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Department Family Medicine
Primary Location Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Type of Doctor Both Adults and Children & Adolescents
Languages English
Surgeon No
Locations
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Primary Location

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Appointment:
440.312.8294
Desk:
440.312.8294
Fax:
440.312.8224

Additional Locations

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Insurance

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Biography

About Donald Ford, MD, MBA

Donald Ford, MD, MBA, FAAFP is a Board-Certified Family Physician and is Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. He is also a member of the Cleveland Clinic Board of Governors. He recently stepped down from his roles as Medical Director for Community Health Public Health Strategy and as Chief Medical Officer for Better Health Partnership.

He has served as Vice President of Medical Operations and Interim President at Hillcrest Hospital. Previously he served as Chief Medical Officer and CEO of Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. While in Abu Dhabi he was the Course Director for the Second Annual Primary Care Conference as part of the Abu Dhabi Medical Congress and has served the same role for the Cleveland Clinic Primary Care Evidence-Based Medicine Conference 2013 - 2016. He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. His original research has been published in journals such as Family Medicine, The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, and the Journal of Addictive Diseases.

Dr. Ford joined Cleveland Clinic in 1999 as a Family Physician at the Solon Family Health Center. He has been the Section Head for Family Medicine, Liaison to the Division of Pediatrics, Medical Director of the Solon and Chagrin Falls Family Health Centers, and the founding Medical Director of Access to Care, Cleveland Clinic's Appointment Center. Dr. Ford graduated from the CWRU School of Medicine with Distinction in Family Medicine, completing the Accelerated Residency Program at University Hospitals of Cleveland. He has been awarded the Ed & Diane White Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching at CWRU. In 2007, he became a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

He received his MBA in Health Care from Baldwin Wallace University in May of 2015, achieving membership in the Baldwin Wallace Business Honors Society.

Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
1999

Education & Fellowships

Graduate School - Baldwin Wallace College
Health Care
Berea, OH
2015

Residency - University Hospitals of Cleveland
Family Medicine
Cleveland, OH
1999

Medical Education - Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Cleveland, OH
1997

Undergraduate - State University of New York at Purchase
Purchase, NY
1982

Professional Highlights

  • House Doctor - Cleveland Play House, Great Lakes Theater Festival

Certifications

  • Family Medicine

Specialty Interests

Performing Arts Medicine, Substance Abuse

Awards & Honors

  • Fellow, American Academy of Family Physicians
  • Ed & Diane White Award for excellence and innovation in clinical teaching

Memberships

  • American Academy of Family Medicine
  • Ohio Academy of Family Medicine
  • Cleveland Academy of Family Medicine
  • Performing Arts Medical Alliance
Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for Donald Ford, MD, MBA.

(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)

Industry Relationships

Industry Relationships

Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.

To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.

As of 11/10/2024, Dr. Ford has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.

Fiduciary Role. Dr. Ford serves in a fiduciary capacity, such as an elected officer, director or chief medical officer, for the following companies or other entities:

  • Better Health Partnership

Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.

* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

322 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.

Overall Star Ratings
4.9 out of 5
Explains 4.9
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 4.9
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.9

76 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Nov 22, 2024

Dr Ford went above and beyond in answering questions. He was excellent

Reviewed on Nov 21, 2024

Dr. Ford always listens and explains

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024

Dr Donald Ford and his staff are excellent in providing the care that I need.

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2024

Dr Ford continues to be not only our PCP doctor but a key resource for referral to the best specialists to address our medical needs.

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2024

Dr. Ford is a wonderful, warm and kind doctor whose expertise I trust and am deeply grateful for! I cannot recommend him more highly!

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2024

Dr. Ford is the best Physician. Caring, kind takes time with you. Great listener. Love him..

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2024

Dr. Ford , there is no one better. Wonderful Doctor and person.

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2024

Dr. Ford exhibited care and professionalism for my concerns, providing Indepth explanations and ordering specific tests for further clarification for Items discussed which I appreciated.

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2024

Dr . Ford is the best primary physician.He is patient, extremely knowledgeable and always answers any questions I have.Dr . Ford always explains tests, test results and treatment plans to me .Excellent Doctor !

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2024

Dr. Ford is the BEST that the Clinic has!He has been my Primary Physician for 27 years since he first started with the Clinic in Solon.I would travel the World for him;He is like Family! You are very blessed to have such a wonderful physician on your Staff!!!

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2024

Dr. Ford has been my primary care physician for over 30 years. I have always had confidence in him.

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2024

Dr. Ford is the best!!

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2024

I have been a patient of Dr. Ford for many years. He is just the best. I always have great confidence in his abilities and care for me.

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2024

Dr. Donald Ford is the best! He is friendly and down to earth and never seems to be in a hurry. He put me at ease and answered all my questions. He is one of the Clinic's best primary care physicians.

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2024

I trust Dr. Ford. He is an excellent physician!

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2024

Dr Ford is always very kind and attentive. I love having him as my doctor.

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2024

Dr Ford is very accessible and my visits with him are always very pleasant.

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2024

Dr. Ford is wonderful.Known him for 30 years, I trust him a lot, very helpful.

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2024

Dr. Ford is the best doctor I have ever had. He is caring and considerate and answered all of my questions.

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024

Dr. Ford is awesome. Takes the time to listen and make a plan of care. Plus follows through with results.

