Welcome from the DIO

Dear Graduate Medical Education Applicant,

Welcome and thank you for considering our institution as the next step in your medical journey.

Since our founding in 1837, The MetroHealth System has stood as a beacon of healing, learning, and community service. We are proud of our legacy, not only as the oldest hospital in north-east Ohio, but as a dynamic and forward-thinking institution deeply committed to training the next generation of physicians. Affiliated with Case Western Reserve University since 1914, our institution blends a rich academic tradition with a deep connection to the vibrant, diverse community we serve.

We host 13 categorical residencies and 20 fellowships with over 450 house staff accredited by ACGME, besides other shared programs, unaccredited fellowships, dentistry, psychology, APP fellowships, and several allied health programs. Our programs are led by dedicated program directors, faculty and staff whose commitment to education and the health system is evident from their longevity. MetroHealth has trained generations of physicians who have gone on to lead, heal, and inspire, including Nobel laureates. 

Here, we care for patients from all walks of life across cultural, racial, and socioeconomic spectrums. We treat people with dignity, empathy, and skill. In this setting, you will be immersed in a real-world environment that both challenges and shapes the kind of doctor you are becoming. The inner-city population in an academic setting presents a rich learning experience. From high-acuity pathology to complex chronic care management, your days will be filled with medical surprises, diagnostic puzzles, and the unmatched thrill of making that first diagnosis.

What sets us apart is our resident-friendly culture. You will not only learn medicine here, but you will also live it. Our residents and fellows are viewed as vital members of the care team and are supported by an atmosphere of mentorship, camaraderie, and shared purpose. With high-quality electronic health records, a robust population health institute, and hands-on training that starts day one, you will develop a solid foundation that prepares you for a wide variety of career paths, whether in primary care, subspecialty fellowship, research, public health, or leadership.

You will connect with your patients and their problems, rather than just writing a prescription. You will be challenged intellectually, and you’ll grow more than you can imagine. Along the way, you’ll experience the richness of Cleveland, a city that surprises many with its culture, music, food scene, green spaces, and affordability. It’s an ideal place for young professionals to grow both personally and professionally. Our alumni have gone on to competitive fellowships and prominent roles in healthcare across the country.

We’re excited to meet candidates who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and driven to make a difference. If you join us, you will be joining a legacy. You won’t just be training to become a doctor, you’ll be transformed into a physician-leader rooted in empathy, excellence, and knowledge.

Thank you again for your interest. As the Designated Institutional Official (DIO) and Executive Director for Education and Training, I welcome you to MetroHealth. We look forward to learning about you and invite you to be part of our proud tradition.

Abdulla Ghori, M.D, FAAP

Executive Director Education and Training

Designated Institutional Official

Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education, Professor of Pediatrics