Longtime emergency physician Rob Kelly, MD, retired from ‘second family’ May 30

For nearly 50 years, a Dr. Kelly worked in the ED

Rob Kelly, MD, a longtime emergency physician at Salem Hospital, has announced his retirement from emergency medicine, effective May 30. 

Raised in Salem, Dr. Kelly began his medical career in the SHED (Salem Hospital Emergency Department) as an ED Tech before going on to medical school and then returning after to work here as a physician.

After earning his medical degree from Oregon Health & Science University and completing his emergency medicine residency at Orlando Regional Medical Center, Dr. Kelly returned to Salem in 1997 to practice full-time in our emergency department, following in the footsteps of his father — Bob Kelly, MD — who served as an ED doctor here for 34 years.

Over the past 28 years of his career, Dr. Kelly has held various leadership roles, including the Salem Emergency Physicians Service (SEPS) medical director of the emergency department from 2004 to 2007 and CEO of SEPS from 2007 to 2023. He currently serves as the group's chief risk management officer and has been actively involved in Salem Hospital leadership to improve patient experience and care efficiency, including serving on the Salem Health Board of Trustees.

Reflecting on his career, Dr. Kelly described the SHED staff as his second family, noting he spent as many holidays with his colleagues here as with his biological family! He emphasized the importance of human connection and avoiding isolation for physical and mental health — and led his team with the mantra of doing “the best for the most for the long term.”

Dr. Kelly expressed his admiration for the level of excellence of the SHED team, noting he worked alongside a dedicated team of nurses, technicians, pharmacists and other health care professionals, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in delivering compassionate and exemplary emergency care. 

While his retirement marks the end of his clinical practice, Dr. Kelly remains committed to supporting his colleagues and the Salem community in his ongoing leadership roles including on the Salem Health Board of Trustees.

Dr. Kelly's retirement commemorates the end of a distinguished career in emergency medicine, and his contributions to SEPS, SHED, Salem Health and the Salem community are deeply appreciated!