March 30, 2024, is National Doctors Day. As we honor the skill and dedication of all our physicians, we took this opportunity to ask six new doctors why they chose MetroHealth.
Adrian Lindsey, MD
GastroenterologyI am a transplant hepatologist interested in general hepatology (liver-related disease) and colon cancer screening. I manage diseases such as cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, alcohol associated liver disease, and viral hepatitis. I came to MetroHealth to work on improving care and health outcomes in liver-related disease in the community. The core beliefs and ideals of MetroHealth fit alongside my own goals, and I enjoy the collegial, supportive environment here.
Richard C.K. Wong, MD
GastroenterologyI specialize in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and advanced GI endoscopy, GI bleeding, and GI cancers. I came to MetroHealth because I see my new position as being able to support the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology to grow to even greater heights, and in a hospital system where the mission statement is closest to my heart.
Connie E. Moreland, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology and Vice President of Medical Diversity and InclusionMy goal at MetroHealth is to deepen our relationships with our current providers and to help to diversify our medical staff so that we can continue to improve patient outcomes. I have always been passionate about serving the medically underserved. MetroHealth continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to providing the best health care to those who need it the most, especially the women of Cuyahoga County. I’m inspired by the programs we already have in place and am honored to join an organization that is committed to developing innovative ways to eradicate healthcare disparities.
Rakhshanda Layeequr Rahman, MD
Director of the Cancer InstituteMany health systems have lofty mission statements, but many of their processes aren’t conducive to delivering on those statements. I came to MetroHealth because they seemed most aligned with the mission of “service to others” and “quest for excellence.” Statistics around breast cancer, in particular, show poorer outcomes and inadequate treatment among minority populations, which is the target population for MetroHealth. I bring the experience of extensive outreach among minority communities, delivering cutting-edge therapies to them, close to home—while also working to reduce the financial toxicity of cancer.
Akash N. Naik, MD
Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat)I love MetroHealth’s mission. I also like the ability to see and reach patients sooner, to offer earlier intervention and treatment. I’m interested in participating in more community events to engage with people and build awareness around HPV (human papilloma virus), head and neck cancer, thyroid cancers, and other problems I treat.
Jensen G. Kolaczko, MD
OrthopaedicsI was born and raised in Cleveland and began my love of sports medicine while playing varsity soccer and rugby at Saint Ignatius High School. After college, medical school, and additional training, including a residency here at MetroHealth, I worked as a team physician for various professional sports teams. When I started looking for my next step, I wanted a place with opportunity for growth, where I could use my skill in a wide array of surgeries and enjoy a strong cohesive working environment. Most importantly, I wanted a place that felt like home. MetroHealth fit all these goals. MetroHealth has continued to grow the sports medicine division and I wanted to help be part of this process. We now care for our Cleveland city high school sports teams, as well as offering patients advanced surgeries not previously performed in the MetroHealth system. MetroHealth has a bright future and I can’t wait to see what it holds.
