University Hospitals

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has awarded University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute with its highest designation for quality outcomes for isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), also known as heart bypass surgery. With this recognition, STS affirms UH as an excellent resource for high-quality cardiovascular care. The cardiac surgery program at UH Cleveland Medical Center, as well as UH Ahuja Medical Center, UH Elyria Medical Center, UH Lake West Medical Center, and UH Parma Medical Center earned the 3-star rating, the highest performance tier for quality outcomes. Only 20% of hospitals nationally have a 3-star rating from STS. “Our teams have worked hard to ensure that patients across Northeast Ohio have quality care close to home,” said Mehdi H. Shishehbor, DO, MPH, PhD, President of UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute and Angela and James Hambrick Chair in Innovation at UH. “Receiving this recognition for our flagship hospital as well as collective system cardiac surgery programs in our community hospitals lets patients know their experience will be the same wherever they receive care. Our surgeons do the traveling so that patients can stay closer to home.” The STS star rating system is one of the most sophisticated and highly regarded overall measures of quality in healthcare. The star rating is calculated using a combination of quality measures for specific procedures performed by an STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database participant. To receive the 3-star status, the team focused on multidisciplinary team discussions to review complex cases and plan therapeutic interventions tailored to the individual patient. The program also saw an increase in the overall number of CABG surgeries, which is a tribute to the high-quality outcomes. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gh4SAvFh #CABG #heartbypasssurgery #quality #healthcareleader #STS #physicianexcellence #patientsfirst

We’re proud to share the latest Becker’s Pediatric Leadership podcast in which Dr. Goutham Rao, Chair of Family Medicine & Community Health at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University, discusses the pressing challenge of recruiting primary care physicians. During the conversation, Dr. Rao shares the innovative strategies that UH is using to attract and retain primary care providers, reflects on the evolving role of AI and technology in enhancing clinical work, and highlights how deepening patient relationships can inspire the next generation of physicians. Tune in: https://lnkd.in/gHZ3mhyQ #FamilyMedicine #PrimaryCare #HealthcareLeadership #Innovation #PhysicianRecruitment

We’re thrilled to announce that Kipum Lee, PhD has been appointed President of University Hospitals Ventures! Since joining UH, Kip has been instrumental in shaping our innovation strategy—bringing bold ideas to life and fostering a culture of experimentation and collaboration. Under his leadership, UH Ventures has launched transformative initiatives that improve patient care, streamline operations and unlock new value across our health system. Kip’s vision and dedication to human-centered innovation continue to push boundaries and inspire teams across UH. We’re excited for what’s ahead as he leads UH Ventures into its next chapter. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gMSWiCgq #InnovationInHealthcare #HealthcareLeadership #HealthcareTransformation #Innovation

Each year, we celebrate the incredible contributions of our Advanced Practice Providers during APP Week, which was Sept. 22-26, 2025. This week at University Hospitals was filled with activities honoring multiple advanced specialties in our organization. APPs include Certified Anesthesia Assistants, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Nurse-Midwives, Certified Nurse Practitioners, and Certified Physician Assistants. Across every service line and clinical setting, they provide exceptional, compassionate care, integral to advancing our mission: To Heal. To Teach. To Discover. #UHProud #UHCareers

Epilepsy is among the most common neurological conditions, marked by unpredictable seizures, accidents and injuries, reduced quality of life, stigma and—in the worst case—premature death. But a program—developed over several years by a University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University-led research team—that teaches people with epilepsy how to “self-manage” their disorder is showing positive results. The program has been found to help people with epilepsy reduce related health complications and improve their mood and quality of life, according to a new study recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Epilepsy & Behavior. “Results of this study provide a model for broad and practical expansion of the program to people with epilepsy,” said Martha Sajatovic, MD, the Willard Brown Chair in Neurological Outcomes Research and Director of the Neurological and Behavioral Outcomes Center at UH Cleveland Medical Center. How well epilepsy patients manage the condition depends on their daily behavior, such as consistently taking medication, proper nutrition, exercise, stress management and avoiding activities or triggers for seizures, such as being sleep-deprived. With that in mind, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Managing Epilepsy Well network has led the development, testing and growth of various successful epilepsy self-management approaches over the last dozen years. Among them is a program Dr. Sajatovic and the Case Western Reserve and UH team developed, called SMART, to support people with epilepsy who have experienced health complications, including poorly controlled seizures. SMART features remote self-management training sessions for groups of six to 10 people with epilepsy. They meet by video conferencing for about an hour weekly for eight to 10 weeks. Participants also get written resource materials to help them continue to practice refining their epilepsy self-management skills. “Many people who participate in our SMART program have never been in a group with other people with epilepsy and find this a particularly valuable and rewarding part of the program,” Dr. Sajatovic said. Read more at https://lnkd.in/g4UCbBnt #epilepsy #selfmanagement #research #physicianexcellence #patientsfirst

