UH Primary Care Provider Embraces Specialty Change from Surgery to Family Medicine
August 17, 2026
Abraham Pedro, MD, brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care to his role as a UH primary care physician.
Abraham Pedro, MDHe is part of the UH Tri City Family Medicine practice, working in its Elyria location; he has been serving that community since 2000, drawing on more than two decades of medical experience.
Dr. Pedro’s medical journey began in his native Nigeria, where he earned his degree from the University of Ibadan College of Medicine. He continued his early clinical training in Lagos before moving to England, where he pursued advanced surgical training. There, he served as chief resident of general surgery in Sunderland and further specialized in colorectal, laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures.
While his initial training was surgical, Dr. Pedro’s professional vision evolved toward a broader approach to care. He wanted to treat patients holistically, and so transitioned into family medicine, completing his residency at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland from 1997 to 2000. He joined UH in 2019.
“At every stage of my career, I have been drawn to comprehensive care,” Dr. Pedro says. “Family medicine means I care for patients across their entire lives — from birth through older adulthood — focusing not just on illness, but on prevention and wellness and on the entire family.”
In his Elyria practice, Dr. Pedro treats a wide range of conditions, from acute illnesses to prevalent chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension and obesity; he emphasizes an approach that combines medication, lifestyle and behavioral changes, and stress management.
Dr. Pedro is especially passionate about supporting patients’ mental and emotional well-being alongside their physical health. He collaborates closely with behavioral health specialists to ensure patients receive comprehensive psychological care, for managing stress, anxiety and depression as well as other emotional states that can have a significant impact on the patient's overall health.
“I am very joyful to be able to provide the care that improves the general health and well-being of the patients in the community,” he says. “We are thankful to UH and to PCI for creating the environment and the support to provide an integrated multidisciplinary approach to the healthcare of our patients.
“This has greatly enhanced the delivery of comprehensive, quality, and cost-effective care to individuals and families in the community.”
Dr. Pedro speaks specifically of the recent integration of team-based care through UH’s Advanced Primary Care model, as he works alongside care coordinators who help patients navigate resources and manage chronic conditions; pharmacists who assist with medication access and affordability, and behavioral health providers who guide them to lasting lifestyle changes or can refer them to colleagues with special expertise.
He says this collaborative approach has significantly improved outcomes for his patients, particularly those with chronic diseases.
“These resources make a tremendous difference,” Dr. Pedro explains. “When patients have access to care coordination, nutrition guidance, exercise programs and behavioral support, they are much more likely to achieve their health goals. We also tell them about community resources including support groups, amenities, recreation and exercise programs and facilities.”
His days begin before dawn, and he often remains available well into the evening, motivated by the relationships he has built with his patients. “When patients know you care and are invested in their well-being, they are more engaged in their health,” he says. “And when people are looking to you for their health, it gives you an extra drive to keep going.”
His passion for medicine began in childhood, as he was inspired by an uncle who served as a respected general practitioner in his community. That influence continues to shape his philosophy today: a commitment to compassionate, community-centered care.
Dr. Pedro is deeply connected to the Elyria community he serves. Whether treating patients with acute conditions or chronic conditions, assisting with their behavioral health challenges, or encouraging them toward healthier lifestyles, he is driven by his mission: to help people live healthier, fuller lives.
Congratulations to Dr. Pedro on his “Dinner with the Doc” honor from UH CEO Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair.