Dr. Brian Donley Aims to Continue Top-Notch Care at Lutheran Hospital

As a foot and ankle expert, Brian Donley, MD, is used to putting his best foot forward in the practice of medicine. And now, as the president of Lutheran Hospital, he is putting his best effort into continuing to offer top-notch health care services to the Ohio City community.

“Our mission at Lutheran Hospital is to provide the highest quality care that meets the specific needs of the populations we serve,” says Dr. Donley. “Toward this end, we work hard to identify what health care services are required and then we secure the best staff and most advanced equipment and technologies available to fulfill those needs.”

“Patients receive these leading-edge treatments in an environment that is both intimate and friendly,” he adds. “We are proud to be located in Ohio City, a vibrant, rejuvenated community, and we enjoy developing personal relationships with our patients and fellow employees, who often comment on our family-like atmosphere. It is no surprise that our patient satisfaction scores are high.” 

While Lutheran Hospital offers a full array of health care services within its 204-bed, acute-care facility, it is especially well known for: orthopaedics, spine care, behavioral medicine and wound care.

 In his new role as hospital president, Dr. Donley is using the administrative skills he developed while serving as Senior Vice President of Surgical Operations at the hospital and as Cleveland Clinic’s Vice Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Director of the Center for Foot and Ankle within the Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Institute and chair of the Professional Conduct Committee.

Dr. Donley completed his undergraduate work at the University of Notre Dame. After graduating with distinction from the University of Michigan Medical School, he served internships in general surgery and orthopaedic surgery at the University of Michigan Health System and a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at Campbell Clinic in Memphis. 

He was named an American-British-Canadian Travelling Fellow in 2007 and one of “America’s Best Doctors” every year since 2006.

 In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Donley serves as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Cavaliers. An active researcher, he worked with an international team at Lutheran Hospital to develop a new total ankle replacement and was the first orthopaedic surgeon in the world to implant the Salto Talaris Ankle. 

 Dr. Donley teaches pre-medical and medical students, has authored numerous publications and has delivered more than 200 international and national presentations. 

 Regarding his new position as president of Lutheran, he says, “This is a tremendous opportunity to work with the hospital’s dedicated team of caregivers. I look forward to continuing to build on the long and great tradition of Lutheran Hospital.”