Dayton Children’s Hospital Expands Care Network Through Strategic Acquisitions
Dayton Children’s Hospital has announced significant progress in its commitment to enhancing pediatric care through the acquisition of local practices, Cornerstone Pediatrics and Shelby Pediatrics. This strategic move is part of a broader initiative to develop a comprehensive and sustainable pediatric healthcare system aimed at addressing the diverse needs of children in the region.
In a statement, Dayton Children’s emphasized that both acquired offices will retain their existing names while becoming part of the health system’s network. Dr. Greg Eberhart, the founding partner of Cornerstone Pediatrics, highlighted the shared vision of both organizations, noting, “We are committed to caring for the children in our area and continuously look at ways to serve them better.” This sentiment echoes a growing trend among healthcare providers to enhance accessibility and integration of services, ensuring families receive coordinated and high-quality care.
Both Dr. Eberhart and Dr. Karen Smith, founder of Shelby Pediatrics, expressed optimism regarding the opportunities these acquisitions present for local families. Dr. Smith stated, “The innovation that we are able to achieve together is already making a difference for kids,” indicating that this partnership will not only strengthen existing services but also pave the way for future advancements in pediatric healthcare delivery.
Shelby Pediatrics has long been an active participant in the Dayton Children’s Health Partners, a clinically integrated network focused on standardizing care protocols for improved health outcomes. Dr. Smith remarked, “We have been able to align care protocols to make sure all children across our region are getting the right care, in the right place, and at the right time.” This network fosters collaboration among healthcare providers, enhancing the overall quality of care available to families.
Under this new alignment, the professional staff from both practices—doctors, nurses, and support teams—will transition to become employees of Dayton Children’s Hospital while continuing to serve patients under the familiar Cornerstone and Shelby Pediatrics branding. This approach ensures that families will see their established providers, promoting continuity in care and a seamless patient experience as the practices integrate into the larger health system.
Deborah Feldman, president and CEO of Dayton Children’s, highlighted the significance of these developments, stating, “We know we need to reinvent the path to children’s health for the best outcomes, and this is yet another step along that path toward achieving optimal health for every child within our reach.”
This strategic acquisition follows recent announcements in the region, including Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s initiative to offer primary care services in Centerville, signaling a competitive landscape focused on enhancing pediatric care options for families.
Dayton Children’s Hospital, recognized as a Level One pediatric trauma care center and one of only 31 independent freestanding children’s hospitals in the United States, serves over 400,000 children across 20 Ohio counties and parts of eastern Indiana annually. With more than 20 locations—including emergency departments, urgent care centers, and specialized clinics—the hospital remains committed to innovating and improving pediatric care throughout its service area.
As the healthcare landscape evolves, initiatives such as these underscore the importance of collaboration, accessibility, and innovation in delivering superior pediatric health services.
