Independence Health System Appoints Dr. Mary Elizabeth Kovacik Eicher as Associate Chief Medical Officer

GREENSBURG, Pa., July 17, 2025 – Independence Health System is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Elizabeth Kovacik Eicher, MD, MPH, as its new associate chief medical officer. Since joining the former Excela Health in 2019, Dr. Kovacik Eicher has established a robust and thriving clinical practice, providing compassionate care to patients across Westmoreland, Frick, Latrobe and Butler Memorial hospitals.  

A respected leader within the organization, Dr. Kovacik Eicher currently serves as director of neurosciences, president-elect of the Medical Executive Committee and chair of the credentialing committee. She also played an instrumental role in launching the system’s highly successful Memory Clinic, which provides advanced infusion treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. 

“I am committed to working with Dr. Fiorina, our leadership team and our entire system to continue a legacy of dedication to our community, a commitment to the growth of our system, and an unrivaled enthusiasm for patient care,” said Dr. Kovacik Eicher. “Independence Health System is not just my job, it's my home. These patients are my neighbors, my friends and my family. I am honored to serve our patients and community in this new capacity.” 

A native of Blairsville, Pennsylvania, she earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Notre Dame and two master’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. She completed her medical degree, neurology residency and fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. 

“Dr. Kovacik Eicher is a proven leader whose clinical expertise and deep connection to our communities make her uniquely suited for this role,” said Dr. Michael Fiorina, chief medical officer of Independence Health System.  

President and CEO Ken DeFurio added, “Her ability to inspire collaboration, drive innovation and deliver exceptional patient care will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve as a health system, providing expert care to the communities we serve.” 

Dr. Kovacik Eicher will assume her new role effective immediately, with a primary focus on the Westmoreland Area hospitals, including Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland hospitals.  

Learn more about Independence Health System and its comprehensive services by visiting www.independence.health. Expert Care. Here. 

-30- 

Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties.  

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health