Loading Results
We have updated our Online Services Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. See our Cookies Notice for information concerning our use of cookies and similar technologies. By using this website or clicking “I ACCEPT”, you consent to our Online Services Terms of Use.

University Hospitals Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Continue to Expand at Unprecedented Rate

Share
Facebook
X
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Email
Print

Innovations in Orthopaedics | Winter 2025

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Department of Orthopaedics continues to lead the way in orthopedic care and sports medicine in Northeast Ohio, investing in strategic locations and services throughout the region.

“We have created orthopedic hubs across the system that are providing one-stop-shops for comprehensive musculoskeletal care,” says James Voos, MD, the Jack and Mary Herrick Distinguished Chair in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at University Hospitals, Executive Director of the UH Haslam Sports Innovation Center, Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Head Team Physician for the Cleveland Browns. “Rather than having one centralized location, we have strategically placed those hubs to maximize subspecialty access for patients so they can go to one place in their community to meet all their orthopedic needs.”

Highlights of the growth that occurred in 2024 include:

New Providers

Consistently recognized as one of the nation’s finest orthopedic programs, University Hospitals continues to attract some of the country’s best orthopedic talent. “We have had the good fortune to elevate ourselves and our facilities to a place where we are able to attract top providers who want to join in our mission of providing transformational orthopedic care,” says Dr. Voos.

The new providers joining the University Hospitals Department of Orthopedics this year include several individuals who grew up in Cleveland or got their start at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University. “We use the term ‘Hometown Team’ here at University Hospitals,” Dr. Voos says. “As a department chair, it is the best-case scenario to have a physician choose to return to their hometown because we offer a great place to work and serve the community.”

Michael Eppig, MDMichael Eppig, MD

Michael Eppig, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal surgery. An expert in cervical disc replacement, he has refined corrective surgery for complex spinal deformities during his distinguished career. Dr. Eppig earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and completed his residency and a spinal surgery fellowship at University Hospitals. He completed a second fellowship in orthopedic spine surgery at St. Bernard Hospital and Health Care Center in Chicago.

“Dr. Eppig has been a generational leader and mentor in spinal surgery throughout Northeast Ohio, serving as president of the Cleveland Orthopedic Society and the Medical Alumni Board of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine,” Dr. Voos says. “We are delighted to have him return to University Hospitals and share his unparalleled spinal expertise with our growing patient population northeast of Cleveland.” Dr. Eppig is seeing patients in Concord, Ohio, in Lake County.

Julian Gatta, MDJulian Gatta, MD

Julian Gatta, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at University Hospitals and an Assistant Professor at the School of Medicine specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery. Born and raised in Cleveland Heights, he earned his medical degree at the School of Medicine and completed his residency at University Hospitals.

“Dr. Gatta was one of our best residents and went on to receive remarkable fellowship training at Harvard University and Mass General Brigham,” Dr. Voos says. “This is another example of an orthopedic surgeon with expert skills electing to return to our department and invest in our communities.” Dr. Gatta will primarily see patients and perform surgery on Cleveland’s East Side.

Austin Haines, DOAustin Haines, DO

Austin Haines, DO, specializes in family and sports medicine with expertise in musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging and ultrasound-guided procedures. He recently completed University Hospitals’ Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship and is also an Assistant Professor at the School of Medicine.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Haines is staying here at University Hospitals after finishing his fellowship with us this summer,” Dr. Voos says. “He is helping expand our pediatric sports medicine services, offering young athletes the latest advanced imaging and treatment modalities to ensure they return to play safely and prevent future injuries.” Dr. Haines sees patients on the East Side.

John Kozy, MDJohn Kozy, MD

John Kozy, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at University Hospitals and an Assistant Professor at the School of Medicine. “We are excited to have Dr. Kozy return,” Dr. Voos says. “He was a medical student at Case Western Reserve University and has received remarkable training from his time at Northwestern University, where he did his fellowship, and through his experience as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force.”

