University Hospitals

Today’s UH Health Care Hero spotlight shines on Kristin Petro, who began working at UH Parma Medical Center in 2002 as an ED nurse and was promoted to Emergency Department Manager in 2019 – just ahead of COVID-19’s arising in Northeast Ohio. Kristin is also being recognized as a Bravo Winner by UH CEO Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair, as part of his Cliff Appreciates program. Kristin’s colleagues describe her as an exceptional manager of the UH Parma ED and say that her leadership and dedication have been instrumental in maintaining high standards of patient care. In addition to her outstanding management skills, Kristin has a wonderful sense of humor, as well as one of the qualities the best managers have: The ability to stay calm under pressure. Her leadership has been crucial in maintaining high patient scores while boosting staff morale, and her dedication to her team is evident as she works alongside them, even during weekends and on holidays. Her colleagues say that whenever the department is shorthanded, she steps in to provide direct patient care. Kristin responded to feedback from the employee engagement survey by creating a weekly G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) award to recognize members of the staff. So each week, peers vote on who was most deserving of the ED’s award that week, and that person gets the golden goat trophy. Her staff also appreciates Kristin’s creative approach to huddles. She asks both fun and thoughtful questions to keep the team motivated, even in the face of challenges that are regularly encountered in such a busy department. “In my opinion, she has one of the toughest jobs at UH Parma Medical Center – it’s high stress, with high volume, and high acuity. We are very fortunate to have her on our?team,”?says?Joe Stefanko, the EMS Coordinator. Kristin also stands out because of her engagement with community first responders – including EMS, police and fire. For example, she regularly visits community fire departments because she knows that building relationships with outside agencies is vital for effective emergency response; it fosters open communication and collaboration. Her proactive approach ultimately enhances the care of patients and ensures a more coordinated response during emergencies. For all these efforts, inside and outside of UH Parma, Kristin epitomizes a UH Health Care Hero and for this we say thank you. Congratulations, Kristin! #UHProud #caregiverspotlight #emergencymedicine #collaboration #EMS #patientcenteredcare #emergencyresponse

University Hospitals is joining forces with medical and higher education institutions across Ohio in an ambitious, unprecedented new study to identify the root causes of mental illness and addiction, as well as factors that promote resilience. Funded with an initial investment of $20 million from the state of Ohio, the SOAR (State of Ohio Adversity and Resilience) study is the first-ever multigenerational study that aims to transform mental health prevention, treatment and resiliency. Investigators at 12 universities, medical schools and hospitals across Ohio, including UH, are surveying 15,000 volunteers from all 88 Ohio counties. In addition, they’re doing more intense study with physical and brain health markers with 3,600 people, examining multiple generations and siblings within a family. These tests include functional MRI with evaluation of recognizing emotion and managing stress, EEG, and blood screening for inflammatory biomarkers, increasingly implicated in mental illness. The SOAR study comes as Ohio faces sobering facts on mental health: Nearly one in four Ohioans live with a mental health issue, one in 13 live with addiction, and five Ohioans die by suicide every day. At UH, child psychiatrist and SOAR lead site investigator?Molly McVoy, MD, is recruiting study participants in groups of two or more, who are age 15 or older, and who define themselves as a family. Participants need not have a mental health diagnosis or condition to join the study, and those taking psychiatric medications are also welcome to participate. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gqRX2am6 #SOARstudy #mentalhealth #research #patientsfirst

When you’re interviewing for a new role, don’t be afraid to speak your mind! Our recruiter Traci F. says, “Take chances, take risks, speak up. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and thoughts.” Recruiters and employers want to get to know you, so being open and honest is a plus. If you’re interested in a role at University Hospitals, search available roles and apply today. https://lnkd.in/eUWeCPdw #UHProud #UHNursing, #UHCareers

