This Veterans Day, we are proud to recognize two of our physicians who have served our country with dedication and compassion – Bret Bahn, M.D. and James Patterson, M.D. Their experiences in military medicine helped shape the physicians they are today, and we are grateful to have them as part of our OIO family.
Bret Bahn, M.D. – U.S. Navy Flight Surgeon
A Hancock County native, Dr. Bret Bahn has always had deep roots in Northwest Ohio. After earning his undergraduate degree from The University of Findlay, where he was a proud member of the 1997 National Championship Football Team, he went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Toledo.
Following medical school, Dr. Bahn served as a U.S. Naval Flight Surgeon, deploying twice to Djibouti, Africa, with the U.S. Marine Corps in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His time in the Navy taught him the importance of teamwork, precision, and resilience – lessons that continue to guide him in his medical practice today.
After his military service, Dr. Bahn completed his Anesthesiology residency at the University of Michigan and a Fellowship in Interventional Pain Management at Johns Hopkins University. Now, he provides advanced pain management care for patients across Northwest Ohio, helping them regain function and improve their quality of life.
“Serving as a Flight Surgeon taught me to stay calm under pressure and care for people from every walk of life — lessons that apply to every patient I see today.”
– Dr. Bret Bahn
Outside of work, Dr. Bahn enjoys spending time with his wife, Annette, and their four children. His oldest is currently in dental school at the University of Pittsburgh and has already been commissioned to serve as a U.S. Navy dentist after graduation — a continuation of the family’s proud tradition of service.
James Patterson, M.D. – U.S. Air Force Reserve Orthopaedic Surgeon
For Dr. James Patterson, service runs in the family. Both of his parents served in the Air Force — his mother as a lieutenant and his father as a lieutenant colonel — and following their example, Dr. Patterson joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves while completing his orthopaedic surgery residency.
What began as a few weekends a year quickly grew into 13 years of service as an orthopaedic surgeon at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Hospital, where he cared for active-duty soldiers, veterans, and their families.
“I pretty much did what I did on my normal civilian days, but with a uniform on,” Dr. Patterson recalls. “I enjoyed taking care of veterans, current soldiers, and their families.”
During his years in the Reserves, Dr. Patterson balanced military service, private practice, and raising a young family — an impressive commitment that reflects his dedication both to his country and to his patients. He retired as a Major after more than a decade of service, but continues to support veterans through his orthopaedic practice today.
When he’s not in surgery, Dr. Patterson enjoys time on the water with his wife, Jennifer, and their family at Indian Lake — boating, relaxing, and appreciating the peace he helped protect.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve those who serve — it’s an honor I’ll always carry with me.”
– Dr. James Patterson
With Gratitude
We thank Dr. Bahn and Dr. Patterson, and all veterans, for their courage, sacrifice, and continued service to others. Your dedication inspires us every day.
