The Graves Gilbert Clinic (GGC Health) and Ascension Saint Thomas have announced a formal clinically integrated alliance agreement to launch a new outpatient-centered health care system in the region. This agreement prioritizes delivering high-quality, affordable and accessible care across southcentral Kentucky.
This groundbreaking collaboration establishes the creation of a new health services network with a mission to meet the evolving needs of the growing regional population. The alliance will enhance access to outpatient care, expand diagnostic and treatment services, support clinical 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.”
The innovative partnership is built on a shared commitment to improve health outcomes for the community, making care more accessible and affordable for families and local businesses.
Key objectives of the alliance 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
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. Last year, Ascension Saint Thomas reinforced its commitment to the market by dedicating cardiology subspecialty resources to Bowling Green and has been expanding specialties informed by the needs of GGC physicians and patients.
“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.”
This alliance marks a pivotal step toward building a sustainable and responsive health care system for Bowling Green and surrounding communities. By uniting their strengths, Graves Gilbert Clinic and Ascension Saint Thomas aim to position southcentral Kentucky as a destination for comprehensive, patient-centered care.
About GGC Health and Graves Gilbert Clinic
GGC Health is the parent organization of Graves Gilbert Clinic, south-central Kentucky’s premier physician-owned medical group. Established in 1937, Graves Gilbert Clinic has grown into a trusted health care leader, guided by a nine-member physician board, specialty-led committees and a forward-thinking executive team.
GGC Health is focused on advancing modern healthcare by developing state-of-the-art facilities, expanding access to care, enhancing community services, and fostering meaningful health service partnerships. Today, Graves Gilbert Clinic includes more than 200 providers across 30 specialties, delivering comprehensive care to over one million patients annually through 28 locations across a 13-county region. Visit www.gravesgilbert.com.
