University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center might be local, but its comprehensive scope of services catapults it into the big leagues

By Laura Briedis

Coming full circle, Jason Glowczewski started his career in leadership as a pharmacy manager in 2006 at the University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center. Last year he returned as its chief operating officer.

A lot of changes have happened at this community hospital in 15 years, many of which were the impetuses Jason set in motion when he helped establish the cancer center in 2008.

“I believe it is important to have cancer care close to home,” says Jason, COO of University Hospitals Conneaut, Geneva, and Geauga Medical Centers. “Before we opened our cancer center, there were no others in the county. I collaborated with oncologists and other University Hospitals leaders to help open the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center at UH Geauga Medical Center, and we added services incrementally. We started with two chemotherapy chairs and one nurse, and now we have 20 chemo chairs and thousands of square feet dedicated just to cancer care.”

“Unfortunately over the past two years, we have been seeing patients come in with later stage cancers because they were afraid to access care during the pandemic,” he says. “Going into 2022, we want to stress how important it is to focus on self-care and to schedule routine wellness visits with primary care doctors, as well as mammograms and colonoscopies. By taking preventive measures, we aim to treat cancers very early so patients won’t need as much chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.”

UH Geauga Medical Center is not your typical community hospitals, and has a wide scope of services. It has been recognized as one of America’s top 100 hospitals by Fortune/IBM Watson Health in clinical outcomes and patient experience. The hospital also has an accredited chest pain center and breast center, a certified stroke center and cardiovascular pulmonary rehabilitation program.

At the core of all its services is leading-edge technology. “We have enhanced surgical capabilities with our surgical robot that helps us with minimally invasive surgeries, resulting in great patient outcomes,” notes Jason. “You don’t have to go to a bigger hospital for this type of technology. We have it right here in our community hospital.”

In fact, other patients from around the country travel to UH Geauga for its specialties, such as its bariatric surgery program. “Most community hospitals don’t have patients traveling nationally to them, but, because of the care we provide, we do,” says Jason. “We offer specialized bariatric procedures that help people with weight loss.”

Over the years, UH Geauga Medical Center has added many other specialties, including a breast center and trauma program.

“Our overall philosophy has also changed,” says Jason. “Fifteen years ago, we would handle routine care but often refer patients to other hospitals. Now we can handle just about any medical issue right here.”

With bachelor and doctorate degrees in pharmacy from the University of Toledo and a master’s degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University, Jason is very detail oriented. He oversees the hospital’s daily operations as well as long-term strategic planning. Most important is his focus on every patient’s well-being.

“Our hospital offers personalized care,” he says. “It is that feeling you get when you walk through the door and are treated like family that sets us apart and makes UH Geauga Medical Center special. You get the personalized care of a small hospital with all of the advanced technology and services of a large hospital.”

Comprehensive Care Close to Home
University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center offers comprehensive health care close to home. With a Level 3 Trauma Center Emergency Room, it is equipped to handle most medical issues. In addition, you will find care for these medical specialties:

• Cancer
• Orthopedics
• Spine and back pain
• Breast health
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Stroke
• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Bariatric surgery
• Sleep

University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center is located at 13207 Ravenna Road, in Chardon. You can learn more at UHHospitals.org/locations/uh-geauga-medical-center, or make an appointment by calling 440-901-1278.