A Visionary Leader Who Transformed Healthcare
The Cleveland medical community is reeling from the loss of Dr. Fred C. Rothstein, former president of University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, who passed away on August 6, 2025, at the age of 74. Over the course of nearly four decades at University Hospitals (UH), Dr. Rothstein became a cornerstone of leadership, known for blending visionary innovation with deep compassion. From 2003 to 2015, he served as president of UH Cleveland Medical Center, spearheading initiatives that expanded clinical services, elevated research capabilities, and positioned the institution as one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers.
His leadership was never about titles—it was about impact. Colleagues remember his steady hand during challenging times, his ability to unite diverse teams, and his relentless pursuit of excellence in patient care. Under his guidance, UH not only grew in size and scope but also deepened its commitment to patient-centered healthcare, diversity in staffing, and integrating cutting-edge technologies to save lives.
A Physician of Heart, Humility, and Healing
While his administrative accomplishments were extraordinary, Dr. Rothstein’s legacy is equally defined by his work as a physician. Known for his empathy and warmth, he had a gift for making every patient feel heard and valued. Whether explaining complex medical procedures in clear terms or offering a reassuring presence during difficult diagnoses, he embodied the very essence of a healer.
Many of his patients remember him not just for his medical expertise, but for the way he connected on a human level—remembering names, listening without rushing, and recognizing the unique needs of each individual. His approach to care set a gold standard for compassion in medicine, inspiring countless colleagues to follow his example.
A Mentor, Advocate, and Beloved Friend
Beyond the walls of UH, Dr. Rothstein’s influence stretched across the region and the nation. He contributed his voice to important conversations about healthcare policy, medical ethics, and the future of hospital management. His mentorship shaped the careers of many rising leaders in medicine, as he believed in empowering others to carry the torch of progress and humanity in healthcare.
Outside of work, he was a devoted family man, a lifelong learner, and an advocate for the arts and community service. Friends describe him as a man of integrity, humility, and quiet strength—someone whose presence uplifted every room he entered.
His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the medical community, but his influence will endure through the people he taught, mentored, and inspired. Plans for a memorial service will soon be announced, offering an opportunity for colleagues, friends, and former patients to celebrate a life defined by service, vision, and love for humanity.
Dr. Fred C. Rothstein will be remembered not just for the positions he held, but for the lives he touched and the hope he instilled in all who knew him.