New UH Gastroenterologist Serves Patients on Cleveland’s West Side

He’s uniquely qualified to treat the growing number of patients with liver disease

UH Clinical Update – January 2019

The opportunity to engage in clinical research in addition to providing high-quality patient care drew Brian Putka, MD, to University Hospitals. A board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Putka joined UH this month and serves as Medical Director, Gastroenterology, at UH Elyria Medical Center. He also sees patients at UH St. John Medical Center and UH North Ridgeville Health Center.

Brian Putka, MD

Dr. Putka came to UH from Cleveland Clinic, where he served as staff gastroenterologist since 2009 and quality improvement officer since 2012. He received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and his medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo. He completed his internship in internal medicine at MetroHealth Medical Center and completed a fellowship in gastroenterology there as well.

“Gastroenterology offers variety,” says Dr. Putka. “From taking a patient’s history, to diagnosis, through treatment and follow-up, I enjoy each aspect of the process.”

Adult patients seeking care from Dr. Putka will have access to upper endoscopies, esophageal dilations, colonoscopies and PEG feeding tubes, among other treatment options. He also expects that those diagnosed with liver disease will comprise a significant percentage of his patients at UH Elyria, due to the rising occurrence of opioid use in the area. “My training focused heavily on liver disease, so I am well-prepared to care for these and all patients,” he says.

Recent CareSource and Medicaid changes have made treatments for Hepatitis C more available, according to Dr. Putka. “As of Jan. 1, even early-stage or less symptomatic patients now have access to Harvoni® and Mavyret™ – medications previously reserved for those with more advanced disease.”

To refer a patient to Dr. Putka, please call440-406-5500.