American Burn Association Reverifies Burn Care Center

Burn Care Center

MetroHealth's nationally recognized Comprehensive Burn Care Center has been reverified as an adult and pediatric burn center by the American Burn Association. The verification, which is active through October 2026, is a testament to the center's commitment to patient care, advocacy, community involvement, research and more.

MetroHealth remains one of only two adult and pediatric burn centers in Ohio verified by the ABA. The System is also the region's most experienced Level 1 Adult Trauma Center in Greater Cleveland, having been verified since 1992, and a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center.

"Simply put, there is no better place to land during an emergency than MetroHealth," said MetroHealth President & CEO Airica Steed, Ed.D, RN, MBA, FACHE. "This achievement underscores the extraordinary commitment of our compassionate caregivers in our Burn Care Center. Congratulations to the entire team, and thank you for all you do for our patients, their families and the communities we serve."

During their survey, representatives from the ABA noted several strengths about MetroHealth's program, including its state-of-the-art space at The Glick Center, the collaborative nature of the burn care team and the low turnover among its nursing staff. Reviewers also highlighted the team's commitment to supporting burn survivors well after their injuries through weekly support groups and biannual burn camps.

"Reverification by the ABA as an Adult and Pediatric Burn Center is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the entire Burn Center team, especially our nurse practitioners, nurses, therapists, child life specialists, social workers and patient care technicians who are the faces that our patients see the most," said Justin Dvorak, MD, Director, Burn Care Center. "It is also a reflection of the support we receive from our partners in other specialties and from the entire hospital. It is truly a team effort ensuring that our patients receive the best care possible."

"Being one of the select few verified burn centers for adult and pediatric patients across the country validates and reinforces the incredible work this team does every day," said John Hiller, RN, BSN, RN, CCRN-CSC, Nurse Manager, Burn Unit. "Our community is truly fortunate to have this group of dedicated burn professionals available when such a debilitating injury occurs. I am so grateful for this team that does so well what very few have the ability or willingness to do. It is a privilege to work within our trauma division, and certainly the most rewarding experience I have had as a nurse."

The Burn Care Center on average treats more than 1,700 new burn injuries a year. It continues to provide primary care, teaching, training and research in burn-related injuries. In addition to thermal injuries, the center treats chemical and electrical burns, inhalation injuries, frostbite injuries, exfoliative skin conditions and other complex wounds.

In addition, quality burn care starts well before the patient arrives at the hospital, which is why MetroHealth's team is also so passionate about its continuing education series that teaches the region's first responders about how to assess the severity of burns, dress wounds and transport patients – all which are crucial to ensuring the best possible recovery for patients.