UH Gastroenterologist Maximizes Patient Access and Operational Efficiency

UH Clinical Update | June 2026

Andrew Cantanzaro, MD

On any given day in an endoscopy suite at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Andrew Catanzaro, MD, is doing what first drew him to medicine: making an immediate difference.

“You can make an immediate impact on the patient — removing a stone in the bile duct, for example — and that is instantly gratifying,” he says. “At the same time, we care for patients with chronic illnesses and build relationships over time.”

Procedural precision and long-term care both define his work as a gastroenterologist. It also reflects his broader contribution: improving how care is delivered across the system.

Dr. Catanzaro grew up in University Heights, surrounded by Cleveland sports and a family deeply connected to medicine. His father, Phillip, was a radiation oncologist, and his brother, Peter, is a pediatric physician.

His interest in medicine was piqued when he was a teen. “In high school biology, I started thinking about becoming a doctor,” he says. “I really liked learning about the skeleton and muscles.”

He attended Northwestern University, where he majored in political science to acquire a liberal arts foundation. He then returned to Cleveland for medical school at Case Western Reserve University, which had been his top choice all along.

After graduation, he moved to New York City for residency, seeking a different perspective.

“The patient population there is so diverse,” he says, and he appreciated the contrast, especially in terms of the intensity.

He was initially interested in oncology but found his fit in gastroenterology.  “I really enjoyed the personalities on the GI team and was intrigued by the diseases and procedures,” he says.

Dr. Catanzaro spent nearly two decades practicing in Michigan, where he also took on leadership roles focused on improving access and operations.

“I had experience improving systems and access at other hospitals,” he says, and that experience turned out to be crucial when he joined UH in 2022. When he arrived, UH was implementing Epic, a system he knew well. He helped guide that transition and soon took on the role of Endoscopy Director at UH Cleveland Medical Center.

Since then, he has led efforts to improve endoscopy operations across the system, by  enhancing access, streamlining scheduling and strengthening workflow efficiency. His work has contributed to measurable improvements, including increased on-time procedure starts.

“This is all a team effort,” he says. He credits close collaboration with his colleagues including Jordan Winter, MD, nurse manager Megan Norris and Rich Buchta, Director of Clinical Operations for the UH Digestive Health Institute.

“We have great staff and physicians delivering excellent care,” he says. “But coordination is critical. There are many pieces to the puzzle and you have to break them down, measure them and align everyone around common goals.”

That alignment remains ongoing. “It’s still a work in progress,” he says.

For Sapna Thomas, MD, Medical Director for the Digestive Health Institute West Region, Dr. Catanzaro’s impact is clear.

“Andrew is an exceptional physician leader who continues to play a central role in improving endoscopy scheduling, access and operational efficiency,” she says. “He has worked tirelessly to improve processes across the system.”

She points to his ability to bring teams together to tackle complex challenges that affect both patient access and quality of care.

“His leadership fosters a culture of partnership and accountability,” says Dr. Thomas, who nominated him for a “Dinner with the Doc” honor.

For Dr. Catanzaro, the work he does aligns with what makes UH unique.

“UH really fulfills its mission — scholarly activity, patient care, and commitment — beyond what I’ve seen elsewhere,” he says.

That mission continues to shape his approach as both a physician and leader. “I’ve learned a lot,” he says.  “You have to stay flexible while still working toward the goals and metrics you set.” 

To nominate a physician for this honor, download the Cliff Appreciates Nomination Form. The next deadline is August 7.