University Hospitals

Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are complex and often require multiple interventions for patients to see improvement. At UH, key members of the multi-specialty team tasked with achieving this for our patients are speech-language pathologists. “We were approached by our sleep medicine group because they were looking for alternative treatment modalities for patients unable to benefit fully from standard treatment approaches,” says Lindsay Zombek, CCC-SLP, Supervisor for Speech-Language Pathology at the UH ENT Institute. “There is a lot of overlap in our patient populations.” Speech-language experts at UH have developed protocols based on current research. There is some precedent established, for example, for using certain exercises to strengthen the muscles in the throat and help prevent airway closures. Sleep medicine specialists make the initial diagnosis of OSA and identify patients who could benefit from speech-language services. During the initial appointment, a therapist completes a thorough assessment. When exercises are introduced, the expectation is that individuals will commit to completing the exercises at least six days a week for three months. “Sometimes, we’ll add expiratory and respiratory muscle strength training devices known as breathers,” Zombek says. “Once we ensure patients understand and can complete the exercises, we follow up every one to two weeks and evaluate progress at around the three-month mark before transitioning patients to a maintenance program they can continue on their own.” Read more at https://lnkd.in/gK2S_bEW #sleepdisorders #OSA #SLP #speechlanguagepathologists #patientsfirst

Today’s UH Health Care Hero spotlight shines on Kevin Wininger who brings outsized energy and focus to his role as a radiology technician at UH Samaritan Medical Center. In just over two years on the staff, he’s become a crucial member of our cath lab team, working closely with the cardiologist or electrophysiologist or charting cases in the lab. When he isn’t helping in the lab, you’ll find him filling in at the CT department. Kevin 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. Those who work with Kevin say the knowledge he brings to his important role is amazing -- and he loves to pass it on. This means everything from educating co-workers about policies and procedures, to writing articles about radiology, to approaching local universities to give their exercise physiology students rotations through the cath lab. Kevin is a tireless champion for UH Samaritan. When UH Samaritan had its first STEMI case with a door-to-balloon time of just 32 minutes and great outcome for the patient, Kevin took the time to share the details and the pictures. Those who know him say his pride and commitment are palpable. At the same time, co-workers say Kevin’s not afraid to challenge the status quo to better serve our patients. He was instrumental, for example, in helping navigate an involved process with the Ohio Department of Health to gain approval for a process to reduce radiation exposure for our patients. As a result, this practice is going to be used across the UH system – a great example of “patients first” in action. Quite simply, Kevin strives to be the best at what he does. One co-worker puts it well: “His passion is deep, and his drive is amazing. I am very thankful to have Kevin on my team.” Thank you, Kevin, for your unwavering dedication. Your enthusiasm for your work is something we all strive for at University Hospitals. It’s an essential element we can all look to as we work every day to get the best possible outcomes for our patients. #UHProud #patientsfirst #caregiverspotlight #bestplacetowork #radiology #cardiaccathlab 

Proud to share that the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre (OHC) – a partnership between the University of Oxford, UK and Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals – announced the first class of Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Scholars. The scholar awards will support breakthrough treatments for rare and ultra-rare diseases across neurologic, oncologic, and metabolic disease areas, using small molecule, nucleic acid, viral, and cellular therapies. The recipients represent institutions across the UK, US, and Canada.   The OHC brings together world-leading research, expertise in therapeutics development and new financial models to advance solutions to critical challenges in rare diseases. For more information on the recipients and their research, visit: https://lnkd.in/gXhtuxm4 Honored to collaborate with David Cameron, Former UK Prime Minister who serves as Chair of the OHC's Advisory Council, on this exciting progress. https://lnkd.in/g--rFbxv

Caregivers at UH recently placed the first-ever patient-specific, 3D-printed tracheal tube (T-tube) into a human patient. The patient had been suffering complications from his commercial grade T-tube. A T-tube is shaped like the letter “T” and made of silicone. It lets patients breathe through an opening in their neck instead of through their mouth. It can be used for many reasons, including creating an upper airway for a person who may have damage to that area. T-tubes come in several sizes but are not created to fit an individual person’s unique anatomy. The FDA has not approved patient-specific 3D printed T-tubes for medical use, so Dr. Scott Howard, otolaryngologist and Director of the Voice, Airway and Swallowing Center at UH Cleveland Medical Center, applied for and received compassionate use approval from the FDA for a patient-specific T-tube. He worked with VisionAir Solutions, a Cleveland-based medical device company that specializes in patient-specific silicone airway stents. The company’s software uses a CT scan to create a 3D model of the airway. Dr. Howard and his colleague Dr. Benjamin Young, Medical Director of Bronchoscopy at UH Cleveland Medical Center, tailored the stent design to the exact dimensions and specifications of the patient’s airway. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gD8mkVsH #trachealtube #healthcareinnovation #physicianexcellence #scienceofhealth #artofcompassion #patientsfirst

Happy Medical Assistants Week! Whether it’s managing the front office, providing administrative support, or taking on diverse clinical tasks, medical assistants truly do it all. A huge thank you to our UH medical assistants for your unwavering dedication, compassion, and expertise in caring for our patients each day. There’s no better time to dive into the dynamic, rapidly evolving field of medical assisting. Check out what Sara L., Medical Assistant I, has to say here! If you're ready for a dynamic and fast-paced career, explore opportunities at UH and apply to one of our medical assistant openings today! https://lnkd.in/eTRTVr3k #UHCareers #UHProud

