With the help of University Hospitals Cutler Center for Men, guys can finally take control of their health in a fun, supportive environment
By Laura Briedis
When it comes to medical care, the gender gap is astonishing. Fewer than 50 percent of men nationwide have a primary care provider. In Cleveland alone, 250,000 fewer men than women see a doctor per year. And on average, men live seven years less than women.
To put a much-needed focus on men’s health, the UH Cutler Center for Men flagship location will open at the end of June, as part of the UH Ahuja Medical Center Phase 2 expansion in Beachwood. Patients will also be able to see their men’s health providers throughout the UH health system at different locations and through virtual visits.
“This is a visionary approach to men’s health and wellness,” says Lee Ponsky, MD, FACS, Executive Director, UH Cutler Center for Men, Professor & Chairman, UH Urology Institute, Leo & Charlotte Goldberg Chair in Advanced Surgical Therapies, and Master Clinician in Urologic Oncology. “For a multitude of reasons, men often don’t seek medical care and we want to change that behavior so it becomes a habit to go to the doctor every year and focus on wellness.”
“If we can encourage and make it easier for men to go to the doctor, the number of diseases we will be able to diagnose and treat early and save lives is astronomical,” he says. “We will be able to intervene early to prevent diabetes complications, we will be able to prevent heart attacks and strokes, and we will be able to diagnose cancers earlier, resulting in better treatment.”
The Center’s mission is to provide men with unprecedented and uncomplicated access to the health experts, services and resources needed for a lifetime of good physical, mental and emotional health.
“We are expanding the offerings of what traditional health care looks like, as it is more than just getting your blood pressure and cholesterol checked,” Dr. Ponsky says. “The Center offers a way to add value to men’s lives. We hope to provide guidance on their lifestyle, too, from helping them be better dads and partners, to helping save money for retirement.”
“I am a homegrown guy. As someone who grew up here and raised a family, I am excited to offer a new service to our community,” he adds.
From all things male—such as urology, fertility and endocrinology—to heart issues, digestive concerns, allergies, sports medicine, dermatology, oncology and sleep issues, the Center is all encompassing. A big component is also mental health.
When you walk into the flagship location, there are no reception desks as you check in on a kiosk or mobile device. Someone will then personally come to greet you rather than calling out your name. Instead of a typical waiting room, there is a pool and foosball table, a Zen area to relax in, and seats from the Browns stadium if you want to sit down.
At the core is access to the Joe Team. A wellness wingman of sorts, this health guide helps navigate patients through all aspects of health care. From helping make appointments to finding specialists to offering relationship advice, these men are here to make health care more approachable.
The program centers around three areas: prevention, treatment and full-life fitness. The Joe Team will help you find a primary care provider for an annual exam; provide a network of specialty care experts, if needed; and offer links to holistic health, nutrition and exercise programs to go beyond what is traditionally considered health care.
“We are creating an elevated customer experience, like you would experience at the Ritz Carlton and Disney,” Dr. Ponsky says. “We want men to enjoy coming here and make it a completely transformative experience. We are offering additional services that will make their lives healthier and happier.”
To learn more about the UH Cutler Center for Men, visit UHhospitals.org/AhujaExpansion.