About UH

CLEVELAND – Matthew Kraay, MD, Director of Joint Reconstruction and Arthritis Surgery at University Hospitals Case Medical Center (UHCMC) and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, is the recipient of the Kingsbury G. Heiple, MD, and Fred A. Lennon Professor of Orthopaedics Endowed Chair.

The Fred A. Lennon Charitable Trust created the Heiple-Lennon Chair to support research and technology advancements in orthopaedics at UHCMC and Case, while honoring Dr. Kingsbury Heiple, former chairman of the UHCMC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, for his numerous contributions to the hospital. Fred A. Lennon was the founder of the Swagelok Company, a privately held company that designs, manufactures and delivers an expanding range of the highest-quality, fluid system products and solutions.

CLEVELAND –  University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine announce the results of a first-ever study that bolsters findings of a national study confirming the viability of older corneas for transplant and complements today’s news of the NIH/NEI decade-long Cornea Donor Study (CDS). The unique five-year Specular Microscopy Ancillary Study (SMAS), carried out in Cleveland, analyzed 347 patient images from 80 sites across the United States of those patients who had not experienced graft failure after corneal transplantation.

The results were analyzed at the Specular Microscopy Reading Center (SMRC) located at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical Center that uses a specialized microscope and techniques to count cells. SMRC was the central reading center involved in the national CDS that followed recipients of cornea transplants. The Cleveland study measured a key layer of cells (endothelial cells) in the back of the cornea responsible for keeping the cornea clear by drawing out water.

CLEVELAND – Robert B. Daroff, M.D., the Gilbert W. Humphrey Professor and former chairman of the Department of Neurology at University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, will receive the 2008 A.B.Baker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Neurologic Education from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). The award is among the most prestigious that a neurologic educator can receive.

Dr. Daroff has been recognized for his national and international contributions to neurologic education. He will receive the award during the AAN’s 60^th Annual Meeting being held from April 12 through 19 in Chicago.

CLEVELAND – The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has recognized 36 University Hospitals physicians for providing the highest level of diabetes care. The physicians represent 17 practice groups within University Hospitals Medical Practices (UHMP).

The doctors received the distinction through NCQA’s Diabetes Physicians Recognition Program (DPRP), which was developed with the American Diabetes Association to focus on physicians who use evidence-based measures and provide excellent care to patients with diabetes.

“This honor highlights our region-wide commitment to diabetes treatment and prevention,” said Michael L. Nochomovitz, M.D., President and Chief Medical Officer of UHMP. “And, it acknowledges the dedication that our physicians have to their patients.

CLEVELAND – University Hospitals Case Medical Center’s Heart & Vascular Institute is the first hospital in Northeast Ohio to use the NOGA XP Cardiac Navigation System to inject a patient’s own stem cells into his/her heart to treat angina. The innovative cardiac mapping system allows physicians to deliver the stem cell therapy into damaged areas of the heart with pinpoint accuracy.

The NOGA XP system, made by Biologics Delivery System of Cordis/Johnson & Johnson, records electrical and mechanical signals during a catheterization procedure and generates a highly precise, three-dimensional image of the heart. Based on color-coded images, the University Hospitals Case Medical Center (UHCMC) team is able to determine the optimal areas to deliver stem cell injections into the patient’s heart to generate growth of new blood vessels to alleviate angina.

CHICAGO – Use of calcium-channel blockers, alpha-blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors appears to offer no advantages in improving clinical outcomes compared with use of diuretics when treating hypertension among individuals with metabolic syndrome, according to a report in the January 28 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. This appears particularly true for black patients.

Patients with hypertension (high blood pressure) and metabolic syndrome are at high risk for the complications of cardiovascular disease, according to background information in the article. The metabolic syndrome was defined as hypertension plus at least two of the following factors: diabetes or pre-diabetes; a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30; high triglyceride levels; or low levels of high-density lipoprotein (“good” cholesterol). Because some medications for high blood pressure (including alpha-blockers, ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers) have a favorable metabolic profile—for instance, have more favorable short-term effects on blood glucose or blood cholesterol levels—they have been advocated over other drugs (beta-blockers and diuretics) for the treatment of patients with metabolic syndrome.

Jackson T. Wright Jr., M.D., Ph.D., of University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, and colleagues analyzed data from the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT).

CLEVELAND – The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University has been awarded $110,000 in unrestricted funds by Research to Prevent Blindness, the world’s leading voluntary organization supporting eye research.

Under the direction of Jonathan H. Lass, M.D., the department has received grants totaling in excess of $1.6 million over the past 11 years.

“We are thrilled Research to Prevent Blindness continues to recognize and support our on-going research activities and the ever-changing world of vision science,” said Dr. Lass. “The funds will allow us to continue to identify the causes, treatment and prevention of blinding diseases such as corneal cataracts, macular degeneration, ocular inflammation and scarring, diabetic retinopathy and genetic eye diseases,” he added.

CLEVELAND – Ireland Cancer Center of University Hospitals Case Medical Center researchers have recently made great strides in stem cell gene therapy research by transferring a new gene to cancer patients, via their own stem cells, with the ultimate goal of being able to use stronger chemotherapy treatment with less severe side effects. Under this protocol, MGMT, a drug-resistance gene, is added into purified hematopoietic stem cells to protect these cells from the damage of chemotherapy regimens.

In one of 24 presentations by Ireland Cancer Center researchers at the annual American Society of Hematology meeting, Stanton Gerson, MD, and colleagues presented that eight patients were enrolled on the trial and six were infused with their own stem cells which were engineered to carry the MGMT gene. In three patients, stem cells carrying the gene were identified in their blood or bone marrow. In one patient, stem cells carrying the gene were detected up to 28 weeks after their administration. This significant finding has never been reported before with this gene and drug combination.

CLEVELAND – University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University have announced the appointment of an international authority on stroke, Anthony J. Furlan, M.D., as the new chairman of the Department of Neurology.

He joins University Hospitals (UH) from the Cleveland Clinic, where he was the associate director of the Cerebrovascular Center, associate director of the Bakken Heart Brain Institute, and director of the Primary Stroke Center.

“Dr. Furlan is a proven leader and a towering figure in the field of stroke care and treatment. He is an excellent addition to our highly respected Department of Neurology,” said Fred C. Rothstein, M.D., president of UH Case Medical Center.

CLEVELAND – Research out of the Neurological Institute at University Hospitals Case Medical Center finds that Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) helps patients who suffer from Tourette Syndrome (TS). This first-of-its-kind study of five adults with TS determined that DBS can reduce tic frequency and severity in some people who have exhausted other medical treatments.

Tourette syndrome is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by sudden, repetitive muscle movements (motor tics) and vocalizations (vocal tics). It often begins in childhood. By young adulthood the tics have usually diminished in frequency and severity. However, in some adults, like those that participated in this clinical trial, the tics become more disabling even with best medical therapy.

CLEVELAND – The University Hospitals Case Medical Center’s Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) has been awarded the Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence. The Beacon Award is given by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) and recognizes the nation’s top hospitals critical care units. UHCMC’s MICU is the only one in the nation to receive this distinction over three consecutive years.

University Hospitals Case Medical Center’s MICU is recognized as a Beacon Award winner due to the unit’s commitment to the highest quality standards in nurse recruitment and retention, patient outcomes, staff training, healthy work environments, leadership and evidence-based practice and research. Last year, the MICU was the only northern Ohio recipient of the Beacon Award.

CLEVELAND – Marco Costa, MD, PhD, a world-renowned interventional cardiologist, has joined University Hospitals Case Medical Center’s Heart & Vascular Institute. He also will serve on the faculty of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Dr. Costa was recruited to serve as the director of both Invasive Services and the Center for Research & Innovation because of his expertise and outstanding track record in the development and clinical trial evaluation of minimally invasive treatments for heart and vascular disease.

CLEVELAND - Robert J. Ronis, MD, MPH has been named chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at University Hospitals (UH) and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Ronis served as the interim chairman for two years prior to accepting his new appointment within the department and the medical school.

“Throughout his tenure, Dr. Ronis has more than demonstrated his dedication to both the Department of Psychiatry at University Hospitals, as well as the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. In addition, his commitment to community outreach in the field of psychiatry is commendable,” said Fred C. Rothstein, MD, president of University Hospitals Case Medical Center. “Dr. Ronis is an exceptional leader who supports the department’s extraordinary research initiatives as well as its mission to provide the very best mental health care to the patients we serve.”

CLEVELAND – There is now another meaning to “cutting edge” technology.

In July, University Hospitals Case Medical Center began offering CyberKnife® treatment for cancerous tumors and lesions in the spine and other parts of the body that were once diagnosed as “inoperable.”

CyberKnife, an intelligent robotic radiosurgery system, allows physicians to provide a targeted, painless alternative to surgery by providing treatment options for specific tumors that are otherwise untreatable as a result of their sensitive location in the body. It is the first CyberKnife in Ohio available for the treatment of patients, according to its manufacturer, Accuray, Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif.

CLEVELAND – For the 11-15 million Americans considered morbidly obese, today’s news surrounding bariatric surgery may bring some optimism. The study, published in the June issue of the Archives of Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, led by Peter T. Hallowell, M.D., and colleagues at University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, showed complications after bariatric surgery appear similar between patients younger and older than age 60 and also between Medicare recipients and non-recipients.

“Obesity has become the leading cause of preventable death in the United States,” according to background information in the article. “Rates of obesity have continued to climb in the last decade across all age groups. Surgery for morbid obesity is currently the most effective treatment.” The success of bariatric surgery has expanded the treatment of morbid (severe) obesity and its conditions for patient populations that had not previously been served. Medicare has recently begun covering bariatric surgery although significant death rates have been reported in Medicare patients undergoing surgery.

CLEVELAND – Arlene Dent, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, physician of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and researcher at the Center for Global Health & Diseases, has been selected to receive The Career Awards for Medical Scientists (CAMS) from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. The award, $700K over 5 years, will allow Dr. Dent to conduct research in biomedicine, infectious diseases and metabolic disorders.

The prestige of the award extends beyond the grant amount; the Burroughs Wellcome Fund received 153 applications nationwide. After careful review, twenty-nine candidates were invited for personal interviews and twenty candidates were chosen as award recipients with the number of final recipients varying from year to year. Candidates must hold a clinical degree and during the award period, 75% of the awardees time must be devoted to research-related activities.

CLEVELAND – In recognition of his tireless efforts in the field of psychiatry, University Hospitals Case Medical Center (UHCMC) is pleased to announce that multiple friends and supporters contributed $1.5 million to establish the Bipolar Disorders Research Chair in honor of its first incumbent, Joseph R. Calabrese, MD. Upon his retirement, the chair will be named in his honor.

CLEVELAND – Margaret Hewitt has been appointed Vice President of Construction at University Hospitals. In this new position, Ms. Hewitt, an architect with more than 15 years of experience in project analysis and management, will be responsible for all construction management activities and projects within the University Hospitals (UH) system and will take the lead role in the construction phase of all Vision 2010 master facilities projects

Ms. Hewitt brings to UH a wealth of experience in managing large, complex multi-site construction projects. She has managed over 1,400 new construction/renovation projects at nearly 600 facilities and prepared/managed five-year budgets exceeding $3.5 billion. At UH, she will develop a centralized system level construction management organization which will facilitate standards for construction, policies and procedures for construction management and enable the UH branding program through the various physical plants and new facilities UH is currently developing. Her span of control and responsibilities will include all hospitals, ambulatory centers and non-clinical facilities owned or leased by UH.

CLEVELAND – Alvin H. Schmaier, MD, Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the Ireland Cancer Center of University Hospitals Case Medical Center (UHCMC) and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, has been appointed to the prestigious Robert W. Kellermeyer, MD, Chair in Oncology.

The Kellermeyer Chair was established in 1993 to honor Dr. Kellermeyer’s 40-plus years of dedicated service to UHCMC. Dr. Kellermeyer, an outstanding clinician and major contributor to medical education, is a Case Professor Emeritus of Medicine.

CLEVELAND – University Hospitals announced today that it has acquired 25 acres of land off the Interstate 90/Route 44 interchange in Concord Township and is considering possible uses for the site to best serve the needs of the rapidly growing communities in Lake and Geauga counties.

“We have seen a significant increase in the number of patients and physicians associated with University Hospitals in the Lake and Geauga County region, and, as a result, we have analyzed expansion options in these communities for quite some time,” said Achilles A. Demetriou, MD, PhD, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “When this property became available, we recognized how perfectly it suits our needs and we seized the opportunity to purchase it. The location along two major highways is easily accessible for residents in both counties and is highly visible.”

CLEVELAND – University Hospitals Case Medical Center has appointed Catherine S. Koppelman as Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). In this role, she will develop, implement and evaluate nursing standards, practice, nursing education and research in all settings where nursing care is provided.

CLEVELAND – University Hospitals presented its first Honorary Lifetime Board Member Award to Mr. George M. Humphrey II for more than 25 years of outstanding service to the University Hospitals Board of Directors. The award was presented December 1 to Mr. Humphrey, who is retiring from the board, and coincided with the announcement of a challenge grant and a chair, both named in his honor. The Humphrey Challenge will provide $500,000 for every $1million donated with a view to inspiring eight new chairs in the Neurological Institute.

Furthermore, in recognition of the significant role that Mr.Humphrey has played in continuing his family’s legacy of support, the Humphrey Family and the Board of Directors of UH will establish the George M. Humphrey II Chair in Neurology.

CLEVELAND – John C. Haugh’s treatment at University Hospitals Case Medical Center has proven to be the impetus behind a seven-figure gift to the Heart Valve Center in his surgeon’s honor.

CLEVELAND – One man’s service to University Hospitals for nearly three decades could translate into a lifetime of advances in cardiovascular research.

CLEVELAND – For the first time in medical history, Bahman Guyuron, MD, Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, and an internationally recognized leader in the field of plastic surgery, and his team of neurologists will be conducting a live surgical demonstration as the first ever instructional course on a new surgical treatment for migraine headaches.

University Hospitals Case Medical Center's MICU is recognized as a Beacon Award winner due to the unit's commitment to the highest quality standards in nurse recruitment and retention, patient outcomes, staff training, healthy work environments, leadership and evidence-based practice and research. Last year, the MICU was the only northern Ohio recipient of the Beacon Award. This year, they are one of two units, nationally, to have ever achieved this award two years consecutively.

CLEVELAND - Stanton L. Gerson, M.D, Director of the Ireland Cancer Center at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, and Director of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Cancer Center, was elected Board Member of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI). He will begin serving a three-year term at the 2006 AACI Annual Meeting, October 22 - 24 in Chicago. He is joined by fellow new board members Mark Israel, M.D., Director of the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth Medical School, and John Mendelsohn, M.D. president of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

The prestigious Association of American Cancer Institutes is comprised the 87 leading cancer research centers in the United States 39 of which have achieved the NCI designation as Comprehensive Cancer Centers. The Association is dedicated to promoting the nation's leading research institutions' efforts to eradicate cancer through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary program of cancer research, treatment, patient care, prevention, education and community outreach.

CLEVELAND – University Hospitals of Cleveland has received a $1 million gift to advance pulmonary and critical care medicine. The S. Darwin Noll Clinical Discovery Fund in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, in Honor of Hugo D. Montenegro, MD will support and stimulate clinical research and education in pulmonary medicine.

S. Darwin Noll, of Beachwood, Ohio, and Palm Beach, Florida, is the Chairman of Cardinal American Corporation. He has owned the Independence-based manufacturing company for over 50 years. Mr. Noll has served on the boards of Vocational Guidance Services, Youth Opportunities Unlimited at the Cleveland Health Museum, the Achievement Center for Children, St. Vincent Charity Hospital, the Jewish Community Federation, the Cleveland 500 Foundation and the Palm Beach Fellowship of Christians and Jews.