About IHA

We formed IHA in 1994 with only a few independent private-practice groups from Washtenaw County, then over the years added physicians by choosing doctors that our own doctors used for their care and that of their families. Over a decade later, we continue to place great emphasis on selecting only premier physicians and practitioners to ensure that you get the best possible care. Today, IHA is one of the best not-for-profit multi-specialty groups in southeast Michigan.

(Updated: 05/25/2013)

What sets us apart

We’re not the only healthcare provider in the area – but we may just be the most qualified for some very specific reasons.

• IHA has a long-standing reputation for making the doctor-patient experience as simple, smooth and hassle-free as possible.
• IHA works with community partners like St. Joseph Mercy Health System and the UMHS, giving us a deeper understanding of managed care, while allowing us to act as advocates for patients in finding the best possible care.
• IHA accepts more insurance plans than most other providers.
• We encourage and welcome your input and feedback – this website is just one example of how we make it easy to interact with our doctors and nurses.

Leadership Team

Since IHA is a group practice, our leadership team draws heavily from the ranks of our practicing physicians and practitioners. Unlike a solo physician practice, IHA can direct substantial resources to tackle multiple opportunities at the same time. We have a number of committees in our governance structure that help drive improvements in our clinical quality, access, and patient satisfaction. The IHA Governing Board includes:

• Wesley Beemer, MD - Obstetrics/Gynecology Division Head
• Robert Breakey, MD - Family Medicine Division Head & IHA Board Chairman
• Robert Casalou
  

  Robert Casalou is the President and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, Livingston and Saline. Since joining St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, Livingston and Saline in 2008, Robert Casalou has led a cultural transformation from a hospital-centric business model to one encompassing the full continuum of inpatient and outpatient care. Under Mr. Casalou’s leadership, St. Joseph Mercy Hospitals have expanded health services regionally with a free-standing emergency department in Brighton and the new Center for Advanced Surgery in Canton. He also presided over the grand openings of two new inpatient towers at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan.

• Mary Durfee, MD - Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer 
• William J. Fileti - President & CEO
  

  Bill Fileti serves as President & CEO of IHA, Inc. and is a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Fileti served as one of the founders of IHA during its conception in 1993 and formal launching in 1994. Mr. Fileti possesses an extensive health care and business background. He previously served in executive leadership positions with major health care systems and physician groups in Michigan and New Jersey. He is a graduate of Canisius College and the Rutgers Graduate School of Business.

• Julie Gargan Kozma, CNP
• Mike Kucera, MD
• Jennifer Kulick, MD
• Gayle Moyer, MD
• Thomas M. Shehab, MD - Internal Medicine Department Chair
  

  Thomas Shehab, MD, serves as the Internal Medicine Department Chair at IHA. He earned his medical degree from the Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Michigan Health System. Dr. Shehab also completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Michigan. He has a Masters in Medical Management from Carnegie Mellon University.

• Nancy Spangler, MD & Pediatric Division Head
• Steven Thiry, MD
• Walter (Mac) Whitehouse, MD
  

  Walter Whitehouse, MD, is as vascular surgeon who serves as Chair of Department of Surgery and Medical Director of Surgical Services, SJMHS. Dr. Whitehouse earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan, where he also completed a residency in general surgery. He then completed his training in vascular surgery at the University of Chicago. He is a well-respected surgeon who has been practicing in the area for over 30 years and has been recognized with a number of honors and awards. He has published extensively in the scientific literature. He has served on the Board of Directors for both St. Joe's and the Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. In addition, he has provided important leadership in fundraising for the health system.

The rest of our well-established leadership team consists of:

• Richard Duffy - Vice President of Quality & Performance Improvement
  

  Richard Duffy serves as Vice President of Quality and Performance Improvement for IHA. He has been with IHA since 2009. He possesses extensive experience in operations, lean manufacturing and technical problem solving. In his role, Mr. Duffy leads IHA’s efforts to continuously improve the quality of care that our patients receive. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial and operations engineering from the University of Michigan and earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He is certified as a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, a Shainin Black Belt and a Critical Thinking Coach.

• Cindy Elliott, MHA - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
  

  Cindy Elliott serves as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for IHA, Inc. Ms. Elliott has extensive clinical background and has first-hand experience supporting the delivery of care in a medical practice. She also has in-depth, senior management experience in many diverse health care settings, including hospital, long-term care and home health care. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University where she earned a bachelor's degree in nursing and a master's degree in healthcare administration.

• Chris Holda - Vice President of Information Technology
  

  Chris Holda serves as the Vice President of Information Technology for IHA. Chris earned his B.B.A. with High Honors from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business and then went on to Wayne State University where he received both his J.D. and M.B.A. Throughout his career he has worked in a variety of industries, including consulting, banking, advertising/marketing, and healthcare. He has extensive knowledge of I.T. Operations, with previous experience managing the I.T. infrastructure for 11 hospitals and healthcare organizations.

• Linda MacEllven - Vice President of Human Resources & Customer Service
  

  Linda MacEllven, SPHR, serves as Vice President of Human Resources & Customer Service for IHA. Ms. MacEllven has over 20 years of Human Resources experience in a variety of industries including biotechnology, hospital and physician practices. She possesses an extensive background in HR management and business operations. Her role in Customer Service allows her to concentrate on continuing to maintain and build upon the quality service oriented culture of IHA. She is a graduate of Millersville University in Pennsylvania and holds professional certification in Human Resources.

• Amy Middleton - Director of Marketing

  Amy Middleton serves as the Director of Marketing for IHA. Ms. Middleton has more than 16 years of health care marketing and communications experience with major Southeast Michigan health care organizations. Her background includes extensive experience in developing and executing successful advertising campaigns, customer relationship management programs, corporate identity and branding plans and media relations strategies. Several of her accomplishments have received national recognition. She currently serves as the Vice President for the Michigan Society for Healthcare Planning and Marketing and has been appointed to the Michigan Quality Board of Examiners. Ms. Middleton is a graduate of the University of South Florida in Tampa and holds a degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in public relations and advertising.

• Martin Murray - Vice President of Administrative Services

  Marty Murray serves as the Vice President of Administrative Services for IHA. Mr. Murray has been with IHA since 1998, beginning as a Practice Manager for Child Health Associates in Ann Arbor and Plymouth going on to serve as the Director of Practice Operations. His previous experience is in operations and management with large Primary Care Practices and Small Businesses in Michigan. He currently has 22 years as an Officer with the Michigan Army National Guard, and is a graduate of Michigan State University, with a bachelor's degree in management.

• Lowell Sprague - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
  

  Lowell M. Sprague, CPA, serves as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of IHA. Mr. Sprague has worked in the healthcare industry for over 20 years, with CFO experience in physician groups, major healthcare systems, health maintenance organizations and home health agencies in Michigan and California. He has been actively involved in community affairs and currently serves on the Planning Commission for the City of Novi. He is a graduate of Catawba College and has his MBA from Santa Clara University.