Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates Joins Cleveland Clinic and Dr. James D. Solmen Retires

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For many years, it has been Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates privilege to provide orthopaedic, pain management and podiatric care to you and your family. We are writing to share two important developments about our Practice and your orthopaedic care.

Dr. James D. Solmen's Retirement

After a long and rewarding career serving patients throughout the Mahoning Valley, Dr. Solmen will retire from the practice of medicine effective October 31, 2026. Dr. Solmen is deeply grateful for the trust and confidence his patients have placed in him over the years. Caring for this community has been both an honor and a privilege for Dr. Solmen, and he sincerely thanks each patient for allowing him to participate in their healthcare journey. We also apologize to Dr. Solmen for the prior letter issued that incorrectly noted his middle initial as "R". For information regarding your medical records and care by Dr. Solmen, please see the information below under "Medical Records."

Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates Joining Cleveland Clinic

We are also pleased to announce that, effective November 1, 2026, our practice will join Cleveland Clinic. Our physicians and staff are excited about this next chapter and the opportunity to continue providing high-quality orthopaedic care with the support and resources of one of the Nation's and World's leading healthcare systems. Most importantly, we do not anticipate any interruption in patient care as a result of this transition.

Our offices in Poland and Warren/Howland will become Cleveland Clinic Medical Outpatient Centers and will continue to serve patients at their current locations, including our rehabilitation services. Our Boardman location will remain open for imaging and transition to an Ortho Express Care – a location that provides quick access and care with Orthopaedic specialists.

Continuity of Your Care

Your health and well-being remain our highest priority.

Following Dr. Solmen's retirement, patients may continue their orthopedic care with one of our other highly qualified orthopaedic physicians or podiatrists. Our providers work closely together and are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of treatment for all patients. In connection with our transition to Cleveland Clinic, our orthopaedic physicians, physiatrist (pain management physician), podiatrists, advanced practice providers and staff will continue serving patients throughout the Mahoning Valley. We are committed to making this transition as seamless and convenient as possible.

If you have an upcoming appointment, ongoing treatment plan or require future orthopaedic, pain management or podiatric care, our office will be happy to assist you in scheduling with the provider best suited to meet your needs.

Although you may have seen your provider recently, you may be asked to complete Cleveland Clinic' patient registration and insurance verification processes as part of your transition. This ensures we have the information needed to establish your records within the Cleveland Clinic system and provide seamless ongoing care.

Please have your insurance information available when scheduling and bring your photo identification, insurance card and any co-payment due to your visit. If you have questions or concerns about your insurance coverage, please call 844.500.9451.

You can continue scheduling with us by calling our office at 330-758-0577.

Medical Records

Please be assured that no action is needed to transfer your medical records. Your records will remain secure and confidential and will transition with the practice to the Cleveland Clinic. As a Cleveland Clinic patient, your ongoing health records will be available in MyChart, providing you convenient online access to your health information and care team across the Cleveland Clinic Health System. To enroll in MyChart, or for more information, please visit https://my.clevelandclinic.org/online-services/mychart.

Following Dr. Solmen's retirement, you may obtain your medical records for care provided by Dr. Solmen by contacting our offices at 330-758-0577, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please allow thirty (30) days for your records to be transferred.

We are honored by the trust you have placed in us and look forward to continuing your care as part of Cleveland Clinic. You will continue to receive the same personalized care from the providers and staff you know, now supported by the resources and coordinated care available throughout Cleveland Clinic.

About Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates

Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates (YOA) provides patient-focused, comprehensive orthopaedic care for bone, joint, spine and sports injuries. YOA offers a range of services and specialties, including orthopaedic urgent care, physical and hand therapy, specialty imaging, pain management, total joint replacement and sports medicine. With locations serving the greater Youngstown and Warren areas, YOA is committed to excellence and innovation in orthopaedic medical and surgical care, with a focus on quality, safety, patient privacy and convenience.

SOURCE Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates