CSSMCW Names Craig H. Fockler, DO, Chief Medical Officer

CSSMCW Names Craig H. Fockler, DO, Chief Medical Officer

Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber (CSSMCW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig H. Fockler, DO, as the organization's new Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

A respected physician, community leader, and longtime member of the medical staff, Dr. Fockler brings 30 years of clinical and leadership experience to the role. He has served Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber in various capacities since May 2000, providing care to patients across multiple settings throughout the organization.

After returning to the region in 2000, Dr. Fockler practiced primary care at the Alum Bank office and later with WindberCare Physicians. He also served in the Emergency Department from 2001 to 2022 and has cared for hospitalized patients throughout much of his tenure. For the past 15 years, he has served as the hospital's dedicated hospitalist and will continue caring for patients in that role while assuming his new responsibilities as Chief Medical Officer.

In addition to his work at the medical center, Dr. Fockler practices family medicine at Fockler Family Medicine in Richland. He also serves as Medical Director for Windber Woods, Maple Winds, and Heritage, and provides medical oversight for Rehabilitation Services at CSSMCW, helping ensure patients receive coordinated, high-quality care throughout their recovery journey.

As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Fockler will work closely with hospital leadership, physicians, advanced practice providers, and clinical staff to support quality initiatives, patient safety efforts, physician engagement, and strategic planning. He will play a key role in advancing the organization's mission of delivering compassionate, patient-centered healthcare to the communities it serves.

"Dr. Fockler has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our patients, providers, and staff throughout his years of service," said Richard M. Sukenik, President and Chief Executive Officer of CSSMCW. "His clinical expertise, collaborative leadership style, and deep understanding of our organization make him exceptionally qualified to serve as Chief Medical Officer. We are excited to welcome him into this important leadership role."

Dr. Fockler earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his internship and residency training at Metro Health Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. Furthering his commitment to comprehensive patient care, he completed more than 300 credit hours of physician medical acupuncture training through the UCLA/Helms Medical Institute. He is board certified in Family Medicine and is licensed in Pennsylvania as both a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Medical Acupuncturist.

A resident of Windber since 2000, Dr. Fockler has dedicated much of his career to caring for patients throughout Somerset and Cambria counties.

"I am honored to serve as Chief Medical Officer and grateful for the opportunity to continue working alongside the outstanding physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and staff who make this organization special," said Dr. Fockler. "Having lived in Windber for more than 25 years and cared for patients in this community throughout my career, I understand the important role our hospital plays in the lives of local families. I look forward to supporting our clinical teams, strengthening collaboration across the organization, and continuing our commitment to providing exceptional care close to home."

About Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber
Founded in 1906, Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber (CSSMCW) is an independent, non-profit acute care hospital in northern Somerset County, bordering Cambria County. The 54-bed hospital shares a campus and collaborates with Chan Soon-Shiong Institute of Molecular Medicine at Windber (CSSIMMW), a private, non-profit biomedical research center. With more than 450 employees, CSSMCW is the fourth largest employer in Somerset County. CSSMCW's mission is to provide excellence in personalized, quality health care services through innovation, research and education in response to community needs. For more information visit www.windbercare.org.