Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine announces 2026 commencement speaker: John J. Koncelik, D.O. (’82)

John J. Koncelik, D.O. (’82), a highly accomplished physician leader and proud Heritage College alumnus, will deliver the keynote address at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s 2026 commencement ceremony.

“Dr. Koncelik exemplifies the mission and values of the Heritage College through his commitment to patient-centered care, clinical innovation and leadership in the evolving landscape of healthcare,” said Ken Johnson, D.O., vice president for Health Affairs and senior strategist for Health Partnerships at Ohio University. “We are honored to welcome him back and look forward to the wisdom and inspiration he will share with our graduates and their families.”

Koncelik’s career spans more than four decades of clinical excellence, executive leadership and global medical service. When he speaks about medicine, he advocates for what he calls “radical honesty.”

“It’s not just about being honest with others. It’s about being honest with yourself. What do you really want? What do you really value?” he said.

That guiding question has shaped a career that has taken him from construction sites and baseball fields, where he worked to pay his way through medical school, to becoming the first osteopathic anesthesiology resident at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

“I thought getting into medical school was the finish line,” he said. “Turns out, it was just the starting gun.”

With experience in anesthesiology, perioperative care, healthcare administration and medical education, Koncelik’s career is marked by impact and innovation. He has held influential leadership roles, including regional medical director for the HCA West Florida Division, system and facility medical director for Team Health Anesthesia, chair of anesthesiology at Sewickley Valley Hospital and chief executive officer of Western Pennsylvania Anesthesia Associates. In these roles, he has shaped clinical systems and elevated standards of care across multiple states.

A nationally recognized expert in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, Koncelik has helped drive advances in patient recovery, opioid-sparing practices and operating room efficiency. His commitment to evidence-based medicine is further demonstrated through his leadership as principal investigator for more than a dozen clinical trials focused on post-operative pain management, anesthesia innovation and patient safety.

Koncelik’s dedication to education runs equally deep. He has served in academic roles, including as an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh, and has mentored generations of medical residents and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. His own pursuit of lifelong learning includes recent graduate degrees: a Master of Science in health law from Nova Southeastern University and an MBA in health care from the Jack Welch Management Institute in 2023.

A dynamic and engaging speaker, Koncelik has shared his expertise on national and international stages, presenting at notable venues such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Boston University School of Law and the Irish Society of Anesthesia. He remains closely connected to the Heritage College community, serving on the HCOM Alumni Board Steering Committee, and continues to champion the values of osteopathic medicine.

“Health care isn’t a job. It’s a commitment. You’re not just treating bodies — you’re caring for souls,” he said. 

Koncelik received his B.S. in Natural Science from Ohio Wesleyan University and his D.O. from the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by residency and fellowships at the University Health Center of Pittsburgh.

The Heritage College’s 2026 Commencement ceremony will be held May 9 at 10 a.m. at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio.