University Hospitals

University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center was named to Becker's Healthcare “100+ Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs” list for 2024. According to Becker’s, hospitals and health systems featured on this list are driving innovation, research and discovery by offering cutting-edge treatment options, conducting meaningful research, participating in forward-thinking clinical trials and abiding by safety regulations. In selecting UH Seidman Cancer Center, Becker’s noted that UH Seidman “is part of the NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and one of the nation’s 57 cancer centers rated “exceptional” by the NCI. As Northeast Ohio’s only freestanding cancer hospital, it consolidates comprehensive cancer care, clinical research and education under one roof, supported by a network of 17 community cancer centers. UH Seidman offers an extensive range of cutting-edge radiation therapies, including proton therapy and the Varian Edge system, and is pioneering in stem cell transplants for both adults and children. The Wesley Center for Immunotherapy at UH Seidman excels in developing CAR-T and natural killer cell therapies onsite, allowing rapid treatment advancements like next-generation BAFF CAR-NK cells targeting specific cancers. With over 400 clinical trials and nearly $40 million in research funding in 2023, UH Seidman continues to drive innovations like HyperSight imaging and scrambler therapy for pain management, advancing cancer care and improving patient outcomes.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gcYSuXxp #UHProud #cancercare #cancerresearch #innovation #clinicaltrials #cuttingedgetherapies #pioneeringtreatment

Brain tumors are incredibly complex and difficult to treat. Most patients with glioblastoma can only expect to live 12 to 18 months after diagnosis. However, Chris Hubert, PhD, a new brain tumor researcher at UH Seidman Cancer Center, is attacking this problem from a new angle. His groundbreaking work involves developing more accurate models of how brain tumors actually function in a person, with the goal of providing better testing grounds for new and emerging therapies. He and his team take cells from patients’ brain tumors and use them to grow three-dimensional miniature tumors in the lab called organoids. Each organoid is about the size of a lentil, containing millions of cells. “Organoids contain a spectrum of cancer cells from the same original tumor, growing in different environments, yet still affecting each other and increasing the drug resistance of the entire whole,” Dr. Hubert says. “The cultures are much, much larger than a traditional cell culture on a plastic dish, with millions and millions of cells growing together, communicating and competing with each other. Because of this, we can see some of the cell diversity that exists in patients, which gives rise to a lot of the therapeutic resistance that clinicians must face.” Dr. Hubert has seen this himself, where multiple candidate drugs that killed cancer cells in well plates had little to no effect on the organoids. “That’s three-dimensional resistance,” he says. “That's a drug that looks beautiful in in the lab models, but which isn't going to help a patient when it goes to clinical trial.” Dr. Hubert says he’s motivated by the potential organoids have to help create better outcomes for brain cancer patients. There may be fewer agents that progress to clinical trials, he says, but with more potential for success. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gNqTTBGh #glioblastoma #braincancer #organoids #cancerresearch #patientsfirst

At University Hospitals, we foster an environment where our caregivers and nurses can thrive, empowering them to advocate, innovate, and excel in their care. We prioritize family-centered care and treat our caregivers like family, providing benefits that support their well-being and that of their loved ones. Discover more about UH, explore our career opportunities, and see how we support our team. Apply today! https://lnkd.in/eG4drAQp #UHNursing #UHCareers #UHProud

Before every Cleveland Browns game, a vital “60-minute meeting” occurs at Huntington Bank Field, bringing together 20-25 medical professionals to review crucial safety protocols. Check out this Cleveland Browns article to learn how National Football League (NFL) Chief Medical Officer Allen Sills, MD; NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) president James Voos, MD, who is also Chair, UH Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and Jack & Mary Herrick Distinguished Chair, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, and other medical personnel prepare to swiftly address player injuries on game day. https://lnkd.in/gYDURkX7 #playersafety #safetyprotocols #playerinjuries #sportsinjuries #sportsmedicine

Every year as part of his annual entity visits, UH CEO Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair, likes to shine a spotlight on our Health Care Heroes. In a recent visit to UH Portage Medical Center, Dr. Megerian recognized Alexis Hatton, a nurse in the hospital’s Emergency Room. In her role at UH Portage, Alexis sees patients at their most scared and vulnerable. Dealing with a medical emergency is challenging for all of us, no matter what our background. But Alexis’s co-workers say she rises to the occasion every time to meet each patient’s specific needs. She’s got that special talent, they say, of helping the patient remain calm, while at the same time treating every medical situation with energy and laser focus. And the entire Emergency Department is better for it. One co-worker puts it well: “Alexis always jumps in to help without batting an eye,” she says. “She keeps the department all in one piece. She’s inspiring.” Alexis also forms a strong bond with her patients. One particular patient who arrived in the ER and received a cancer diagnosis at age 20 sent a letter to UH Portage. She made a special point of calling out the outstanding compassion Alexis showed her during one of the most difficult periods of her life. “She stood by my side as I heard the hardest thing I’ve ever been told. She was there for me through all of it,” she wrote. “She has the kindest heart and would do anything for anyone. I am currently in remission, but there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think of how thankful I am for a nurse like Alexis!” Alexis’s co-workers say she would even visit this patient on her own time once she’d clocked out for the day, bearing gifts from the UH Portage gift shop to help bring a smile. “When I got my own room and went upstairs, she still thought of me and came up to see me,” the patient wrote. “I couldn’t have asked for a better nurse when I was going through what I went through.” Congratulations, Alexis, on your outstanding compassion and innate ability to forge a connection with our patients. They are essential elements to helping them heal. We’re proud to count you as a UH Healthcare Hero! #compassionatecare #emergencymedicine #healthcarehero #patientsfirst

In becoming a physician, Andrew Myers, MD, thoughtfully took his own path to be sure it was what he wanted – and found the specialty that was best for him. He chose radiology – partly because it matched his skills.  ”The thing about radiology that grabbed me is that I remember things best in picture form – I have a three-dimensional memory,” he says. “So it was right up my alley.” So was the fact that body imaging was so diverse, involving everything from the neck down to the hips, from the lungs to the liver and kidneys. He also sought a specialty that offered more of a life balance than others, and some interaction with patients. Dr. Myers knows he made the right choice. “As a radiologist, there have been many times where I’ve been able to make a difference in a patient’s life, or in the daily life of a clinician,” he says. “Talking with a patient, helping them understand a procedure, what the results might indicate or what they might need next – all that is very gratifying.” Those times more than balance out what can be the more monotonous side of radiology, with its steady flow of hundreds of CTs and X-rays to read, he says. And, he adds, “I have so many wonderful colleagues, and being able to live a work life with good people is worth so much.” Read more about Dr. Myers at https://lnkd.in/gH5r3DV8 #radiology #physicianexcellence #patientsfirst

Congratulations to UH Chief Compliance Officer LaVonne Pulliam, JD, for being named to Crain's Cleveland Business 2024 Class of 40 Under 40, which honors the exceptional achievements of young professionals and showcases dynamic leaders shaping their communities and making significant impacts. LaVonne is being recognized for her achievements in creating a safer workplace culture, including development of UH’s policy on artificial intelligence, as well as the establishment of a governance committee to oversee its usage, and for the 12th time, helping UH secure a spot as one of Ethisphere World’s Most Ethical Companies. Read more on LaVonne’s selection: https://lnkd.in/gVjjgvN2 #UHProud #40Under40 #compliance #ethics #safety #privacy

In the next few years, an aging population will need significantly more care. Getting ready for the demand might include recruiting more providers, increasing access for patients, and finding more ways to keep patients healthy and healing at home. Innovations in care will also make a distinct difference. Check out a recent blog by UH CEO Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair, to learn more about the many initiatives already underway at University Hospitals. #Healthyathome #geriatricmedicine #outpatientsurgery #minimallyinvasivesurgery #AI

Congratulations to five diverse local businesses who recently completed this year’s six-month Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Supplier Accelerator mentorship program, a collaboration between Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. This annual program aims to expand the knowledge and impact of diverse-owned businesses based in Northeast Ohio. Businesses that recently completed the 2024 program include: ACUMEN Apparel Phoebe Lee, chief executive officer Customer service-focused company that offers modern uniforms, workwear and safety apparel that is both stylish and comfortable. Algebra AEC Syed Shariq Ali, PE, LEED AP BD C, founder and principal An architectural engineering firm specializing in building systems consulting, providing innovative solutions for MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing), audiovisual and IT design for institutions and large corporate clients. Cleveland Drones Christian Hunter, founder and president A drone service provider that offers customized solutions in construction, real estate and media, and educates youth on drone technology. Immaculate Management Group James Barnes, founder and president A comprehensive facilities management company providing a full range of building services, including janitorial, landscaping, painting, and more. Small Organization Solutions Joshua Maxwell, creative director Brendan Trewella, president A full-service creative consultancy dedicated to crafting narratives and reimagining spaces or experiences that deliver growth, engagement and impact. Designed to support participants in growing their companies, the DEI Supplier Accelerator has mentored leaders from 15 businesses since the program began in 2022. The program offers: Business development coaching and navigation of the large corporate sourcing process. One-on-one access to leaders and subject matter experts from Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Networking opportunities with decision makers and suppliers from Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Multidisciplinary business review process that provides actionable feedback to develop and grow their business. A $10,000 cash prize upon successful completion of the program. #mentorship #diverseownedbusinesses #DEI #diversity #equity #inclusion

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital has launched a comprehensive, ambitious quality improvement project to boost safe sleep practices among the parents of premature infants cared for in the NICU. Safe sleep is vitally important for these babies, who are at two to three times the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death/Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SUID/SIDS) as are full-term infants. The new effort takes a multifaceted approach to informing parents about the necessity of safe sleep practices, including in-depth safe sleep education with simulation. The intensive safe sleep class is supported by a grant from UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation, allowing for two swaddle sleep sacks to be given to families participating. A reinforcing board book is also a gift to participating families from Charlie’s Kids Foundation. The class has been very successful to date and is now offered to all NICU families with babies born at less than 32 weeks gestational age. “We are doing the classes one-on-one with one of our team and the family at the baby’s bedside,” says UH Rainbow neonatologist Mary Nock, MD. “We encourage families to invite anyone who may care for the baby after discharge and anyone who might question the need for recommended safe sleep practices, such as an older family member, to try to get them all on the same page.” Although the interventions are many on this project, the main message is singular and clear: The safe place for baby to sleep is alone in their own space, on their backs, and in their own crib or bassinet. The UH Rainbow staff also follows up with families regarding safe sleep at home with a post-discharge questionnaire and phone call. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gYDDCcBq #safesleep #NICU #healthcarequality #SIDS #SUID #patientsfirst #familiesfirst