Meet Dr. James Voos, the leader behind one of the most expansive sports medicine programs in the country, connecting professional sports, healthcare innovation, youth athletics, research, and community wellness across Northeast Ohio.
As Chair of Orthopedic Surgery at University Hospitals and Head Team Physician for the Cleveland Browns, Dr. Voos oversees a growing network that now supports more than 80 local high schools, professional sports organizations, and thousands of student athletes throughout the region. His work extends far beyond the sidelines, helping build systems that improve athlete safety, increase access to healthcare, and create opportunities for the next generation of medical professionals.
Dr. Voos’ path to Cleveland is as unique as the program he’s built. Growing up on a farm in Kansas, training at the world-renowned Hospital for Special Surgery, and later running a private orthopedic practice gave him experience not only in medicine, but also in leadership, entrepreneurship, and the business side of healthcare.
Leading a sports medicine program at this scale requires far more than treating injuries. Dr. Voos shares how building strong community relationships, investing in personalized care, and developing a culture-focused team have helped University Hospitals grow from supporting four local schools to more than 80 across Northeast Ohio.
In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, Dr. Voos joins host Sam Clyde Schroeder to discuss building healthcare partnerships that impact entire communities, creating pipeline opportunities for future physicians, and using innovation to improve athlete safety at every level of sports.
He also shares insights into the UH Haslam Sports Innovation Center, where University Hospitals partners with emerging companies to develop and test new technologies in sports medicine, from athlete safety tools to startup investments that are now gaining national attention.
Tune in to hear Dr. Voos’ perspective on leadership, mentorship, culture-building, innovation, and why investing in people and community has been central to building a world-class program in Northeast Ohio.
Timestamps & Topics
- 00:30 – Introduction & Dr. James Voos’ Role
- 03:00 – From Kansas to Cleveland
- 05:30 – Building the Browns & UH Sports Medicine Program
- 09:45 – Growing Partnerships with 80+ High Schools
- 15:30 – Sports Innovation, Startups & Shark Tank
- 20:45 – Mentorship & Building the Healthcare Pipeline
- 25:15 – HR Hot Seat & Rapid Fire Questions
- 27:45 – The Uncrustables Sports Medicine Story
- 30:35 – The “Sports Coat” Invention
- 33:25 – What He’s Most Proud Of in Cleveland
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