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re celebrating the strength and courage of survivors, and we’re shining a light on caregivers who have battled breast cancer. For Michelle H., LPN PRN III, October brings back memories of her own diagnosis and the treatment that followed, though she hopes it’s a time of empowerment for others and a reminder of the importance of screenings. “Receiving the diagnosis of breast cancer was incredibly frightening,” Michelle says. “The hospital was offering free screenings for employees, and at first, I wasn’t planning to go. I never thought it could happen to me. In the end, I went with three coworkers.” As a single mom, Michelle decided to keep working as much as possible while going through treatment. “The hospital was incredibly supportive, accommodating the weeks when chemotherapy left me too sick to work.” Radiation brought challenges as well, as Michelle had to drive to Downtown Cleveland five days a week for seven straight weeks before continuing to work. “My coworkers went above and beyond … It would have been very difficult to manage without the love and support of my work family.” Going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment has given Michelle a deep sense of empathy and compassion for those who are sick, especially those battling cancer. Rick U., a fellow UH caregiver, experienced this himself when his journey with head and neck cancer began. “Michelle gave me hope, optimism, and confidence – she had been there. Michelle is an angel, and University Hospitals is blessed to have her.” Michelle would highly encourage others to join the UH team. “We’ve expanded greatly, with new facilities throughout Northeast Ohio. After 26 years here, I’m proud to work for such a top-tier healthcare organization.” We’re proud to count Michelle among our caregivers, and we’re so grateful to have a nursing team that’s so incredibly committed. Be the difference and bring your career to UH today! https://lnkd.in/eeXseRTK #UHNursing #UHCareers #UHProud

University Hospitals and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) are collaborating in research to better understand hearing loss. “University Hospitals has a strong center for hearing sciences that is conducting research primarily focused on the auditory pathway from the outer ear to the brainstem, whereas the NEOMED team focuses on everything that happens past the brainstem to the auditory cortex of the brain,” says?Alejandro Rivas, MD,?Division Chief?of?Otology and?Neurotology,?Director of the UH Cochlear Implant Center and the Richard W. and Patricia R. Pogue Chair in Auditory Surgery and Hearing Sciences at UH. “By working together, we can maximize our research efforts to more fully understand the entire auditory pathway to better care for patients and unlock new potential for hearing restoration. Our partnership brings together Northeast Ohio’s leaders in auditory research from both institutions and has become a wonderful mechanism to inspire inquisitive minds as we train UH and NEOMED students.” Participants, for example, recently held their first symposium and identified joint interests that sparked plans for further collaboration. These plans include the study of the cortex and central auditory pathway in animal models and the implications of hearing loss on children’s behavior. The novel partnership is also paving the way for our two institutions to bring together additional faculty scholars in other areas of otolaryngology. With one of the largest cochlear implant programs in the nation and a large ENT patient volume, UH offers patients many opportunities to be involved in research – and for researchers to gain greater understanding. “We want to be recognized not only for our national and international collaborations but also for our regional ones,” Dr. Rivas says. “Hopefully, we will be able to extend these opportunities to colleagues and students in other areas of ENT and beyond.” Read more at https://lnkd.in/gUijdVcj #hearingloss #cochlearimplant #healthcarecollaboration #research #patientsfirst #medicaleducation

As Pediatric Nurses Week continues, we continue to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our amazing pediatric nurses! Today, we’d like to shine a light on one of our exceptional caregivers, Lauren Y., Clinical Educator. “What I love most about working as a pediatric nurse at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our most resilient young patients and their families,” Lauren said. “Children are able to find joy in even the toughest circumstances, focusing on their abilities rather than their limitations. As a pediatric nurse, there is nothing more rewarding than comforting a worried parent, reassuring a frightened child, or celebrating with a patient as they head home.” In her current role, Lauren feels privileged to be fostering the next generation of caregivers. Nursing is a second career for Lauren, and she chose to return to school to pursue a passion for helping others. “University Hospitals played a crucial role in this transition with their generous tuition reimbursement program. They’ve supported me throughout my nursing education, and they continue to do so as I pursue my Master of Science in Nursing,” she said. “I’d encourage anyone looking to embark on a career in pediatric nursing or advance their nursing career to consider UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, where they support your growth through nurse residency programs and clear promotional pathways. They truly value nurses at the heart of the organization.” We’re so grateful to have pediatric nurses like Lauren as part of our team, and we’d love to have you join our team, too. Apply today! https://lnkd.in/e-HcxmFu #ThisIsRainbow #UHNursing #UHCareers

University Hospitals Chief Financial Officer Bradley Bond was named to Becker's Healthcare “77 Academic Medical Center CFOs to Know” list in 2024. According to Becker’s, “The chief financial officers overseeing these institutions play a pivotal role in guiding financial strategies, handling substantial budgets, and fostering strategic partnerships to ensure financial stability and growth.” In selecting Brad for this list, Becker’s noted that “Since February 2024, Mr. Bond has served as CFO of University Hospitals, overseeing financial operations for its $6 billion in annual revenues, 21 hospitals, and over 32,000 employees. Mr. Bond is responsible for the system's financial strategy, treasury, revenue cycle, IT, supply chain and more. Amid challenging economic conditions, he has spearheaded $250 million in financial improvements and maintained its strong credit ratings. Mr. Bond also played a key role in stabilizing the system's transition to Epic EHR. Under his leadership, the Harrington Discovery Institute advanced groundbreaking drug discovery initiatives and financial structures. Mr. Bond plays a key part in supporting the system's commitment to community health investments, prioritizing maternal and child health, wellbeing and economic opportunity, with $531 million invested in 2022 alone.” Earlier this year, Becker’s selected Brad for its “160 CFOs to Know” list. Congratulations Brad! Read more: https://lnkd.in/eKaE8pdh #finance #financialstrategy #budget #financialgrowth #financialstability #investment #leadership

