Oaklawn Names Dr. David Swender Chief Medical Officer, Retains Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Services
MARSHALL, Mich. — Oaklawn is pleased to announce the appointment of David A. Swender, D.O., as Chief Medical Officer (CMO), effective September 1, 2026.
Dr. Swender, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, has served the Marshall community through Oaklawn Medical Group since 2012 and has been a longstanding physician leader within the organization. Throughout his tenure, he has held numerous leadership roles, including Chief of Staff, Vice Chief of Staff, Medical Director of Specialty Services, and member of Oaklawn’s Medical Executive Committee and Strategic Planning Committee.
“Dr. Swender has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to our patients, our providers, and the future of healthcare in our communities,” said Dr. Summer Liston-Crandall, incoming President and CEO of Oaklawn. “His clinical expertise, collaborative leadership style, and understanding of Oaklawn’s mission make him exceptionally well-suited to serve as our next Chief Medical Officer. We are excited to welcome him into this important role as we continue to strengthen and grow our organization.”
Dr. Swender earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his pediatric internship and residency training through Doctors Hospital and Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, where he also served as Chief Resident, before completing a fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at University Hospitals/Richmond Medical Center in Ohio. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to advancing medical education, serving as an Assistant Clinical Professor for Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine while contributing to national physician leadership, specialty certification, and professional development initiatives.
In conjunction with Dr. Swender’s appointment, Oaklawn is also announcing that its Allergy, Asthma & Immunology service line will continue serving patients, following a previously announced plan to discontinue the specialty.
“We listened carefully to our patients, providers, and community members, and we are delighted to share that Dr. Swender and Nurse Practitioner Rachel Saeger will remain part of Oaklawn,” said Liston-Crandall. “Maintaining access to specialty care close to home is a priority for us, and this outcome reflects our commitment to meeting the needs of the communities we serve.”
The Allergy, Asthma & Immunology office will remain open under a revised operational model. While patient appointments will not be scheduled during the week of June 29, the practice will reopen on July 6 in its current location. Later this summer, the practice will relocate to the Wright Medical Building, where it will share space with Oaklawn’s Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) services. Additional details regarding the move, office hours, and scheduling will be announced in the coming weeks.
Patients will continue to have access to allergy and immunology services in both Marshall and Battle Creek. Dr. Swender and Rachel Saeger, NP, will continue seeing patients at Oaklawn Specialty Care on Beckley Road in Battle Creek, in addition to maintaining services in Marshall.
“I am honored to serve as Oaklawn’s next Chief Medical Officer,” said Dr. Swender. “Oaklawn has always been focused on delivering exceptional patient care while supporting the physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and staff who make that care possible. I look forward to working alongside our leadership team and medical staff to advance that mission. I am equally grateful that we will continue providing allergy, asthma, and immunology services to our patients, many of whom have entrusted us with their care for years.”
As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Swender will help lead Oaklawn’s clinical strategy, quality initiatives, physician engagement efforts, and patient care excellence programs across the health system.
For more information about Oaklawn and its services, visit www.oaklawnhospital.org.
Oaklawn is an independent healthcare organization committed to delivering personalized, high-quality medical care across south-central Michigan. With a full continuum of services—including primary care, specialty care, emergency medicine, surgery, rehabilitation, and behavioral health—Oaklawn combines advanced medicine with the personal attention and community connection that define independent healthcare.
