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Barr, Patrick J.

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Doctor ID
4893
Client ID
4103
Patrick J. Barr, MD
First Name
Patrick
Middle Name
J.
Last Name
Barr
Professional Titles
MD
Year Joined Staff
2020
Year Began Practicing
2011
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Hospitalist
Hospitalist- Telemedicine
NPI
1154611317
Medical Education

2007 - 2011 Northeastern Ohio Medical University

Residency

2011 - 2014 Mayo Clinic

Board Certifications

Internal Medicine

Accepting New Patients
FALSE
Is Referral Required
FALSE
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Moving Forward Without Knee Pain

With both knees gnarled by arthritis, Nancy Walsh knew that if she wanted to lead an active life, she’d need two total knee replacement surgeries. She also wanted the procedures done at Genesis HealthCare System. The one thing she wasn’t sure about centered on timing. How could she overcome the pain and get back to life in the least amount of time possible? 

“The pain just kept getting worse, and I knew it wasn’t going to get better. I had put off surgery for years, and it got so that I couldn’t walk down the hall without crippling pain – and that’s even with my high pain tolerance,” Nancy said. “So, I decided it was time to put my best foot forward. Once I made that decision, I wanted to act quickly.” 

Nancy scheduled an appointment with Corey Jackson, D.O., Board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon at the Genesis Orthopedic Center. Not only had she heard positive reviews about him, but he had removed fluid from her knee months earlier. During that initial interaction, Nancy appreciated how Dr. Jackson answered her questions and thoroughly explained her knees’ deterioration. 

Now that Nancy felt ready for surgery, she hoped for a speedy path to healing. She asked Dr. Jackson about operating on both knees the same day, but for safety precautions, he suggested scheduling her surgeries at least two weeks apart. 

“Typically, if someone needs both knees replaced, we schedule them three months apart. That said, I listen to and work with our patients to best meet their desires and provide optimal results. So, as long as Nancy’s first knee healed smoothly, I felt good about performing the second total knee replacement surgery on a tighter-than-normal schedule,” Dr. Jackson said. 

“I believe my knees are working so well because of Dr. Jackson’s skill in placing them and how the physical therapy team helped me push through recovery. I have no pain. I run around all day, and I’m ok! I returned to work just five weeks after my second surgery, and I’m fully enjoying life. It’s amazing,”

Things did go smoothly. With each procedure, Dr. Jackson utilized advanced navigation technology to ensure precise placement of Nancy’s knee replacement components. Then, during the recovery stages, Nancy fully committed herself to physical therapy. 

“I believe my knees are working so well because of Dr. Jackson’s skill in placing them and how the physical therapy team helped me push through recovery. I have no pain. I run around all day, and I’m ok! I returned to work just five weeks after my second surgery, and I’m fully enjoying life. It’s amazing,” Nancy said. Dr. Jackson agrees that Nancy’s results are fantastic.  

“She had terrible knees, riddled with severe arthritis. They were as bad as they could be. It’s incredibly rewarding to see Nancy now. She’s a prime example of why our Genesis Orthopedic Center exists – to help our community members overcome orthopedic challenges and get back to the things they love,” Dr. Jackson said. 

With her new knees and fresh future, Nancy is dreaming of travel adventures for her upcoming retirement years. She looks forward to walking and cruising around the world without knee pain.

With both knees gnarled by arthritis, Nancy Walsh knew that if she wanted to lead an active life, she’d need two total knee replacement surgeries.

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Heart Patient Advises Not to Wait if Something Seems Unusual

At first, it seemed like any other day. Karl Kirby, age 57, of Zanesville, had just finished doing laundry. And while he felt fine when he woke up that morning, as the day wore on, he began to feel worse.

“I had chest pain, and I was sweating profusely,” said Karl. “Then I realized I hadn’t eaten all day. I figured maybe I just needed some food.”