Emergency Nurses Week highlights the vital role of emergency room and trauma nurses in our healthcare system. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, providing care to patients in urgent and life-threatening situations. We are incredibly grateful for our team! Thank you for your unwavering commitment to delivering the exceptional care our patients deserve every day. We asked some of our team to share what they love most about their roles. Take a look and be the difference with this exceptional team. https://lnkd.in/e2km8GMy #ENWeek #UHNursing #UHProud #UHCareers

University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital (UH Rainbow) is again one of the Best Children’s Hospitals according to U.S. News & World Report. UH Rainbow ranks among the nation’s top 50 children’s hospitals in all 11 pediatric specialties, seven of which are in the top 30 in U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings for 2024-25. “We are proud to be recognized again by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top children’s hospitals in the country,” says Patti DePompei, RN, MSN, President, UH Rainbow and UH MacDonald Women’s Hospital, and Rainbow Babies & Children's Foundation Chair in Leadership and Innovation. “We know families utilize these resources to make important decisions about their child’s care. We have an incredibly talented team of physicians and caregivers, and this national recognition is truly a testament to their unwavering dedication to our patients and the communities we serve.” In total, UH Rainbow ranks among the nation’s top 50 children’s hospitals in all 11 medical and surgical specialties including neonatology (9), diabetes & endocrinology (12), orthopedics (13), pulmonology & lung surgery (15), urology (24), cancer (30), nephrology (30), neurology & neurosurgery (35), and cardiology & heart surgery (42), and gastroenterology & GI surgery (42). UH Rainbow is also in the top 50 for behavioral health, a specialty added to this year's rankings that is not specifically ranked numerically. “Our depth and breadth of experience caring for neonates is unmatched in our area, due in part to our legacy of groundbreaking research and culture of innovation,” says Marlene Miller, MD, MSc, Pediatrician-in-Chief, UH and Chair, Department of Pediatrics at UH Rainbow, and Marsha L. Antonucci Distinguished Chair of Pediatrics. “We strive to provide the highest quality, patient-centered healthcare for all children regardless of their medical complexities, from the tiniest newborns to young adults.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/e2Yh5WEQ #topchildrenshospital #neonatology #babies #pediatriccare #pediatrics #newborncare #children #patientcenteredcare

Over the past 10 years, two renowned orthopedic surgeons at UH have developed a novel, combined surgery that addresses two separate problems that can occur together – FAI and hip dysplasia. FAI stands for femoral acetabular impingement. It refers to a hip joint that is not shaped normally, with extra bone growing along one or both of its components. Hip dysplasia is a condition where?the socket of the hip joint doesn’t fully support the ball of the joint. Michael Salata, MD, and?Robert Wetzel, MD, have achieved unparalleled mastery as one of the few surgical duos committed to offering a two-stage procedure that addresses both problems. Dr. Salata performs the first stage of the surgery, using arthroscopic techniques to address damage resulting from FAI. The Director of the Joint Preservation and Cartilage Restoration Center and Division Chief of Sports Medicine at UH Cleveland Medical Center, Dr. Salata is also an Associate Orthopedic Team Physician for the Cleveland Browns. Dr. Wetzel next scrubs in, using an open surgery technique to deepen and reorient the hip socket. Patients not only benefit from their individual technical proficiency, but also from the reduced surgical risk and streamlined rehabilitation that come from their extensive experience. The pair is also increasingly sought after on the world stage to train others. “Over the last 10 years, we have been able to build this program from nothing to almost 100 cases annually,” says Dr. Wetzel, an orthopedic trauma surgeon and Program Director of the Orthopedic Trauma Fellowship within the?UH Department of Orthopedics?“These are challenging procedures, and we continue to develop refinements that evolve with knowledge and experience.” Read more at https://lnkd.in/gpCDVn-P #FAI #hipdysplasia #healthcareinnovation #physicianexcellence #patientsfirst