Chief medical officer at Berger set to retire

CIRCLEVILLE – Dr. Keith Holten, chief medical officer at Berger Health System, plans to step down this week after 31 years of service in healthcare.

Holten founded the Free Clinic of Pickaway County, which was in operation from October 2010 to December 2014 and provided care to individuals in need until they could be plugged into the healthcare system, according to a news release. Officials at Berger also said during his tenure, Holten implemented changes that improved patient services and physician relationships, played an important role in physician recruiting, as well as led the transforamtion of the quality department to a Center of Clinical Excellence.

Dr. Jill Barno, who was appointed vice president of medical affairs in May, will assume many of Holten’s duties after he retires on Tuesday.