Dr. Kozy brings his breadth of experience back to Northeast Ohio, specializing in joint reconstruction for osteoarthritis and post-traumatic arthritis of the hip and knee. He is also an expert in revision surgery for failed joint replacements. Dr. Kozy will see patients primarily on Cleveland’s West Side.

Elinor Naor, DOElinor Naor, DO

Elinor Naor, DO, is a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician with advanced training in musculoskeletal/spine medical and interventional care. She provides non-operative treatment for joint/back pain, neuropathic pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. This year, she completed a musculoskeletal/orthopedic medicine fellowship at University Hospitals.

“Dr. Naor is uniquely trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation and interventional spine procedures,” Dr. Voos says. “She brings expertise in the evaluation and treatment of nonsurgical spine issues, particularly in performing procedures that include epidural steroid injections for cervical and lumbar pathology, which are in high demand.” She will see patients on Cleveland’s East and West sides.

Prashant Rajan, MDPrashant Rajan, MD

Prashant Rajan, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at University Hospitals and an Assistant Professor at the School of Medicine. His areas of expertise include cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine surgery. A graduate of Harvard Medical School, he completed a fellowship in orthopedic spine surgery at Emory University School of Medicine.  

“Dr. Rajan is from Mentor, Ohio, and we are excited to have him return,” Dr. Voos says. “He has remarkable training and is coming back to serve his hometown with an incredible level of expertise.” He will extend spine surgery access to Cleveland’s East Side communities.

Expanding UH Orthopedic and Sports Medicine into the Community

UH Amherst Health Center and the adjacent UH Amherst Beaver Creek Surgery Center are a newly opened joint venture among University Hospitals, NueHealth and local physicians with the Foundation Medical Group. The state-of-the-art facilities offer medical and surgical specialty care, along with other ancillary services, to residents of Amherst, Ohio, and surrounding communities.

“This facility is unique in that it not only provides comprehensive ambulatory care but allows us to offer total joint surgeries and enable patients to recover comfortably in our specially designed stay-suites close to home,” Dr. Voos says.

Western Reserve Health Center is a collaboration between Western Reserve Hospital and University Hospitals. “As we continue to serve the growing patient demand in our southern market, we have opened a brand-new facility in Hudson, Ohio, that is providing access to all of our subspecialties in orthopedic medicine and surgery,” Dr. Voos says.

University Hospitals now offers seven Walk-in Orthopedic Injury Clinics for acute injuries that fast-track comprehensive imaging, diagnosis and treatment for patients of all ages. Additionally, two UH Rainbow Orthopedic Injury Clinics provide same-day care for kids, teens and young adults with orthopedic injuries. A third pediatric injury clinic will open soon.

“These walk-in clinics have been a huge success, providing the full spectrum of care for patients with urgent orthopedic needs where no appointment is necessary,” Dr. Voos says. “They have helped us serve our community, particularly people who are busy with work and school and value immediate access to treat unfortunate injuries.”

Open until 11 p.m. Fridays throughout the fall high school sports season, University Hospitals’ After the Lights Injury Clinic at the UH Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute reimagined care delivery with a unique walk-in orthopedic clinic that provided immediate access to sports medicine experts when student-athletes experienced an injury during a Friday night game or practice.

“Athletes could go right from the field to be evaluated,” Dr. Voos says. “The program provided students and families with a convenient alternative to the emergency department to see an orthopedic specialist right away who could expedite treatment.” Plans are under way to expand the concept for spring sports.

For more information, contact Dr. Voos at James.Voos@UHhospitals.org

James Voos, MDJames Voos, MD

Contributing Expert:
James Voos, MD
Chair, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Executive Director
University Hospitals Haslam Sports Innovation Center
Jack and Mary Herrick Distinguished Chair, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

Charles H. Herndon Professor
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Head Team Physician, Cleveland Browns
Medical Director, Cleveland Ballet

Share
Facebook
X
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Email
Print