Karl ate a sandwich, but it didn’t help. So, he sat down to watch TV, thinking maybe he was tired and needed to relax. 
That didn’t help either. He was running out of options and finally went to the bedroom to lay down. When his wife saw him, she was worried and asked, “Are you okay?” Karl realized he wasn’t, so they drove to the hospital.

EKG detects a STEMI

When they got to the Emergency Department (ED) at Genesis HealthCare System, the care team immediately attached small electrodes to Karl’s arms, legs and chest to perform an electrocardiogram, also called an EKG or ECG, a device that monitors the heart.

“His EKG showed changes that suggested an acute heart attack,” said Alaa Gabi, M.D., Fellowship-trained Interventional Cardiologist at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute, who oversaw Karl’s care. “This is also called an ST elevation myocardial infarction or STEMI.”

Balloon and stent procedure

Next, the care team rushed Karl to the Genesis cardiac catheterization lab (cath lab). Heart specialists can perform a full range of minimally invasive tests and advanced heart procedures using the most current imaging technology in the cath lab. This allows the doctors to diagnose and treat blockages and other problems in the arteries without patients undergoing surgery.

In the cath lab, Dr. Gabi placed two stents in Karl’s arteries, which opened the blockages causing the heart attack. The procedure involves inserting a tiny balloon into the blocked artery and then inflating it. Next, a stent (small mesh tube) was inserted to keep the artery open. 

“As soon as the stents were placed, I felt normal again. There was no more chest pain.”

“Dr. Gabi called my condition a STEMI. At the time, I didn’t know what that meant. But now I know it’s the second most deadly heart attack,” said Karl. “As soon as the stents were placed, I felt normal again. There was no more chest pain.”

Don’t DIY your trip to the ED

When asked if he has any words of wisdom for others who might be experiencing chest pain or symptoms, Karl advises, “Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Call an ambulance. I learned after this happened to me – they have resources in the ambulances that can help until you reach the hospital.”

Top-notch and A #1

After Karl’s procedure, his care team recommended he go to the Genesis Heart & Vascular Cardiac Rehab Center to strengthen his heart. Karl began a program working on a treadmill and several other exercise machines. Karl explained he started using the machines for three minutes at a time, three times a week, then gradually worked up from there.

“It was awesome. The rehab group was top-notch, A #1. It really helped,” said Karl.

At first, it seemed like any other day. Karl Kirby, age 57, of Zanesville, had just finished doing laundry. And while he felt fine when he woke up that morning, as the day wore on, he began to feel worse.

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LiveWell Patient Story: Robotic Technology Makes Hard-to-Reach Lung Biopsies Possible

Doctors intended to use Shelly Grafton’s abdominal CT scan to discover the root of her stomach pain. While the results led to a hernia repair surgery and the removal of her gallbladder, the image also revealed something unexpected: a suspicious, small spot on the lower lobe of her left lung. 

“When I learned about that spot on my lung, I felt devastated. I wanted the best and quickest help I could get, and that’s what I received at Genesis,” Shelly said. 

Shelly’s tiny abnormality measured only 3 mm at the time of the CT scan (slightly wider than the tip of a crayon), which is too small to biopsy, but over a year, it grew to 10 mm (the size of a pea), the minimum size to biopsy. So, Emily Brawner, D.O., F.C.C.P., Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine at Genesis HealthCare System, recommended gathering more information using the Monarch robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. This advanced technology allows physicians to access small lung nodules in hard-to-reach places. 

“The Monarch platform provides more stability and better visualization and precision. So, not only do we have a better chance of accessing hard-to-reach areas within the lung, we have a better chance of getting information and answers for our patients,” Dr. Brawner said. 

Lung cancer ranks as the deadliest cancer. The sooner and more accurate the diagnosis, the earlier treatment can begin, and the better prognosis for patients. With that in mind, Genesis invested in the innovative Monarch platform, becoming the second hospital system in Ohio to offer patients the technology. 

"Dr. Brawner held my hand and helped me feel safe like whatever happened, she would take care of it. She was very compassionate.”

