MetroHealth Appoints Chair of Otolaryngology (ENT)

The MetroHealth System has appointed Aaron Baker, MD, as Chair of its Department of Otolaryngology (ENT).

Since joining MetroHealth in 2019, Dr. Baker has established himself as a respected clinician, educator and leader. A specialist in otology, neurotology and skull base surgery, he has helped expand advanced hearing and ear care services while advancing the department's clinical, educational and research missions.

In 2023, Dr. Baker performed MetroHealth's first cochlear implant procedure, a milestone that expanded access to advanced hearing restoration services for patients across Northeast Ohio.

Dr. Baker has served as Interim Chair since December 2024 and succeeds David Stepnick, MD, FACS, who previously led the department and now serves as MetroHealth's Executive Vice President, Chief Physician Executive and Chief Clinical Officer.

Dr. Baker’s appointment follows a national search that attracted an outstanding pool of candidates from across the country. Dr. Stepnick said Dr. Baker was selected for his vision for the future of otolaryngology at MetroHealth, his commitment to clinical excellence and his demonstrated ability to recruit talent and strengthen programs.

"Dr. Baker is an outstanding physician, educator and leader who has already made a significant impact on MetroHealth," Dr. Stepnick said. "He brings a clear vision for the future of the department, a deep commitment to our patients and community and a collaborative leadership style that inspires confidence and trust."

As Chair, Dr. Baker will oversee the department's clinical, educational and research programs and lead efforts to further strengthen MetroHealth's role as a regional destination for advanced ENT care.

"Dr. Baker exemplifies the best of academic medicine through his commitment to exceptional patient care, education and innovation,” said John Chae, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at MetroHealth and Senior Associate Dean for Medical Affairs at Case Western Reserve University. “His leadership has already expanded access to advanced ENT services at MetroHealth, and I look forward to the impact he will continue to make across our clinical, educational and research missions. His expertise in otology and cochlear implants presents clinician-scientist partnership opportunities in neuromodulation research, an area where MetroHealth is already a global leader."

Dr. Baker earned his medical degree from the Penn State College of Medicine and completed his residency in otolaryngology and fellowship training in advanced otology at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He also holds a Master of Science in Medical and Molecular Genetics from the Indiana University School of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Purdue University.

"MetroHealth has an extraordinary team of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, researchers and staff who are deeply committed to our patients," Dr. Baker said. "I look forward to building on the department's strong foundation, growing our clinical programs, advancing education and research and continuing to improve access to specialized care in Greater Cleveland."