Advancing Women’s Health Across the Region

By Keith Bricking, MD, chief clinical officer, Premier Health

Women's health needs are evolving, and the Women's Health Institute is evolving with them. Through strategic growth, expanded clinical services, strong physician leadership, and a commitment to education, the Institute is enhancing access to high-quality care for women and families across the region.

Over the past year, the Women's Health Institute has strengthened services across the continuum of care through strategic provider growth, expanded clinical capabilities, and enhanced collaboration among physicians, advanced practice providers, and certified nurse-midwives. These efforts have increased access to care and supported continued growth throughout the system. In 2025, Premier Health achieved its highest delivery volume since 2019 and maintained its position as the market share leader for obstetrical services across the region's eight-county service area. The Institute has also maintained a strong presence in the northern market through the Women's Health Specialists and Midwives of Dayton team, which continues to anchor women's health services in Piqua and surrounding communities. At Atrium Medical Center, maternity services are projected to exceed 1,000 deliveries in 2026 for the first time in more than 35 years, reflecting the continued strength and growth of Premier Health's maternity program. 

The Institute also strengthened physician leadership with the appointments of:

• David Dhanraj, MD - Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Chair
• Michael Galloway, DO, Surgical Gynecology, Division Chief
• Jeremy Crouch, MD, Ambulatory OB/GYN, Division Chief
• Will Andrew, MD, Independent Physician Representative, Division Chief

Together, they help advance physician engagement, collaboration, and clinical excellence across the Institute. 

As Premier Health continues to grow as an academic health system, the Women's Health Institute remains an important center for physician education and training. Approximately 230 learners receive training within Women's Services each year, including Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and OB/GYN residents, as well as fourth-year sub-internship students. All 130 residents affiliated with these programs spend a portion of their training at Miami Valley Hospital, gaining experience in obstetrics, gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, surgery, and neonatal care while learning alongside multidisciplinary teams dedicated to clinical excellence.

Did You Know? Women's Health Institute Clinical Snapshot

• 5,290 projected births in 2026 (annualized through June), compared with 5,434 births in 2025
• 61 physicians and 41 advanced practice providers delivering care across the Women's Health Institute
• 22 certified nurse-midwives collaborating with OB/GYN physicians to support maternity care and positive birth experiences
• 9 urogynecology specialists providing advanced pelvic health care across the region
• 386 deliveries at Premier Health's Natural Beginnings and Family Beginnings birth centers in 2025
• 15 OB/GYN practice locations serving women throughout Southwest Ohio
• 839 newborn admissions to Miami Valley Hospital's Level III NICU in 2025
• 2,634 gynecologic surgical procedures performed in 2025, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures
• More than 97,000 women's health visits, including 97,229 patient encounters in 2025
• 18 lactation consultants supporting mothers and infants across the health system
• Approximately 230 residents, medical students, and other learners trained annually within Women's Services

As demand for women's health services continues to grow, the Women's Health Institute remains focused on expanding access, advancing clinical excellence, supporting innovation, and preparing the next generation of health care providers. Through these efforts, we are strengthening the health and well-being of women, infants, and families throughout the communities we serve.

Back to the August 2026 Premier Pulse