About Us

Fred C. Edge, D.C., M.D., Clinical Director


A leader and dedicated medical professional, Dr. Fred C. Edge, has treated over 60,000 patients in his medical career primarily providing treatment for non-surgical orthopedic conditions. As a dually licensed medical doctor and a doctor of chiropractic, his background provided him with the knowledge and experience necessary to open Health First Medical Center. As the director for nearly two decades, it has been our mission for Health First to offer our patients trusted and total healthcare including physical medicine and rehabiliation, therapy, physical therapeutic exercise, chiropractic care, family medical care, nutrition and medical weight loss counseling; diagnostic testing; and dentistry.

Certifications:
Senior Disability Analyst and Diplomate by the American Board of Disability Analysts, Pain Management Specialist by the American Academy of Pain Management.

  • Residency: St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Doctor of Medicine & Surgery: American University of Carribbean, Plymouth, Montserrat, British West Indies
  • Doctor of Chiropractic: Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa

Mark G. Franz, D.O., Medical Director

Dr. Mark Franz has been affiliated with Health First for nearly two decades. As medical director, he has learned the specific healthcare needs of our patients. With this valuable knowledge, he is able to effectively communicate with patients, evaluate their conditon and implement the appropriate care for them. His education and experience provides patients with a total and complete medical treatment. From a cold or the flu to orthopedic disorders; from work-related injuries or sports-related injuries to the special healthcare needs of women; Dr. Franz provides knowledgeable and expert care to you and your family.

  • Board Certification: Family Practice
  • Certification: Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support
  • Residency: Community Hospital, Lancaster,PA
  • DO: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Med
  • BS: Pre-medical Studies - Garmon University, Erie, PA
  • Diplomate: American Board of Disability Analysts
  • Hospital Affiliations: Highland Hospital & Health Center, Connellsville, PA

Derrick J. Cleveland, PA-C, Physicians Assistant

  • Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
  • Masters of Physician Assistant Services with a Rural Primary Care Focus
  • Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania Bachelor of Science: Pre-Physician Assistant & Pre-Physical Therapy; Minor Psychology

Theodore B. Barko, Jr., D.C., C.C.S.P.

Dr. Theodore B. Barko's 15 year affiliation with Health First gives his patients the trust and the confidence they need to successfully complete their treatment programs. Dr. Barko's hometown is Greensburg, PA and currently resides in Connellsville, PA with his wife and children. Just like many families in Fayette County, our friends, family and neighbors are very important to us. This background helps him to better treat his patients at Health First - as we consider them our friends and neighbors. At Health First, we take the time with each patient to thoroughly explain results of exams and testing, discuss options, review a treatment program, and answer any questions. We are here in every step of our patient's progress. "When I see one of our patients return to an active lifestyle or work, I feel personally accomplished."

  • Received "Anatomy Excellence Award"
  • Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner

David Ross, D.C.


Dr. Ross's credentials include an Associates degree in Liberal Arts from Westmoreland County and a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. After Graduation Dr. Ross owned his own private practice for 15 years in Irwin, PA. Dr. Ross has treated thousands of patients from simple stiff necks to severe lower back pain.

Robert Rhoderick, D.C.


Dr. Rhoderick earned his Associate of Science Degree in Nuclear Medicine from the Community College of Allegheny county and went on to Graduate School at Palmer College of Chiropractic (Davenport, IA), where he earned his Bachelor of Science and Doctorate of Chiropractic degrees. After graduation, he owned and operated Rhoderick Chiropractic Clinic(Charleroi, PA) and California Chiropractic Clinic. Dr. Rhoderick is originally from Forward Township, where his parents Robert Sr. and Trudy still reside. He currently lives with his family in Elizabeth Township.

Shaye Oravetz, DPT

Shaye Oravetz graduated from Duquesne University in August 2007 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. She also received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Business Administration with a focus in Entrepreneurial Studies and Marketing Management from Seton Hill University in 2002. Dr. Oravetz is a member of APTA and the Orthopedic Specialty Section. Her clinical affiliations have included multiple outpatient clinics such as Excella Health Outpatient clinic at Mountain View, East Suburban Sports Medicine at Ruby Memorial Hospital's acute care unit and Westmoreland Regional Hospital's Inpatient Rehabiliation Center. Dr. Oravetz completed observation and training in Pilates-based therapy with OSPTA and holds multiple levels of certification in Pilates. Dr. Oravetz and her husband Justin have both grown up in the area and continue to serve the public through healthcare.

Vanessa Jordan., MPT


Vanessa Jordan received her Master of Physical Therapy degree from Hardin-Simmons University, located in Abilene, Texas. Her solid education has prepared her to effectively communicate, carefully evaluate and provide a personalized treatment plan that will improve the lives of her patients and create a quick return to previous activities. Mrs. Jordan and her husband Troy, have two children and reside in Canonsburg, PA.