Vol 26.1 | WINTER 2025

Ignite Magazine

---

Training generations of leaders

by John T. Langell, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.
President, Northeast Ohio Medical University

Here at Northeast Ohio Medical University, we pride ourselves on training the next generation of leaders in health care.

Our graduates have gone on to lead hospitals, such as Teri Lash-Ritter, M.D. (’02), M.B.A., FAAFP, who was recently named president of Akron General, Lodi, Medina, Mercy and Union hospitals; to lead groundbreaking surgeries, such as Frank Papay, M.D. (‘84), who completed the country’s first successful face transplant; to lead state-of-the-art translational research, such as Crystal Mackall, M.D. (’84), whose work is leading to breakthroughs in the treatment of childhood cancers; and to lead advocacy efforts, such as Jaclyn Boyle, Pharm.D. (’12), who helped achieve provider status for pharmacists in the state.

Our graduates also fill important gaps in the medical workforce here in Ohio. As College of Medicine Dean Marc Basson notes in “Physician Leadership,” 55% of NEOMED graduates did their residencies in the State of Ohio, and many of them remain in Ohio to practice.

NEOMED is also helping current health care professionals to improve their skills and knowledge to become leaders in their health systems and practices. The NEOMED Executive Education program, launched with our partners at University Hospitals, is bringing Lean Six Sigma, health and well-being coaching, and other tools to enhance the health care workforce.

These and other articles in this issue of Ignite highlight the many ways NEOMED is meeting the needs of today and preparing leaders for the future of health care.

Sincerely,

John T. Langell
President