Owensboro Health has named Dr. Erica Gregonis as its new chief medical officer.
In the role, Gregonis will oversee medical staff affairs, quality and patient safety initiatives, and population health strategies. She will report directly to Owensboro Health President and CEO Mark Marsh while working with physicians and advanced practice providers across the organization.
Gregonis joins Owensboro Health from Baptist Health Richmond, where she has served as chief medical officer and vice president since 2020. She is board-certified in pulmonology and critical care medicine and has continued practicing clinically throughout her leadership career.
According to Owensboro Health, Gregonis helped lead Baptist Health Richmond’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic while advancing quality and patient safety initiatives, implementing healthcare technologies, and supporting improvements in clinical performance and patient experience. She also helped develop cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs while maintaining an active pulmonary and critical care practice.
“Throughout our search process, Dr. Gregonis distinguished herself through her commitment to physician engagement and collaboration,” Marsh said. “She believes the best decisions are made when physicians are active partners in shaping the future of care delivery, quality improvement, and organizational strategy. Her collaborative leadership style, deep clinical expertise, and commitment to patient-centered care make her the right leader to help strengthen physician engagement and advance Owensboro Health’s mission.”
Gregonis said she looks forward to working with providers across the health system.
“I am honored to join Owensboro Health and excited to become part of a health system with such a strong reputation for clinical excellence and community service,” she said. “I look forward to listening, learning, and building relationships with our physicians and advanced practice providers. Together, we will continue advancing high-quality, patient-centered care while strengthening the partnerships that help us achieve the best possible outcomes for those we serve.”
Owensboro Health also announced that Dr. Francis DuFrayne, who has served as chief medical officer since 2018, will transition to serve as interim chief operating officer for Owensboro Health Medical Group before returning to clinical practice.
DuFrayne joined Owensboro Health in 2012 and became vice president of medical affairs for Owensboro Health Medical Group in 2015. The health system credited him with helping lead the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting continued improvements in patient care.
“Dr. DuFrayne has been a trusted leader and valued colleague whose dedication to Owensboro Health has made a lasting impact on our organization, providers, and patients,” Marsh said. “We are grateful for his continued service and leadership during this transition.”