Dr. Brawner used the Monarch technology in conjunction with another advanced bronchoscopy platform to perform two bronchoscopy techniques to assess Shelly’s lung. The Monarch electromagnetic navigational robotic-assisted bronchoscopy helped Dr. Brawner access and take nodule samples. At the same time, an endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) allowed for lymph node samples from the chest. For Shelly, biopsies from this combined procedure revealed cancer. 

“I was nervous and upset when I learned the diagnosis. However, Dr. Brawner held my hand and helped me feel safe like whatever happened, she would take care of it. She was very compassionate,” Shelly said. “After the diagnosis, Dr. Brawner sent me to a medical oncologist and a radiation oncologist at the Genesis Cancer Care Center. Everyone is wonderful there. You don’t feel like you’re being treated for cancer. You feel like you’re there for an appointment.” 

At the Genesis Cancer Care Center, Shelly underwent chemotherapy five days a week for six weeks and then radiation therapy three times a week for another six weeks. For the next year, she’ll undergo a monthly immunotherapy session. Shelly says the treatments have shrunk and shriveled the tumor, and she feels grateful for such incredible close-to-home care. 

“For me, Genesis was the only place to go. It’s near enough to my home, the facilities feel light, bright and cheery and so are the nurses and everyone who works there. I had always heard the treatment was good there, and it is.” Shelly said. 

The Monarch robotic-assisted bronchoscopy technology allowed Dr. Brawner to perform a minimally invasive procedure to access small lung nodules in hard-to-reach places. This advanced technology helps patients like Shelly diagnose and treat their lung cancer.

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Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Offers a Better Solution

Lisa Hillis had been a long-time patient at Genesis OB/GYN Group, and after years of heavy and abnormal bleeding, sought help from Kristina Loomis, M.D., a Board-certified OB/GYN with the Genesis OB/GYN Group, for a solution.

“I was worried every day and wondered, how am I going to deal with this if my period lasts much longer? I talked to Dr. Loomis frequently about the stress and anxiety I was feeling, and she listened, helped me feel comfortable and came up with a plan,” Lisa said.

Lisa’s consistent bleeding issue left her anemic, tired and with a low blood count. To bolster her body, she received a blood transfusion, along with several choices for treatment.

Finding the best, least invasive answer

“Modern medicine often provides several options,” said Dr. Loomis. “We aim to find the best, least invasive answer. Lisa was methodical, thoughtful and motivated to keep going through that process. She tried oral birth control medications and an IUD, and underwent biopsies and a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure to remove tissue from inside the uterus. Even then, she still experienced pelvic pain and heavy bleeding, so ultimately, we proceeded with a hysterectomy.”

During a hysterectomy, surgeons remove the uterus and may also remove the cervix, ovaries and/or fallopian tubes. Though considered a major surgery, advanced robotic-assisted technology at Genesis allows surgeons to perform the procedure with minimally invasive techniques.

Advanced, minimally invasive benefits

By using robotic technology called the da Vinci Surgical System, OB/GYNs at Genesis can perform hysterectomies with pinpoint precision and small incisions. The system involves interactive robotic arms and instruments and a 3D vision system – but the surgeon still makes all the decisions.

“It’s not an automated surgery; that’s a misconception,” Dr. Loomis said. “The robotic equipment acts as my hands, but I control every tiny movement. Plus, the 3D viewfinder gives me more detail, and the minimally invasive technique reduces pain and improves healing.”

For Lisa, having robotic technology in the operating room felt intriguing and exciting.

“It was such an interesting experience as they wheeled me into the operating room. I was able to view all the robotic equipment and found myself asking a variety of questions. The surgical team reacted with professionalism and kindness as they gave me all the answers,” Lisa said.

Problem solved and happy days ahead

The robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy offered Lisa the solution she desperately needed, and she’s embracing life again. “I can finally do whatever I want, whenever I want, and I feel great. Everyone at Genesis is top-notch and gave me great care and peace of mind. I’m so thankful I had this experience with our local hospital and that I didn’t have to drive to Columbus. I only wish I would have done it sooner,” Lisa said.