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024

Thanks Dr. Ford

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2024

Dr Donald Ford is the best!!

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2024

Dr. Ford was very open to listening to my concerns and questions!

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2024

Dr. Ford called himself with results of my bloodwork a few days later AND he responded clearly and swiftly to my email message on mychart.

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2024

Dr. Ford spent over an hour of time and effort to discuss and recommend solutions for my current situation. He is never afraid to recommend or schedule specialist/s for needed procedures.

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2024

Couldn't ask for a better dr. We would never think of going to another family dr. We got the best

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024

Dr. Ford is one in a million! He is an amazing physician , an amazing listener, compassionate, responsive, and fabulous diagnostician!

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2024

Dr Ford is an amazing doctor. He listens to my concerns and does not minimize them. He always follows up with me and makes me feel like I am a VIP

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2024

Dr . Ford is awesome !!!

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2024

It is obvious Dr. Ford is a provider that cares about his patients. We are just not a number

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2024

Dr Ford is a very caring person, I would like to talk with him again before my next visit, how can we arrange this?

Reviewed on May 24, 2024

Dr Ford does a great job and I feel very comfortable with him as my doc.

Reviewed on May 20, 2024

Dr. Ford gets A+++ for bedside manner, courtesy, kindness, professionalism, and knowledge.

Reviewed on May 20, 2024

I cannot imagine going to another doctor that cares for me as much as Dr. Ford does. Love the man

Reviewed on May 17, 2024

Dr. Ford us excellent and listens to issues and always has a solution

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

Dr. Ford is simply the best!

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

Very happy and very pleased with Dr. Ford he's one of the best!

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

A five star doctor!

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

Dr. Ford does his best to see you when you need him.

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Takes forever to get any CCF doctor appointments these days.

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Dr. Ford is outstanding; I am blessed to have him as my PCP.

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Never a bad experience. The office has always been very nice and professional. If I needed to talk to Dr. Ford he always returned my calls asap.

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

I've never had a doctor listen and give me professional feedback like Dr. Ford. He is without hesitation the best. There are many doctors closer to my home but I don't care how far away he is because he is so worth it. He supports me in what I want and why I want along with any thought and concerns he might have. I really respect that! Along with his calm demeanor and professional manner he is a great person.

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Dr Ford is wonderful and sooo thorough and care so much. He makes me feel that I trust because he's so good thank you Dr Ford down through the years

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

It's just very difficult to see your primary provider on short-notice. It's not the doctor's fault, but it's frustrating.

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

I have been Dr. Ford's patient for many years and am always very pleased with his service and am happy to be under his care.

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

If it's not their primary Dr.

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2024

Dr Ford had been my primary care physician for 20+ years. I consider myself so lucky to have benefited from his extraordinary talent as a physician and his demeanor as a caring person.I have stayed with him even as his office moved farther and farther from my home because he treats me with respect and never the slightest condescension that I've sometimes experienced with other doctors, especially as I've aged. I learn something new and Interesting at every visit and feel that my health could not be in better hands.

Reviewed on Apr 5, 2024

He's a doctor Doctor Phenominal!!

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Dr. Ford always listens to my concerns . He takes time in the appt, I never feel like he is rushing to get to another patient while I am there.

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

I always recommend Dr. Ford to my friends and family

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024

Am thankful for Dr. Ford and his office team with their professional and effective service!

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024

Dr Ford is awesome

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2024

Dr. Ford was very helpful in resolving an issue with my medical insurance.

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2024

Excellent in getting me in to see Dr. Ford

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2024

Dr. Ford was very condescending and was not really interested in how I was doing. He just wanted to move on to the next patient. Very bad experience. Not world class care.

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2024

Dr Donald Ford, best primary ever!

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2024

Dr Ford is very easy to talk to!

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2024

Dr ford is always thorough, caring, listens well, and gives wonderful care. It's obvious that he wants to find solutions to problems.

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2024

Dr. Ford is always friendly and genuine.

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2024

Dr. Ford us great and gave me an excellent referral for the complex condition I'm dealing with.

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2024

My experience with Dr. Ford has always been great. He not only addresses my presenting problem, he takes the time to check in with me on how I'm doing.

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2024

My wife Nancy and I feel that Dr Ford is the best PCP we've ever had. He is extremely caring and attentive to our needs

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2024

Dr.Ford is by far the best physician I've ever seen.

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2024

Dr. Ford was wonderful.

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2024

Dr. Ford was very detailed with replies to my questions and concerns. Explained so I could understand.

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2024

Dr. Ford is fantastic---very much satified with his care--he is always available.

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2023

Doc Ford is tops!

Reviewed on Dec 26, 2023

Shortly after I left the appointment, Dr. Ford called in my new script, which I was able to pick up on my way home.

Reviewed on Dec 26, 2023

Dr Ford was a comfort and a godsend. I felt lucky to have found an experienced, kind doctor to help me during the holiday.

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2023

Dr. Ford has always carried himself in a professional manner, while tempered with a touch of friendliness, which makes you feel at ease and trust him implicitly.

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2023

Dr Ford is the best-so caring

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2023

I appreciate Dr. Ford and his staff. They are always great!

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2023

I would recommend Dr. Ford to anyone!

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2023

I hope to be able to receive care from this provider for as long as it's possible!

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2023

Dr. Ford is absolutely great ! Very kind person and awesome doctor .

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