Oak Street Health, a national network of primary care centers and part of CVS Health (NYSE: CVS), announced that 11 of its practicing physicians have been named to Castle Connolly's 2026 Top Doctor List. The company also ranked among the top three primary care practices in Illinois for the number of Castle Connolly Top Doctors and was named a 2026 Castle Connolly Center of Excellence. These honors highlight Oak Street Health's dedication to clinical excellence and its leadership in the medical community.
“We are proud to see 11 Oak Street Health providers recognized among the top physicians in the United States,” said Creagh Milford, DO, MPH, President of Oak Street Health. “This distinction reflects their unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, value-based primary care for older adults.” The recognition underscores the organization's model, which integrates behavioral healthcare, social determinants support, and a 24/7 patient support line to address the unique needs of older adults.
The 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctors from Oak Street Health include Aarti Agarwal, MD (Elizabeth, NJ); Deborah L. Edberg, MD (Chicago, IL); Taryn Lee, MD (Cleveland, OH); Rebecca Levine, MD (Chicago, IL); Sonal S. Mehr, MD (Memphis, TN); Kaya Oyejide, MD (Philadelphia, PA); Sheetal Patel, MD (Memphis, TN); Rene Roberts, MD (Chicago, IL); Melissa G. Schiffman, MD (Wyncote, PA); Mallory M. Smith, MD (North Little Rock, AR); and Vanessa R. Sohn, MD (Harwood Heights, IL).
Castle Connolly selects Top Doctors through a peer-review nomination process where tens of thousands of licensed doctors nominate their peers. A physician-led research team then vets candidates based on credentials, disciplinary history, patient outcomes, and bedside manner. Doctors cannot pay to be selected. This rigorous process ensures that recognized physicians represent the highest standards of care.
Oak Street Health's recognition as a Castle Connolly Center of Excellence further validates its innovative approach to primary care. The company operates 230 centers across 27 states and is the only primary care provider carrying the AARP name. Its value-based model focuses on quality over volume, assuming full financial risk for patients. This model has proven effective in delivering preventive care and improving health outcomes for older adults.
“We are rebuilding health care as it should be, together,” Milford added. The company’s commitment extends beyond clinical care; it hires employees from local neighborhoods and invests resources to support communities. Oak Street Health accepts all forms of Medicare, including Original Medicare Part B, select Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans, and Medicare-Medicaid Plans. More information is available at oakstreethealth.com or by calling (888) 898-6762.
This announcement carries significance as it demonstrates the growing recognition of value-based primary care models and their ability to produce top-tier clinical outcomes. The inclusion of 11 physicians from a single network, along with the Center of Excellence designation, signals that Oak Street Health's approach is not only innovative but also achieving measurable excellence in patient care.