Positively robotic

Robotic-assisted technology at Genesis offers patients multiple advantages, including:

  • Smaller incisions – For example, Lisa’s robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy resulted in just four half-inch incisions. Traditional abdominal hysterectomy incisionsrange from six to eight inches long.
  • Pinpoint precision – With 3D views and flexible, small robotic instruments, surgeons can navigate around sensitive organs, tissues and nerves. Plus, robotic instruments can move in ways human hands can’t.
  • Faster recoveries – With smaller incisions come lower infection rates, less blood loss and scarring.
  • Shorter hospital stays – Robotic-assisted hysterectomy patients usually return home from the hospital either the next day or the same day as surgery. Patients often return to work within two weeks for light work and six weeks for heavy-labor professions.

“Our robotic program at Genesis continues to grow. Patients might be surprised about what can be done with this advanced technology. Right now, general surgeons, urologists, cardiothoracic surgeons and OB/GYNs use it,” said Dr. Kristina Loomis. “It’s wonderful that at Genesis, we can maintain a community feel while offering all the benefits of advanced care and technology.”

Lisa Hillis had been a long-time patient at Genesis OB/GYN Group, and after years of heavy and abnormal bleeding, sought help from Kristina Loomis, M.D., a Board-certified OB/GYN with the Genesis OB/GYN Group, for a solution.

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Got (Dairy-Free) Milk?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

The question, “Got milk?” now comes with a follow-up question: “What kind of milk?” Due to dietary allergies, intolerances, diet preferences and environmental concerns, many people are turning from cow’s milk and drinking plant- and nut-based milk alternatives. The number of people with dairy-related digestive issues continues climbing. Experts estimate that 68% of the world’s population struggles with lactose absorption. 

Thankfully, in recent years, a plethora of milk replacements have become available and accessible. Dairy-free milk products span from soy, coconut, almond, oat, rice, pea, hemp and quinoa bases. These diverse dairy-free products come in various brands, product types and flavors, which also means a variety in nutritional value. 

Dairy-free milk alternatives are not equal in nutritional value 

In April 2022, McGill University published a new study comparing the nutrition in cow’s milk to the four most common milk alternatives: almond, rice, soy and coconut milks. While cow’s milk came out with the highest nutritional value, researchers recognized unsweetened soy milk as the most nutritious dairy-free milk option. 

In the McGill University study, researchers found that pea- based drinks contained the most phosphorus (which helps create, maintain and repair tissues and cells), selenium (which helps make DNA and protects against infections) and zinc (which helps create DNA, builds proteins and supports a healthy immune system). 

The study also showed that soy milk contained the most magnesium (which supports our muscle and nerve functions) and protein. 

Pick your milk options carefully 

Nutritional value varies from brand to brand amongst dairy-free milks. Even within the same alternative milk base and the same brand, there are differences. That’s why it’s important to read labels carefully. While manufacturers may fortify some dairy- free milks with vitamins and minerals, others come with added sugars or artificial sweeteners. For example, many almond and hemp milks contain 13 g of sugar per cup. Paying close attention to labels will help you milk the most nutrition out of your milk alternative. 

Discover the healthiest milk alternative.

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Growing Through the Years for You

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Orthopedic and neuroscience care has transformed to a higher level of quality care in the 25 years Genesis has been in existence. Through the years, these two types of healthcare services evolved to be comprehensive programs with physicians and staff dedicated to ensuring you and your family have the best care available, right here at Genesis. 

As the new Genesis Hospital was planned, we met with patients and families to learn what you needed, and the same was true for what was to become the Genesis Neuroscience & Orthopedic Center. The two programs were housed in the same space in the Physician Pavilion. Patients could see their orthopedic, neurology or neurosurgery physicians without needing to enter the main hospital. The continuum of care, from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation if needed, became a seamless path, making the experience a smoother one for patients and their families. 

