Dr. Jason Levine, with his wife, Marissa, is thrilled to join Akron Children’s as our newest pediatrician at our Green and Barberton locations.
If it weren’t for a successful career as a pediatrician, Dr. Jason Levine would be a rock star — preferably a famous one. Some might say he achieved that dream performing in front of hundreds of thousands of screaming fans as a trumpet player in the renowned The Ohio State University Marching Band.
But as much as he loves rockin’ out to “Hang on Sloopy” and scripting Ohio with his band mates, he’s most passionate about taking his playful stage presence bedside. At each visit, he offers up a daily dose of humor while treating kids and teens with minor to acute illnesses as our newest pediatrician at our primary care locations in Green and Barberton.
Dr. Levine entertains his tiniest fans with his goofy sense of humor and passion for Marvel superheroes and Star Wars characters. In fact, if you ask him the easiest part of his job, he’ll tell you putting a smile on his patients’ faces.
Why did you choose to come to Akron Children’s Hospital?
I chose to come to Akron Children’s Hospital for many reasons. Every person that I have met from Akron Children’s is warm and approachable, perfect for the world of children and adolescents. With that, my wife and I both love living in the northeast Ohio area.
Describe your role at Akron Children’s and what you hope to accomplish?
I am a primary care pediatrician, and I hope to be a significant role model and mentor for children and adolescents in the area.
What is your area of expertise and why did you choose it?
My expertise is in primary care pediatrics, working with kids of all ages. Growing up, my experience at the doctor’s office was memorable to say the least! Despite the few times I had some stranger anxiety, I mostly enjoyed seeing my doctor.
One moment I remember vividly is when I was taken there for a sore throat, and my doctor offered to take me back to look at the agar plates (the plate that grows the bacteria collected from your throat). Having a friendly pediatrician and being able to see what happens in the background really caught my interest and led me to become the pediatrician that I am today.
Dr. Jason Levine has a wonderful, goofy sense of humor. That, along with his love of Star Wars, helps him connect with his patients.
What impression do you hope to leave with your patients each day?
I hope patient families leave here with the impression that I, along with my colleagues, are always willing to help support them. Whether it is helping mothers through breastfeeding difficulties, helping with kids’ problems in high school or everyday medical problems, that’s what we’re here for.
How does your personality fit your role?
I would say that I have a wonderful, goofy sense of humor. In fact, I tend to tell many dad jokes. Others have told me that I can be quite a dork, again because of my great dad jokes, but also because I thoroughly enjoy the Marvel superheroes, and I am a giant Star Wars fan. This is all probably why I fit in the pediatrics world.
What is the easiest part of your job?
Making all my patients smile at least once during every visit.
Who makes up your family, including pets and their names?
I am married to Marissa Levine, a wonderful person, obstetrician and gynecologist. We have 2 cats: Shibby and Zusa.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I have always wanted to be a rock star, or some sort of famous musician.
One of Dr. Levine’s greatest accomplishments was joining The Ohio State University’s Marching Band.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment?
Outside of entering the world of medicine, I would say that my greatest accomplishment was trying out and joining The Ohio State University Marching Band as a trumpet player. It was one of the most challenging things I have ever done, both physically and mentally, but I met some of my best friends in the band and consider them a second family.
