CHILLICOTHE, OH (June 17, 2026) – Nearly half of Adena Health’s 2026 residency and fellowship graduates are continuing their careers with the organization, reinforcing the health system’s commitment to growing a strong, local physician workforce and expanding access to care across southern and south central Ohio.
Six of the 14 physicians completing training this year will remain at Adena, supporting primary, specialty, and hospital-based care throughout Adena’s nine-county service area.
“When we launched our graduate medical education program in 2012, we did so with a clear purpose — to train physicians who not only deliver exceptional care, but who choose to serve communities such as ours where access to high-quality, compassionate care can truly change lives,” said Kathi Edrington, president and CEO. “It’s incredibly meaningful to see these physicians continue their journey here, building on the relationships and experiences they’ve developed during their training.”
This year’s group adds to a growing trend. Over the past five years, 15 residency graduates have chosen to practice at Adena, strengthening a pipeline of physicians dedicated to serving the region long-term.
The physicians remaining at Adena represent a range of specialties and care settings, reflecting the diverse needs of the communities served.
Family medicine
- Francesca Cocchiarale, DO, who will work in outpatient primary care at Adena Fayette Medical Center.
- Daniel Haught, MD, who will work in outpatient primary care at Adena Chillicothe Family Physicians
- Jennifer Hicks, DO, who will be transitioning into Adena’s sports medicine fellowship program
Internal medicine
- Gaven Harper, DO, who will work in outpatient primary care internal medicine
- Rolando Perez, MD, who will serve as a hospitalist at Adena Regional Medical Center
Sports medicine fellowship
- William O’Neal, MD, who will practice primary care sports medicine in Jackson and Pike counties. A 2025 graduate of Adena’s family medicine residency program, Dr. O’Neal became the health system’s first sports medicine fellow.
For many, the decision to stay was shaped by the relationships built during residency.
“Adena really feels like home,” Dr. O’Neal said. “I chose to stay because I wanted to continue practicing with the people I’ve been working with, and the patients are amazing. They’re not afraid to open up and let you really get to know them. That’s important to me.”
“Many people at Adena, including physicians and supporting staff, showed me the importance of serving patients with compassion in a rural health care setting,” Dr. Cocchiarale said. “I was very motivated to stay and give back to a community that has given so much to me.”
The remaining members of this year’s graduating class will carry their Adena training into practices and fellowships across the country, extending the program’s impact beyond the region.
Through its continued investment in graduate medical education, Adena is not only preparing skilled physicians, but also strengthening access to care for the communities it serves — today and into the future.
For more about Adena Health, its health care providers, and its full range of services, visit Adena.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X @adenamedical.
