University Hospitals

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

At University Hospitals, our goal is to help our caregivers grow. Brian T., Surgical Coordinator, RN, started as a patient care nurse before transitioning into supervising. However, Brian’s true passion was in patient care, so he returned to a bedside nursing position. “I enjoy being the coordinator because it gives me the opportunity to continue bedside care while assisting in an administrative capacity,” he said. Brian loves working alongside his coworkers, and the cohesiveness of the unit makes it feel more like a family environment. “I believe this positive atmosphere transfers over to patient care and helps patients feel more at ease,” he said. “Our department is often complimented by patients and their families for how well we work together and how we seem to be enjoying our work. I feel that I make an impact, and I feel accomplished when patients, families, and coworkers go home happy after one of my shifts.” Brian also spoke about the continual educational opportunities available to UH caregivers, including PACU Orientation classes, malignant hyperthermia drills, mandatory classes and drills to include nursing skills, and more. “There are also opportunities to get certified in perioperative nursing,” he said. Brian would encourage others to bring their careers to University Hospitals. “In my experience, UH provides a great working environment with many opportunities for personal and professional growth. The hospital system is supportive of their nurses, and because of that, we’re able to provide excellent patient care.” If you’re interested in working in a family-like environment where you can grow personally and professionally, check out our available careers and apply today! https://lnkd.in/e3uad8CU #UHNursing #UHCareers

We’re looking for nursing students who want hands-on nursing experience to round out their education! From now until November 15, we are accepting applications for the 2025 University Hospitals Nursing Internship Program! This 10-week, temporary, paid summer position is available to nursing students who are about to enter their senior year. It is a hands-on experience that allows Nurse Interns to undertake all clinical duties related to the RN position under the guidance of an RN. Nurse Interns will have the opportunity to work alongside highly skilled RN preceptors to improve their communication, critical thinking, and time management skills while increasing self-confidence and building their clinical skill set. Applicants must be enrolled at one of the following schools: Case Western Reserve University (BSN & MN), Cleveland State University, Hiram College, Kent State University (Ashtabula, Kent, Stark, Trumbull, Twinsburg & Geauga campuses), University of Akron, University of Mount Union, and Ursuline College. As part of the Nursing Internship, participants are required to enroll in the corresponding course offered through their school. Apply by 11/15/24 for the opportunity to grow your skills in a place where nurses thrive. https://lnkd.in/eY7mz_6h #UHNursing #UHCareers

More than 500 children and teens attended the 3rd Annual Future Shades in Medicine Youth Summit at Huntington Bank Field on Saturday, where minority youth considering careers in healthcare met with doctors and nurses and participated in more than 35 interactive stations that highlighted learning experiences. The Youth Summit is part of Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb’s Thriving Youth Series in October – events that offer foundational support for inner-city youth development, educational opportunities and mentorship. Students who attended the Future Shades in Medicine Youth Summit had the opportunity to walk through an inflatable heart to see its details, touch and feel medical devices, perform suturing and ultrasounds, and learn about childbirth through simulation stations, among other activities. Students from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), event co-sponsors, also shared their experiences and advice for the transition from high school to college and then to medical school. The summit served as a powerful source of mentorship, networking and exposure to the medical profession for these students. “In a world where diversity is often an afterthought, we must recognize the profound impact that representation has on both healthcare professionals and patients,” said UH Chief Diversity, Equity & Belonging Officer Celina Cunanan, MSN, APRN-CNM, FACNM. “It is imperative that we empower our youth -- especially those from minority backgrounds -- to envision a future where they can confidently become doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.” #healthcarecareers #mentorship #networking #careerpathways #academicsuccess