research and create new opportunities for physicians and health care professionals.”

“Graves Gilbert Clinic is excited about this robust partnership with Ascension Saint Thomas,” Mike D’Eramo, CEO of GGC Health said. “We remain committed to providing our patients with exceptional care that is locally accessible. This alliance strengthens our ability to deliver innovative, coordinated care to families in our community.”

Key objectives of the alliance, according to the release, include:

•  Building a cohesive outpatient care network aligned throughout southcentral Kentucky and
  Middle Tennessee.
• Attracting and retaining leading physicians, surgeons, and specialists.
• Enhancing access to advanced diagnostics, treatment options, and clinical research.
• Supporting value-based care delivery through shared technologies and systems integration.
• Expanding academic and professional opportunities for the next generation of medical leaders

“Graves Gilbert Clinic is excited about this robust partnership with Ascension Saint Thomas,” Mike
D’Eramo, CEO of GGC Health said. “We remain committed to providing our patients with exceptional care
that is locally accessible. This alliance strengthens our ability to deliver innovative, coordinated care to
families in our community.”

Dr. Jerry Roy, chair of GGC Health, emphasized the alliance’s impact on the local medical community:

“This is a significant opportunity for physicians serving in the Bowling Green community. Having a physician-friendly partner who is committed to modern methods of delivering health care will subsequently make our region more attractive for future physician leaders.”

Ascension Saint Thomas has a long history of serving the Bowling Green area, beginning with cardiology services in the 1980s and expanding over time to new programs and specialty services as the region grew rapidly.

“We are grateful for the trust of Bowling Green physicians and patients over generations, and honored to envision an expanded outpatient-centered horizontal network focused on crafting a modern approach to serve the community,” said Fahad Tahir, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas. “Our service to local families is strengthened by the long-term vision of our physician partners and the alliance with Graves Gilbert Clinic.”

News 40 will provide additional information as it becomes available.