Meet Dr. Paul Gubanich, a board-certified medical orthopaedic specialist in the Center for Sports Health and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Gubanich is available to see patients at our Cleveland Clinic Family Centers in Strongsville and in Brunswick.
Specialty Interests
Management of sports concussions, outcomes research, childhood wellness, injury prevention, performance enhancement and medical problems in athletes
Reason for specializing in Sports Medicine
Sports medicine allows me to help my patients pursue their goals and dreams, and live an active, healthy lifestyle. This is complemented by my personal beliefs that as a society, we need to focus on the prevention of disease and disability, rather than simply reacting to
illness and injury as they occur.
Particular interests
I care for a wide variety of athletes at different skill levels. Overall, my focus is to try and return athletes safely and expeditiously to their activities while optimizing their performance. I am also involved in several research projects, involving an injury surveillance system; optimal treatment for sports concussions; and childhood wellness, in the Healthy Futures Program that encourages youths to increase physical activity and decrease risky behavior.
Best thing about being a sports medicine provider
Sharing the successes and failures of my patients on a personal level is both a humbling experience and a privilege. Some of my favorite interactions stem from my involvement with the community.
Advice for athletes and parents
Injuries may be frustrating, but addressing them head on will lessen the overall duration of symptoms. Prompt evaluation, diagnosis and treatment speed recovery, and decrease risks of recurrent injury and chronic problems.
Suggestions for coaches and trainers
Each individual athlete has unique goals and abilities. A one-size-fits-all training program may lead to poor performance and/or injury. By listening to your athletes and adapting the training program to their individual needs and goals, they will experience more success and greater enjoyment.
Parting words
Sports should enhance your life and well-being. I encourage young athletes to challenge themselves while savoring the time they spend in sports with family, friends and coaches. Growing up, I was a multi-sport athlete like many of my patients, participating in football, hockey, track and baseball. Each sport has its unique challenges, but the most important thing is to have fun.
Background Education
The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, Columbus; Internal Medicine Residency, Cleveland Clinic; Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, Cleveland
Clinic; Masters of Public Health, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland
Professional Highlights/Affiliations
Associate Medical Staff, Cleveland Browns; Research Committee member, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine; member, American College of Sports Medicine; member, American College of Physicians; Medical & Scientific Committee member, National Arthritis Foundation
Call 877.440.TEAM (8326) to see Dr. Gubanich at our Cleveland
Clinic Strongsville or Cleveland Clinic Brunswick family health
centers.