In the seven years since the Neuroscience & Orthopedic Center opened, the Orthopedic and Neuroscience programs have grown immensely. More physicians and advanced practice providers (certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants) joined the teams. This growth enabled us to care for more people from our community. 

We soon realized our growth was only limited by physical space. The answer? Build a new facility for Orthopedics, enabling both programs to continue to grow and provide high-quality healthcare for you. 

New Genesis Orthopedic Center 

The Orthopedic program moved into a new facility of its own in December 2021 at 2904 Bell St., Zanesville. Now all orthopedic providers – surgeons, advanced practice providers and sports medicine surgeons, physicians and athletic trainers – are in one modern, convenient location. Imaging tests can be performed in the center as well as some treatments. A dedicated rehabilitation gym for physical and occupational therapy is in the center, as well as an Orthopedic Walk-in Clinic for those minor injuries and problems. 

Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation 

Another area that has been growing through the years is Genesis Rehabilitation Services. To meet the increased need for physical, occupational and speech therapy, we opened Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation in 2020. Located at 3297 Maple Ave., Zanesville, the new facility features welcoming spaces for therapies and programs like Parkinson’s disease, women’s health, sports therapies and more. There are now five locations for outpatient rehabilitation in our service area, with a sixth opening in the Coshocton Medical Center in the spring of 2023. 

Genesis Neuroscience Center 

When the Orthopedic program moved, the Neuroscience program remained in the same location, now called the Genesis Neuroscience Center. The team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, advanced practice providers and support staff remain dedicated to providing the best neurological care possible to you and your family. An example of this dedication and commitment is the purchase of ORBEYE, a 4k-3D video microscope system that shows high resolution images on large video screens during surgery. Neurosurgical patients benefit from the use of this technology. 

Looking to the future 

Our Orthopedic and Neuroscience programs have come a long way in improving the quality of care we give you and your family. We appreciate that you and your family rely on us for high-quality care. We will continue to build on our promise – our mission – to you and our communities for the next 25 years and beyond. 

Providing high-quality orthopedic and neuroscience care.

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The Latest Technology for the Best Treatment

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Twenty-five years ago, returning home on the same day following a major surgery was a fantasy. Today, thanks to minimally invasive robotic technology, in many cases, it is a reality. “During the decade plus that Genesis has offered robotic-assisted surgery, we’ve gone through several upgrades in robotic-assisted surgical technology,” said Stuart Chow, D.O., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Trauma Surgeon specializing in robotic-assisted surgery. “As our surgeons increase their expertise in robotic-assisted surgery, we’re performing complex procedures offered in larger medical centers.” 

Dr. Chow said Genesis offers the most advanced robotic-assisted instrumentation system available, which provides three-dimensional visualization of anatomy and technological integration with other equipment to improve efficiency and safety. 

Advanced robotic-assisted instrumentation allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery or more complex surgeries that in the past required a large incision or several small incisions. “The ability to perform surgeries using small incisions benefits the patients with less postoperative pain and shorter stays in the hospital,” Dr. Chow said. “Most of the procedures performed robotically allow patients to go home on the day of surgery.” 

Robotic-assisted surgery continues to gain in popularity as it becomes more common, and patients learn of its advantages. “Patients are choosing minimally invasive surgery when it’s available as an option, and the volume of robotic-assisted procedures has risen significantly,” Dr. Chow said. Genesis has performed almost 3,000 robotic-assisted surgeries. However, even with all the technological advancements, there’s still a fine line between fact and science fiction. 

The facts about robotic-assisted surgery 

“A common misunderstanding related to robotic- assisted surgery is that the robot performs the procedure,” Dr. Chow said. “Robotic instrumentation is an extension of the surgeon’s hands who controls the robot’s every movement.” In addition, the robot has built-in safety features the surgeon uses to help perform surgery safely and efficiently. 

“Another misunderstanding is that every surgical procedure can be done utilizing a robot. Although many procedures can be performed with the robot, some procedures are best done through a larger incision by hand,” Dr. Chow said. 

