Dr. Arthur Lavin, with his wife, Diane, is Akron Children’s newest pediatrician at our Beachwood location.
Dr. Arthur Lavin decided to follow medicine after receiving a book on the human body for his 8th birthday. A curious child, always eager to learn more, he was fascinated by the age-appropriate book, which was organized into 10 chapters with the first on “What Is a Cell?” and the remaining 9 on different organ systems. He realized as a doctor he could continue to expand his knowledge about how the human body works, while at the same time helping people, especially kids.
Today, as Akron Children’s newest pediatrician at Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics, Beachwood, Dr. Lavin specializes in parenting, emotional and cognitive health, obesity and many other pediatric concerns. His goal is to help make the office an outstanding resource for pediatric care in the Cleveland area.
While he’s accomplished great things throughout his career, publishing 2 parenting books, helping to pass the Affordable Care Act and serving as chairman of an American Academy of Pediatrics committee, Dr. Lavin’s single, laser focus remains the same: helping kids get back to being kids. After all, he says the best compliment he could ever receive is: “You helped me.”
Why did you choose to come to Akron Children’s Hospital?
The hospital is the only 100 percent pediatric medical center in northeast Ohio. I believe it clearly understands the needs of children, and has the requisite resources and expertise to deliver outstanding care for all children.
Describe your role at Akron Children’s and what you hope to accomplish.
I am a pediatrician in general practice at Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics, Beachwood. I hope to make this office an outstanding resource for pediatric care in the Cleveland area.
When he’s not working, Dr. Lavin (second from left) enjoys spending time with his wife, kids and grandkids.
What is your area of expertise and why did you choose it?
My areas of expertise range widely, but each are defined by the needs of children as told to me by their parents over the years:
- Parenting (I have published 2 parenting books, with one distributed internationally.)
- Emotional health
- Cognitive health
- The impact of environmental toxins on brain development
- Obesity
- Nursing
- Most pediatric concerns
When did you decide to become a provider and why?
When I was 8, I discovered the wonder of the human body, and thought, if I was a doctor, I could spend my life continuing to be amazed by how the body works and at the same time, help people.
My parents got me a great book about the human body for my 8th birthday. It was organized into 10 chapters, with the first all about “What Is a Cell? and the remaining ones about the 9 organ systems. It was set up with great illustrations and explanations that an 8 year old could read and understand. I still remember learning about what is a cell, how the body has all sorts of special cells like nerves and bones, how cells combine to form tissues, that tissues can combine to form organs, and that groups of organs and tissues can form whole systems, such as the digestive, circulatory or endocrine system.
I still have that book and still love it. Everything I have learned as a doctor since then can be traced to the wonderful structures of learning that book launched for me.
What impression do you hope to leave with your patients each day?
I hope patient families leave knowing that I cared, listened and helped them make progress on whatever issue they are dealing with.
The last adventure Dr. Lavin went on was kayaking several miles into Lake Erie.
What unique or different skills do you have that help you practice medicine?
I have a profound curiosity, a dedication to learning, a laser focus on trying to hear the problem that needs to be addressed and the ability to help families respond to a very wide range of problems.
How does your personality fit your role?
I am a calm, curious and upbeat person.
What achievements are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of being a husband, father and grandfather; helping the next person I see meet their challenges; writing books; helping to pass the Affordable Care Act (I served on a committee of more than 450 northeast Ohio providers that consulted with U.S. Congressman John Boccieri to influence his affirmative vote.); publishing important policy papers, and lastly, serving as chairman of a committee at the American Academy of Pediatrics charged with developing policies pertaining to the emotional and social health of America’s children.
What do you think is the hardest part of your job?
Making sure I have listened well.
What is the easiest part of your job?
Making sure I have listened well.
What would you most like to change about health care today?
I would like health care to be organized 100 percent towards helping the person being seen at that moment so he or she can make substantive progress on that issue.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Canton, OH.
Dr. Lavin enjoying moments with his granddaughter, Elle
Who makes up your family, including pets and their names?
My family includes my wife, Diane, our son, Josh, who is married to Emma and have 2 children, Becky and Evie, our daughter, Hannah, who is married to Ryan and have one child, Elle, and our daughter, Abigail, who is engaged to Jared. We also have 2 granddogs, Betty and Bean.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment?
Helping people both as a doctor and a dad.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
I enjoy being with my wife, kids and grandkids, as well as reading, biking, kayaking and writing.
What’s the first thing you do when you get home from work?
Catch up with my wife about our days.
What values are most important to you?
The nearly infinite, complex value of each person’s humanity.
What’s the last adventure you went on?
I went kayaking several miles into Lake Erie.
What’s the best compliment you ever received?
You helped me.
What’s the best thing about your family?
The best part is the love we share.
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