$20 million donation launches the University Hospitals Haslam Sports Innovation Center in Cleveland
Dr. James Voos
A $20 million donation from Dee and Jimmy Haslam will create the University Hospitals Haslam Sports Innovation Center in Cleveland.
Built for both professional and recreational athletes, the center aims to "strategically identify, support and invest in the world’s best innovations in sports medicine, providing a catalyst to improve performance, reduce injury risk and promote healing for stronger, healthier professional and recreational athletes," according to UH.
The background
Dee and Jimmy Haslam are deeply committed to both Cleveland and sports. In addition to owning the Cleveland Browns (NFL), they are also investors in the Columbus Crew (MLS) and Milwaukee Bucks (NBA).
The center will be led by Dr. James E. Voos, Chair of the UH Department of Orthopedic Surgery, President-elect of the NFL Physician’s Society, and Head Team Physician for the Browns. Voos has made headlines for performing two recent knee surgeries on Browns star running back Nick Chubb.
Leading innovation
Voos and University Hospitals have a strong history in spearheading groundbreaking research, including using wearable technology to create a return to play assessment and in regenerative medicine where UH obtained FDA approval for stem cell multiplication at the University Hospitals Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute for arthritis treatment.
Voos has also worked with Cleveland-based HealthTech startup Lazurite, developer of the groundbreaking ArthroFree® System. Their innovative wireless surgical camera, the first of its kind to receive FDA clearance, is approved for use in a wide range of endoscopic applications, including arthroscopy.
Why this matters to Ohio
Ohio’s healthcare institutions and research centers are pillars of our tech and innovation ecosystem. And this investment not only enhances healthcare innovation in Ohio but also showcases the state's position as a hub for cutting-edge sports medicine research.
What they’re saying
“Dee and Jimmy Haslam are dedicated to creating impactful change within professional sports and in their communities. We are fortunate to have them as partners as we embark on an unprecedented phase of sports medicine innovation and development. The Haslam Center was created to revolutionize medicine for athletes in professional sports and of all ages and abilities. It will propel technology forward to enhance the health and safety for patients everywhere.”
- James E. Voos, MD, Executive Director, UH Haslam Sports Innovation Center
“The health and well-being of our athletes and our communities is of the utmost importance to us. We are inspired by Dr. Voos - his incredible drive and vision to continually innovate, searching for cutting-edge opportunities, while providing world-class care. We know the unique opportunity we have to invest in sports medicine, creating new technologies and innovations to improve performance and contribute to the future of sport, while creating healthier athletes and communities. It is a privilege to partner with Dr. Voos and UH in this exciting next chapter.”
- Dee and Jimmy Haslam
“UH Ventures is very excited to partner with and support Dr. Voos and his teams' efforts to source and assess opportunities from around the world. UH Ventures has a number of potentially intriguing relationships in the pipeline already, and the manner in which we consider partnerships with any of these prospects will be carefully curated by Ventures in support of the Haslam Sports Innovation Center.”
- David Sylvan, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer @ UH and President @ UH Ventures