Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates will join Cleveland Clinic effective November 1, the practice has announced, in a move that brings its Mahoning Valley offices into one of the nation’s largest health systems while a longtime physician in the practice prepares to retire. Dr. James D. Solmen will retire from the practice of medicine effective October 31 after a long career serving patients throughout the Mahoning Valley.
The practice told patients it does not anticipate any interruption in care during the transition. Its offices in Poland and Warren/Howland will become Cleveland Clinic Medical Outpatient Centers and will continue serving patients at their current locations, including rehabilitation services. The Boardman location will remain open for imaging and will transition to an Ortho Express Care site, offering quick access to orthopaedic specialists.
Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates provides orthopaedic, pain management and podiatric care across the Valley. Joining Cleveland Clinic gives its physicians and patients access to the system’s broader network of specialists, research and resources while keeping appointments, therapy and imaging in the same familiar offices.
In its letter to patients, the practice thanked the community for its trust over the years and said its physicians and staff are looking forward to the next chapter. The practice also corrected an earlier letter that had incorrectly listed Dr. Solmen’s middle initial, apologizing to him for the error.
Dr. Solmen’s retirement closes a career spent caring for generations of Valley families. The practice said he is deeply grateful for the trust and confidence his patients placed in him, calling it an honor and a privilege to participate in their care. Information for patients about medical records and continuing care is included in the practice’s announcement.
For Valley residents, the change means the same local offices and providers for most patients, under the Cleveland Clinic name, beginning November 1. Patients with appointments on or after that date should expect their care to continue at the Poland, Warren/Howland and Boardman locations as described in the transition plan.
The affiliation is the latest expansion of Cleveland Clinic’s footprint in the Mahoning Valley, where the system has steadily grown its outpatient presence. Practice officials said anyone with questions about records or upcoming appointments can contact the offices directly ahead of the November 1 changeover.
Photo: Mutaz Albar, CC BY