Independence Health System Physicians Recognized Among 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctors

BUTLER, Pa. Feb. 10, 2026 – Physicians across Independence Health System have once again earned the distinguished honor of being recognized as 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctors.

For more than 35 years, Castle Connolly has been a trusted healthcare research and information company, offering resources to help individuals find reputable providers across a wide range of specialties. Each year, they publish an online list of outstanding physicians who are nominated and recognized by their peers. The selection process is rigorous and impartial, focusing on excellence in clinical care and patient-centered communication. 

“On behalf of our entire healthcare system, I extend sincere congratulations to our physicians recognized as 2026 Top Doctors,” said President and CEO Ken DeFurio. “This recognition reflects not only their exceptional skill and compassion, but also the collective strength and dedication of our entire medical staff in delivering exceptional care to our communities.”

The following Independence Health System physicians received Top Doctors distinction: 
 

In addition, the following physicians on the medical staff of Independence Health System hospitals, whose expertise is made accessible through partnerships that expand access to high-quality specialty care, were recognized. 

“Our leadership, providers and staff are incredibly proud of these distinguished clinicians,” said Dr. David Rottinghaus, president of the physician and provider network. “Their recognition as Castle Connolly Top Doctors highlights the exceptional commitment they bring to every patient interaction, keeping expert care, here. This honor reflects not only their clinical excellence, but also the collaborative approach that defines our medical community and strengthens the care we provide across the region.”

Castle Connolly’s selection process involves nominations from licensed physicians and thorough review by a physician-led research team. Doctors are assessed based on professional qualifications, hospital and faculty appointments, education, interpersonal skills, professional reputation, and clinical outcomes. 

In 2026, more than 72,000 physicians earned recognition as Top Doctors from a pool of over 1.1 million U.S. Doctors, placing them in the top 7% of nominees nationwide. 

To learn more about Castle Connolly’s methodology or to view the full list of recognized physicians, visit www.castleconnolly.com. To learn more about Independence Health System’s expert care, visit www.independence.health.

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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 nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning a multi-county region. 

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.