UH Rainbow Primary Care Institute Pediatrician Values Shared Decision-Making with Families

Brian Postma, MD, still remembers a hospitalization when he was in kindergarten — an episode he now recognizes as “persistent fevers, probably from a post‑streptococcal reaction.”

Brian Postma, MD

What stayed with him, though, was not the diagnosis but the experience. “I just remember feeling well cared for,” he says.

At Stow-Munroe Falls High School, he excelled in science and math. He was already drawn to medicine not only because of his early experience as a patient, but because it was a challenge that he believed that by working hard, he could achieve.

His mother worked as a dental hygienist and his father for the U.S. Postal Service, and he went on to study biology at Ohio Northern University, adding a minor in business administration.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and completed his pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

Once in his pediatric rotation, he knew he’d made the right choice. “It felt like home – a natural fit,” he says. He also moonlighted in the University of Cincinnati Hospital’s Neonatal ICU, gaining exposure to complex neonatal care.

When it came time to choose a practice, he and his wife had a toddler daughter and wanted to return to Northeast Ohio. He was happy to learn that UH Rainbow’s long‑established Kids in the Sun practice had an opening, and he immediately pursued it. He sees patients at both the Strongsville and Brecksville/Broadview Heights locations and serves as Site Medical Director.

His clinical work spans the full spectrum of general pediatrics — from well‑child care and common childhood illnesses to the early identification of more serious conditions. “Every so often, we diagnose an oncologic illness such as leukemia,” he says. “We also see patients with hearing loss, chronic conditions, autism, or developmental challenges. As pediatricians, we’re often the first step in getting them the evaluations or specialty care they need.”

Over his 18 years in practice, he has seen the landscape of pediatrics evolve, including increased parental hesitancy around vaccination. “The first step is understanding where parents are and how open they are to discussion,” he says. “Sometimes perspectives shift over time as we continue discussions.”

Shared decision‑making is vital, he says. “We talk through risks, benefits and options to arrive at what’s best for the child and family,” he says. “There are moments when the path warrants a certain protocol, and others where there’s flexibility. Families deserve to understand the difference.”

He is also encouraged by the maturity and engagement he sees in many adolescent patients. “Just the other day, I saw several teens who were remarkably on top of their health and schoolwork. They came in independently, and we had solid, thoughtful conversations. Every generation worries about the next, but moments like that give me a lot of hope.”

Dr. Postma was recently awarded a “Dinner with the Doc” honor. His steady presence and leadership have been critical to sustaining excellence in pediatric care. Colleagues and patients alike value his thoughtful approach, clinical expertise and commitment to strengthening the care delivery system.

To nominate a physician for this honor, please use this nomination form.