Dr. Michael Fiorina Appointed Chief Medical Officer of Independence Health System

Butler, PA – June 10, 2025 – Independence Health System announces the appointment of Michael Fiorina, DO, FAAFP, as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO), effective mid-June. Dr. Fiorina, who has been serving as CMO for the Butler and Clarion region, succeeds Carol Fox, MD, FAAFP, who will retire following a remarkable career defined by exceptional leadership, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care.

“Dr. Fiorina’s extensive experience, clinical insight, and deep commitment to community healthcare make him an excellent choice to lead our physician team,” said Ken DeFurio. “His leadership and dedication to both clinical practice and medical education will continue to drive our mission of providing expert care, here, in our communities.”

A western Pennsylvania native and board-certified family physician, Dr. Fiorina brings nearly 30 years of clinical and administrative experience to his new role. He earned his undergraduate degree from Washington and Jefferson College and completed his medical degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by residency training in Altoona. He later returned to the region to practice medicine with Butler Health System and eventually as an independent physician.

Since joining the administrative team in 2021, Dr. Fiorina has served as Vice President of Medical Education and upon the formation of Independence Health system, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Butler Memorial and Clarion Hospitals. He has also played a critical role in shaping the system’s future through his leadership in medical staff governance, graduate medical education, and community-based care.

Dr. Fiorina has held several key leadership positions, including Chair of the Department of Medicine, President of the Medical Staff, and Trustee for Butler Health System. He was instrumental in securing accreditation for the Butler Family Medicine Residency Program and currently serves as the Designated Institutional Official and Program Director for the Clarion Hospital Medical Education Program.

His appointment marks a continuation of the system’s strategic focus on strong internal succession and sustained physician leadership.

As Dr. Fiorina steps into his new role, Dr. Carol Fox will retire from her position as Chief Medical Officer. A graduate of the Latrobe Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, Dr. Fox played a pivotal role in the evolution of Excela Health and later served as its Chief Medical Officer before becoming the inaugural Chief Medical Officer of Independence Health System in 2023. Her legacy includes the creation of physician advisory councils, dedication to graduate medical education, and steady leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Dr. Fox’s impact will be felt for years to come,” said DeFurio. “It has been my privilege to work alongside her, and we are grateful for the foundation she helped build for this next chapter.”

A new Associate Chief Medical Officer for the Westmoreland area, who will report to Dr. Fiorina, will be announced in the coming weeks.

-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