Higher standards 

Genesis’ primary focus has always been patient safety and quality surgical care. “Close surveillance of patient surgical outcomes are monitored daily through our process and patient safety programs,” Dr. Chow said. “Outcomes falling outside our expectations are scrutinized, investigated and acted upon if necessary.” Genesis uses national surgical registries and benchmark outcome targets to compare its surgical outcomes and assure the standard of quality care is optimized. “However, at Genesis, we set our targets, so we perform better than the national cohort of hospitals,” he said. 

Dr. Chow said many of Genesis’ surgical specialties are credentialed to perform robotic-assisted surgery. General surgeons, urologists and cardiothoracic and gynecological surgeons perform most of the robotic- assisted surgeries at Genesis. 

“Robotic-assisted surgery benefits the surgeon and the patient,” Dr. Chow said. “It allows surgeons to visualize the patient’s anatomy in greater depth and clarity.” Surgeons can access areas that could only be done through large incisions in the past. Robotic- assisted surgery benefits the patient greatly by having less postoperative pain, quicker recovery, fewer complications from large incisions, and return to a normal lifestyle, including work, at a faster rate. 

“Genesis continues to invest in and focus on providing the best surgical care with new robotic technology, state-of-the-art operating rooms and integrated systems,” Dr. Chow said. “We continue to engage surgeons in multiple surgical specialties and surgical outcome analytics to provide the best surgical care for patients. I am grateful to be able to do this to help our patients.” 

Learn more at genesishcs.org/roboticsurgery.

latest technology

Genesis recently doubled the number of robotic-assisted machines to offer more patients the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery.

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Going Beyond Healthcare to Keep the Community Healthy

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Living healthy lives is hard for patients when they have personal obstacles that can prevent them from seeking healthcare. Therefore, Genesis’ Chief Population Health Officer Linda Supplee is dedicated to creating programs that remove barriers outside of Genesis to enable everyone to receive the care they need. 

Genesis has a 25-year history of supporting community health. Several years ago, the campus went tobacco-free and the health system often collaborates with the local health department on projects. “Most recently, Genesis supported the community by establishing COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics. We also quickly launched virtual visits during the pandemic as part of our digital health services, making it easier for patients to obtain care in a safe and effective way,” Supplee said. 

Removing obstacles 

“We examine factors that make it difficult for people to seek healthcare, like finances, food security and transportation issues,” Supplee said. “It’s a broader view to include overall wellness and the issues that impact health, including the ones outside healthcare’s control.” 

Genesis collaborates with the community to provide resources that address obstacles. As healthcare reimbursement changes, Genesis shares responsibility for individuals and how they seek care, how well they are and the cost of care. “That’s us addressing social determinants or obstacles in their lives,” Supplee said. 

In the last couple of years, while Genesis simultaneously dealt with COVID-19, it developed a community health needs assessment in collaboration with five local county health departments. 

“We are working with various government agencies, local providers and health departments,” Supplee said. 

“In addition, Genesis facilitates a Social Determinants of Health Steering committee for the community where we review data to determine why people do not seek healthcare in our community.” 

The committee regularly meets and includes representation from area transportation, the health department, food banks, the United Way and the housing community. “Bringing attention to the problems is the first step to overcoming them,” Supplee said.   

Healthcare for everyone 

“We examine all populations in our community that might need support. Right now, we’re closely monitoring the aging and substance abuse disorder populations. In addition, we focus on assisting local employers. During COVID-19, we launched several new services for employers to keep their employees safe and healthy and to keep production moving. Our services were available to a wide range of employers, including education, food services and manufacturing,” Supplee said. 

For the aging population, Genesis has also developed a post-acute care network with town hall meetings every other month. “Our health partners include skilled nursing, long-term care and assisted living. We are committed to ensuring our aging population can receive care as their needs change,” Supplee said. 

Genesis Population Health is committed to ensuring an excellent patient experience through routine screenings, care, hospitalization and chronic condition management. 

