Oswego Health Medical Practice Expands Specialty Care Access in Clay, Continuing Investment in Onondaga County

Building on the successful opening of its first primary care practice in Onondaga County earlier this year, Oswego Health Medical Practice is expanding access to specialty care in Clay with the addition of orthopedic and general surgery services.

The expansion marks the second phase of Oswego Health Medical Practice's strategic investment in the community following the March 2 opening of Clay PrimeCare, located at 3448 State Route 31 in Baldwinsville. Patients will now have access to regularly scheduled office hours with board-certified orthopedic and general surgery providers, bringing specialized care closer to home while offering the flexibility to receive care throughout the Oswego Health network.

Additional specialty services are expected to begin seeing patients in Clay later this fall.

Oswego Health Medical Practice is a nonprofit, multi-specialty healthcare group that has served Central New York for more than a century. Comprised of more than 100 physicians, advanced practice providers and caregivers, the practice delivers accessible, high-quality care across the region through services including primary care, bariatrics, cardiology, ear, nose and throat care, gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and urology, all supported through its affiliation with Oswego Health.

The Clay location represents Oswego Health Medical Practice's first expansion into Onondaga County and was established to help address the area's documented shortage of primary care providers while increasing access to coordinated, high-quality healthcare.

"Expanding into Clay was never intended to be a single practice opening—it was the beginning of a long-term commitment to this community," said Michael Backus, President and CEO of Oswego Health. "As a nonprofit healthcare system, we have both an obligation to our community and an opportunity to serve others. Expanding specialty care reflects a thoughtful investment in improving access, strengthening prevention and ensuring continuity of care. We want patients and families to have convenient access to the services they need, backed by an integrated team that works together on their behalf."

The addition of orthopedic and general surgery services strengthens that integrated approach by allowing patients to receive primary and specialty care within one healthcare system. Whether patients choose to be seen in Clay or at the providers' established Oswego Health Medical Practice locations, they benefit from seamless coordination between providers, improved access to diagnostics and hospital services, and a connected care experience.

Orthopedic Care

The Center for Orthopedic Care provides expert evaluation and treatment for conditions affecting bones, joints and muscles, including:

• Joint pain
• Sports injuries
• Fractures
• Management of acute and chronic injuries
• Joint replacement consultations

Patients in Clay will be cared for by Helen Williams, CSCS, PA-C. Originally from Skaneateles, Williams earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Upstate Medical University in 2023 after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Springfield College. Her diverse background includes working as a strength and conditioning coach with athletes from the junior high through professional levels before serving as Health and Wellness Director in Skaneateles, where she oversaw operations and wellness programming while helping implement the LIVESTRONG program at the Skaneateles and Auburn YMCA branches.

Patients also have the option of receiving orthopedic care at the clinic’s Fulton location, providing additional appointment availability and convenience while remaining connected to the same coordinated orthopedic team.

General Surgery

The Center for Surgical Services provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a variety of conditions, including:

• Hernias
• Gallbladder conditions
• Thyroid and lymph node biopsies
• Skin and soft tissue biopsies and excisions
• Minimally invasive surgery

General surgery services in Clay will be provided by Michael Danise, MD, who completed his General Surgery Residency at Rhode Island Hospital through Brown University in 2024. He earned his medical degree from the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2017 and is trained in minimally invasive surgical techniques as well as da Vinci® robotic surgery.

Patients may also choose to see the general surgery team located within Oswego Hospital, providing convenient access in either Oswego or Clay while ensuring continuity of care within the Oswego Health system.

Beyond expanding healthcare access, Oswego Health has made a deliberate investment in becoming part of the Greater Clay community.

Since opening Clay PrimeCare in March, the organization has invested more than $15,000 to support local organizations, youth sports, community events and wellness initiatives. Team members have also volunteered more than 100 hours with local nonprofit organizations while participating in free health screenings and other community outreach efforts.

"When we opened our doors in Clay, we didn't just open a medical practice—we joined the community," Backus said. "Being a good healthcare partner starts with being a good neighbor. We're proud to sponsor local youth sports, support organizations making a difference across Central New York and invest in the health and well-being of the community beyond the walls of our practice. That's what our mission calls us to do, and we're just getting started."

Oswego Health Medical Practice now operates seven primary care locations, including three in Oswego, two in Fulton, one in Clay and an on-site PrimeCare practice serving Novelis employees and retirees.

As additional specialty providers begin seeing patients in Clay later this year, Oswego Health Medical Practice will continue expanding local access while offering patients the convenience of receiving care closer to home without sacrificing the coordinated, high-quality experience of an integrated healthcare system.

For more information about specialty care services available in Clay or to schedule an appointment, visit www.oswegohealth.org/services/specialists-in-clay.