At University Hospitals, we know that health care doesn’t begin or end at the hospital doors — it starts in our communities. That’s why we’re proud to support our incredible Community Health Workers (CHWs), a small but mighty team making a big impact where it matters most. As UH CEO Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair, shares below, CHWs are trusted members of the neighborhoods they serve, bridging the gap between clinical care and community connection. From providing vital health education to linking individuals with support services — and even visiting patients in their homes — CHWs are helping to build healthier lives, one relationship at a time. We’re all-in on the power of this work. Learn more about the measurable difference they’re making at UH. ⬇️ #HealthcareLeadership #CommunityHealth #CommunityImpact #HealthImpact #TransformingPatientCare

Congratulations to the Improving Pediatric Sepsis Outcomes (IPSO) Collaborative on receiving the 2024 John M. Eisenberg Award for Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality from the Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum (NQF)! Charles Macias, MD, MPH, Chief Quality Officer at UH Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, served as co-chair of this national initiative, which brings together more than 66 children’s hospitals across the country to standardize care, reduce variation and improve survival rates for children with sepsis. The IPSO Collaborative has saved hundreds of pediatric lives, reduced more than 70,000 hospital days and nearly 40,000 ventilator days to name a few remarkable accomplishments. The collaborative also successfully eliminated disparities related to the Child Opportunity Index and created the largest pediatric sepsis dataset, analyzing over 100,000 episodes across diverse care settings. This recognition reflects the Collaborative’s groundbreaking impact on pediatric safety and quality, and we are proud of Dr. Macias’s leadership in helping shape a model that is changing care nationwide. 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g7Mfn6zt #PediactricCare #PediatricSafety #Sepsis #Quality Marissa Kiefer

University Hospitals Cutler Center for Men is proud to host the inaugural Men’s Full-Life Fitness Summit! Join us on Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland for a free, one-day summit designed to inspire men across Northeast Ohio to strengthen their mind, body and purpose while redefining what it means to live well. Registration is encouraged but not required. The day will feature panels, workshops and keynote speakers—including City of Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Tri-C President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D., and Dr. David Margolius, Director of Public Health for the City of Cleveland—along with networking, an interactive exhibit hall, free health screenings and more. “Men, on average, face shorter lifespans than women. Our summit is about changing that story—offering men a roadmap to stronger bodies, sharper minds and more connected lives,” said Randy Vince Jr., MD, Director of Minority Men’s Health, UH Cutler Center for Men. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gFfVWxaj #MensHealth #Wellbeing #Fitness #HolisticHealth Lee Ponsky,MD FACS Sophie Elias

A new study reveals that some men who are diagnosed with “Grade Group one” (GG1) prostate cancer may actually be at higher risk than biopsy results suggest, according to research led by University Hospitals, Weill Cornell Medicine and Case Western Reserve University. The researchers conclude that relying on biopsy grade alone can lead to underestimating disease risk and misclassifying individuals who may benefit from definitive treatment with either surgery or radiation. Biopsies test only small areas of the prostate, so they can miss more advanced or aggressive cancer cells, providing an incomplete picture. The study, published July 31 in the journal JAMA Oncology, found that one in six men with GG1 category cancer turns out to have intermediate- or high-risk cancer when other clinical features are considered in addition to biopsy results. The study results could inform recent discussions on whether to drop the cancer label completely for GG1 tumors. “There is a misunderstanding that ‘low grade’ and ‘low risk’ are the same. Here, we show clearly that they are not,” said co-senior author Jonathan Shoag, MD, a urologic oncologist at UH. “Attempts to rename GG1 are misguided as many patients with GG1 cancers on biopsy have substantial risks of their cancers causing pain and suffering over their lifetime if untreated.” Read more at https://lnkd.in/gu2meCK9 #prostatecancer #oncology #medicalresearch #physicianexcellence #patientsfirst

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to celebrate Jennifer — a dedicated nurse, leader, and mentor whose journey at UH reflects both determination and a passion for lifting others. Jennifer began her nursing career in 2006 and became an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) by 2015. She joined UH Parma in 2016, where she quickly made her mark not only through excellent patient care, but also by supporting key initiatives such as the chest pain unit, observation programs, and pre-op services. With the help of UH’s tuition reimbursement, she pursued advanced education, earning dual certifications as a Family and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and is now on track to complete her MBA early next year. Beyond her clinical expertise, Jennifer has stepped into leadership roles that shape culture and inspire progress. She is a leader within the Health Impact Council. By the end of 2024, she had achieved senior APP status — a reflection of her growth, commitment, and the respect she’s earned from peers across our system. Jennifer also invests in the future of nursing by precepting, mentoring, and teaching in skills labs and clinics. Looking ahead, she plans to obtain her official nurse educator certificate and continue championing initiatives that elevate both caregivers and patients. Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and community impact and we are honored to highlight her this Hispanic Heritage Month! https://lnkd.in/etSR_WtD #HispanicHeritageMonth #UHCareers #UHProud