“All aspects of care are considered and addressed. In the last two and a half years, we built a system-wide care management team consisting of nurses and social workers,” Supplee said. “We have a group of care managers on the in-patient side and transitional care managers to help patients transition from hospitals to other levels of care. We also have chronic disease care managers and procedure care managers. We have someone to help individuals at every stage of receiving care.” 

“We’re focused on achieving the Genesis mission. We are keeping healthcare affordable, making sure it’s exceptional and that we treat patients with compassion,” Supplee said. 

Chief Population Health Officer Linda Supplee describes how Genesis is addressing factors outside of healthcare to improve our community’s health.

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Positioning Providers to Provide the Best Care

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Being a physician is demanding, but the Genesis Medical Group makes it easier. “Sometimes called the Physician Network, we’re essentially a group of nearly 200 physicians and almost 200 advanced practice providers (APPs) led by Genesis HealthCare System,” said Genesis Chief Medical Officer Scott Wegner, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Oncologist. “We’re committed to the Genesis mission, to provide compassionate, exceptional and affordable healthcare.” 

Unlike private practice groups, medical groups have no individual economic incentives. The Genesis Medical Group’s sole focus is to provide the best medical care. “We’re a cooperative group that works well with each other to help our patients. It’s a great organization,” Dr. Wegner said. 

“As opposed to a lot of hospitals that interact with privately employed physician groups, we have alignment with our physician group, and that is critical,” said Physician Network Chief Operating Officer Chris Schoelles, R.N. “It allows us to do things other systems can’t do.” 

Providers only focus on patients 

“At Genesis, physicians can focus on their patients while the administrators take care of the staff, the building and everything else,” said Schoelles. “That’s a huge difference because it allows our physicians to do what they do best -- care for patients.” 

Dr. Wegner said physicians in private practice see their patients and then do the payroll, work with insurance companies, code and bill and ensure the staff is happy. 

“Due to our model and success, we only recruit and retain the highest quality physicians and APPs.” – Scott Wegner M.D. 

“All I have to do when I’m a Genesis-employed physician is take care of patients because the Genesis administrative team takes care of the rest,” he said. 

Dr. Wegner said it’s a nationally evolving trend that many physicians want the opportunity to care for patients without distractions. “When I came here 12 years ago, there was only a handful of employed physicians,” he said. “We made a commitment to grow the group to become a patient-focused, mission-driven medical group.” 

The Genesis Medical Group is an attractive place to work. “Due to our model and success, we only recruit and retain the highest quality physicians and APPs,” Dr. Wegner said. 

The key to a medical group’s success is the dyad partnership, whereby physicians assume primary responsibility for the organization’s clinical vision, and administrators support that vision. “In all phases of our group, in all specialties, we have partnerships between physicians and talented administrators,” Dr. Wegner said. 

 Leading the way is the Medical Group Leadership Team, composed of physicians from all specialties. It charts the course for the medical group’s operations. 

“We provide high quality, technically advanced care to the highest degree in Zanesville. That’s a huge accomplishment,” Schoelles said. 

“No matter where Dr. Wegner and I go together, we’ll run into one of his grateful patients. It’s always heart-warming to see that level of engagement in a community hospital,” Schoelles said. “I’ve worked other places, and that’s not always what happens.” 

Providing accessible care to rural communities 

The Genesis Medical Group is growing because the health system is expanding into Perry County, Coshocton and Cambridge. 

“Our expansion into rural areas that need care the most is a challenge for most medical groups,” Schoelles said. “We’ve done extremely well recruiting, retaining and allowing physicians to go to those areas in need and establish successful practices.” 

Schoelles said by moving into rural areas, Genesis is able to provide care to families that previously did not have easy access to healthcare and may not have seen a doctor in years. “That’s a big step forward,” he said. “We can help so many more people.” 

Chief Medical Officer Scott Wegner, M.D., and Chief Operating Officer Chris Schoelles, R.N., share why the Genesis Medical Group is best for patients.

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