Join us in celebrating the invaluable contributions of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses! An ostomy involves creating a stoma, or opening, in the body that isn’t naturally present, which can heighten the risk of infection. WOC nurses are dedicated specialists who provide essential care for patients dealing with wounds, ostomies, and incontinence challenges. WOC RNs spend a lot of time on education because having an ostomy is a life-changing event. Linda C., RN, BSN, is a wound care nurse at UH Ahuja and a Bravo Award winner and she believes it’s important to acknowledge the scary aspect of stomas. For pediatric patients, she uses child-friendly tools like dolls or stuffed bunnies that have ostomies and children’s books to ease the patient’s anxiety. “An ostomy is a big change in a patient’s life, and we want to help them create a care plan that maintains their quality of life,” Stacey S., RN, said. “We share advice on possible dietary changes, educate patients on what to expect, and teach them how to be comfortable in caring for their stoma.” WOC nurses are specially trained to care for patients with chronic wounds, such as those with diabetes, who face a higher risk of slow-healing injuries. Their comprehensive training equips them to assess and effectively treat these complex wound conditions. Thirty years ago, Rose C., RN, worked in a nursing home as a new grad nurse, and that experience shaped her career path. She encountered patients with terrible wounds that, back then, everyone was at a loss for how to treat. From that point on, Rose was determined to learn as much as she could about wound care so she could make a difference in patients’ lives. We’re thankful for our amazing team of WOC nurses and the compassionate care and education they offer our patients. #UHNursing #UHCareers #UHProud

With rising cancer rates in younger adults, the innovative therapies and groundbreaking research at University Hospitals are leading the charge against this evolving threat. At UH Seidman Cancer Center, for example, our experts are laser-focused on studying why colorectal cancer – now the leading cause of cancer deaths among men under 50, and the second for women behind breast cancer – is striking younger adults with such force. Check out the latest blog from UH CEO Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair, to learn more about how our dedicated oncologists, public health researchers and other scientists are addressing this new reality. #cancerresearch #healthcareleadership #innovativetherapies #groundbreakingresearch

As we continue to highlight our caregivers during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re dedicating October to honoring those on our team who have faced breast cancer. This month, we aim to illuminate the strength, courage, and resilience of both patients and survivors. Stephanie D., Executive Assistant, always supported breast cancer awareness. “It was always seeing others going through it – I never thought it could happen to me. It’s a devastating diagnosis, and I had so many questions,” she said. “It definitely puts a new light on October and breast cancer awareness.” Stephanie kept working through treatment. “For me, it was important to keep busy. It helped keep my mind off things, and I wanted to keep as much normalcy as possible. My boss and co-workers were amazing – they were all very supportive and flexible with my treatment schedule.” The experience brought Stephanie closer to her family, and she has a greater appreciation for the little things in life. “I just want to keep being me,” she said. “I want to try to stay positive and be supportive of any family, friends, or patients that might go through this.” Stephanie reminds anyone currently battling breast cancer, “It’s okay to be sad, it’s okay to be angry, and it’s okay to take time for yourself. Chemo is extremely hard – I wanted to quit many times. But remember that it’s temporary and you’re stronger than you think.” As far as working at University Hospitals, Stephanie has been with UH Geauga Medical Center for almost 30 years. “The employees, manager, and volunteers are friendly and welcoming. There is opportunity for growth, and the staff here become part of your family,” she said. “I can’t imagine working anywhere else.” If you’re looking for a career where you can grow professionally alongside a team that’s supportive and welcoming, look no further than University Hospitals. Search our roles and apply today. https://lnkd.in/eeXseRTK #UHProud #UHCareers

Pedro-Jose Lopez, MD, Division Chief of Pediatric Urology at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, and his colleague Juan Manuel Moldes, MD, a pediatric urologist at the hospital, are on a mission to make UH a leader in compassionate care, starting with the Pediatric Urologic Surgery division. They’re not alone. The idea of building intentional compassion into healthcare delivery is gaining momentum. In fact, compassion in healthcare is fast becoming an important field of scientific study with its own name: compassionomics. Studies show that the human connection that occurs when delivering compassionate healthcare improves patient outcomes and adherence to prescribed treatment. It also is shown to improve healthcare quality and safety, while reducing costs, the performance of unnecessary procedures and provider burnout. Drs. Moldes and Lopez describe compassionate care as providing their expertise as surgeons with a large dose of humanity. “Compassion is about caring for our patients and their families with a broad and empathetic awareness and about understanding that surgery is a moment of great vulnerability and fear for patients,” Dr. Moldes says. “We are committed to giving our full attention, experience and compassionate presence to reduce the suffering, stress and anxiety associated with surgery. We believe that this way of practicing not only enhances the patient experience but also contributes to better surgical outcomes and recovery.” Read more at https://lnkd.in/gSjjhpdJ #pediatricurology #compassionatecare #compassionomics #physicianexcellence #patientsfirst

At University Hospitals, we understand that well-being goes beyond just physical health. It encompasses financial security, job satisfaction, and a healthy work-life balance. We’re committed to providing our caregivers with the information, resources, and support they need to achieve their personal health and wellness goals. You can benefit from these offerings too! Explore our career opportunities and apply today. https://lnkd.in/ea5XjRY3 #UHNursing #UHProud #UHCareers