Fall 2019 Update for Department of Orthopaedics

Building on a legacy of strong pediatric orthopaedic care

Innovations in Orthopaedics | Fall 2019

As the leaves turn from green to gold, the University Hospitals Department of Orthopaedics honors the legacy of one of our most respected physician-researchers. At the same time, we welcome another as he begins the next chapter in his career.

George H. Thompson, MD, past Division Chief of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, retired after more than 40 years at UH. In recognition of his service, the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) inducted Dr. Thompson into its POSNA Hall of Fame.

 George H. Thompson, MD

"It's one thing to be a good clinician, which he was," says James E. Voos, MD, Chair of the UH Department of Orthopaedics. "Dr. Thompson was also one of our leading researchers and educators. This award acknowledges that."

Following in Dr. Thompson's footsteps while forging his own path, Michael Glotzbecker, MD, is the new Division Chief of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and UH Cleveland Medical Center. A national expert in pediatric scoliosis and spinal deformities, Dr. Glotzbecker arrives at UH after nearly 10 years at Boston Children's Hospital. 

"We're thrilled to have him on our team," says Dr. Voos. "He will complement and enhance our pediatric orthopaedic faculty and bring new energy to our pediatric research program. He will help us care for Northeast Ohio as well as patients from across the United States who seek him out."

Another physician enhancing UH's reputation, UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital orthopaedic surgeon Justin Mistovich, MD, recently returned from a two-week Traveling Fellowship sponsored by POSNA and the Asian Pacific Pediatric Orthopaedic Society (APPOS). Dr. Mistovich was one of three U.S. fellows to participate. The fellowship traveled to Malaysia, South Korea and Norway, where fellows both presented research and learned from host physicians.

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Dr. Mistovich gave a talk on current concepts in adolescent spinal deformity surgery, while the other U.S. doctors spoke on return to sport testing after ACL construction and bisphosphonates in Perthes treatment. After the presentations, staff arranged for several patients to travel to the hospital for in-person case discussions.

"We want our faculty to always keep learning," says Dr. Voos. "We're committed to their professional growth. Dr. Mistovich got to spread the good word about Rainbow as well as learn up-to-date technology from physicians across the globe.

Other physician news in the department includes the addition of Joshua Napora, MD, to the Level I Trauma Center at UH Cleveland Medical Center. A former resident at UH, Dr. Napora returns to Ohio after completing a fellowship at University of Maryland Medical System's renowned Shock Trauma Center. He is part of a team of three other orthopaedic trauma specialists in what is now the busiest Level I trauma center in Northeast Ohio.

Paul Gazzillo, MD, joins the University Hospitals Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services team as an Interventional Spine Specialist. He focuses on nonoperative treatment of spine conditions.

While Drs. Napora and Gazzillo get settled, Dr. Voos and others from the UH Cleveland Medical Center Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics departments will enter into their sixth season with the Cleveland Browns football team. As Official Health Care Partner, the UH Cleveland Medical Center Department of Sports Medicine spends every day at training camp, providing care for players, coaches, staff and their families.

From now through the end of football season, it's all hands on deck for the Browns medical team. That team is led by Dr. James Voos; team physician Michael J. Salata, MD, Director of the UH Sports Medicine Institute; and Lead Medical Physician Sean A. Cupp, MD, Co-Director of Sports Medicine at UH Cleveland Medical Center. Assistant team medical physicians Robert Flannery, MD, and Ben Boswell, DO, round out the Browns medical team.

Whether it's providing care for the Cleveland Browns or the Cleveland Ballet, supporting our 50-plus partner high schools, colleges and youth organizations, or treating active individuals from ages 8 to 80, the UH Department of Orthopaedics has the expertise to keep everyone in the game. 

To refer a patient to an orthopaedic specialist, call 216-553-1783.