Growing up, Michele Frech aspired to be a pediatrician. When she delivered a baby for the first time during medical school though, she knew she'd found her calling.

Now she's the medical director for Neighborhood Health Center's OB-GYN department, she leads a team of nine providers, and she has delivered thousands of babies.

When she joined Neighborhood in 1997, Dr. Frech expected she’d stay three years since that length of commitment would make her eligible to have much of her medical school debt paid off through a scholarship program. She didn’t anticipate the impact the patients, or Neighborhood’s community health center model of care, would have on her.

Over the years, Dr. Frech has trained and supported numerous surgeons in obtaining their board certifications. She helped establish midwives at Neighborhood and has grown their role in ensuring patients receive the respectful care they deserve. Dr. Frech pioneered medication-assisted treatment for pregnant patients with substance use disorders and has participated in medical missions globally. Her compassionate approach has earned her praise from her patients and peers.

Congratulations, Dr. Frech, on being named a Buffalo Business First 2025 Excellence in Health Care Award winner! You are Neighborhood!