Dr. Obear of Oak Orchard Health gets praise and proclamations at retirement celebration

Photos courtesy of Oak Orchard Health: The Oak Orchard Health team congratulates with Dr. Mary Obear on her career in local health care.

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

CORFU – Patients, community members and legislators came out to honor Dr. Mary Obear on June 14 at her retirement celebration.

After 27 years of bringing medical care to Genesee County, she has retired. She was greeted by many people at the Pembroke Community Center who came to wish her well and share a few words about her numerous contributions.

Dr. Obear has been a family physician in private practice since 2002 at Pembroke Family Medicine, which grew to three locations (Batavia, Alexander, and Corfu). On July 1, 2020, she combined her multi-location practice with Oak Orchard Health (OOH) due to their shared mission to provide high-quality primary care to everyone. At that time, OOH dedicated the health center to Dr. Obear.

One of Dr. Obear’s proudest accomplishments is mentoring young medical professionals throughout the years. Dr. Matthew Fernaays met Dr. Obear when he was a third-year medical student. He was inspired by her compassion for care of her patients in Genesee County.

Gregg Torrey, representing State Senator George Borello, presents a proclamation to Dr. Obear.

Dr. Fernaays is proud to call Dr. Obear a mentor and friend. He continues to mentor medical professionals throughout Oak Orchard Health. Dr. Obear highly recommends that all her patients see Shannon Bartlett, ANP, and Kevin Beuler, PA, at Oak Orchard Health’s Corfu office. She is confident that they will continue on in her legacy.

“Dr. Obear is an inspiration to all. Her path to medicine was anything but ordinary,” said Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health. “She moved to Western NY from Los Angeles. And we’re so glad she did. That academic curiosity never faded—Dr. Obear earned two master’s degrees before ultimately entering medical school in her 40s, proving that it’s never too late to follow a calling. She joined Oak Orchard Health in the middle of the pandemic and helped us and the community during that very trying time. Dr. Obear will be missed. Her impact on patients is immeasurable. Each one is more than a chart or a diagnosis. She has always poured her heart, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of connection to help people.”

Dr. Obear has also been a key supporter of hospice and palliative care. She earned a Certificate of Added Qualifications in this field and has spent years helping patients and families through some of life’s most difficult transitions.

Sara Brunner, director Gateway Home, and Doug Domes, Board President for Gateway Home, present a plaque and appreciation to Dr. Obear.

Her work continues today through her involvement with local comfort homes, such as Crossroads House and Gateway Home, as well as her role with Genesee and Orleans County’s Board of Health. Sara Brunner, director, and Doug Domes, Board President of Gateway Home, came to the retirement party to talk about the impact Dr. Obear has had on their organization.

Also in attendance was representative for NYS Senator George Borello, who presented her with a special proclamation. Shelley Stein, Genesee County Legislature Chair, talked about the contributions Dr. Obear has made to the county.

It’s clear that Mary Obear, MD, PhD, is leaving behind a profound legacy of healing, leadership, and community commitment.

“It is with mixed feelings that I retire, but it’s time to travel and see my family,” she said. “As I begin the next chapter of my life, I reflect on my years of caring for patients in Genesee County over the past two and a half decades. It has been very important to me.”

Oak Orchard Health

Founded in 1973, Oak Orchard has grown into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone in our communities. Currently serving over 34,000 patients at nine locations in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Hornell, Medina, and Warsaw. We also have two mobile units for medical and dental services. Oak Orchard Health is a recognized NCQA patient-centered medical home, 501(c)3 nonprofit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), and has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®. For more information, visit our website at www.OakOrchardHealth.org.