Hahn to retire after 28 years as chief of staff at Cleveland Clinic

After nearly 40 years as a neurosurgeon, Cleveland Clinic chief of staff Joseph Hahn, MD, announced he will retire on Dec. 31.

Hahn joined the department of neurosurgery at the Cleveland Clinic in 1976, according to a press release.

“It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to spend my 38-year career at Cleveland Clinic,” Hahn stated. “During the last 9 years, I have had the unique opportunity to serve as chief of staff for one of the world’s most innovative group of physicians.”

Joseph Hahn

Hahn became chairman of the neurosurgery department in 1981 and was named chairman of the division of surgery in 1987. He remained in that role until 2003, when he launched Cleveland Clinic Innovations, which established a means by which Cleveland Clinic physicians could commercialize their medical discoveries.

In 2005, Hahn was appointed chief of staff.

Orthopedic surgeon Brian Donley, MD, who currently serves as president of the community hospitals and family health centers, will assume the chief of staff position Jan. 1, 2015, according to the press release.

“I leave knowing our legacy of teamwork will continue under Brian Donley's leadership.” Hahn stated.

“I have the utmost respect for Joe Hahn and I will honor his legacy by continuing to champion a culture of teamwork,” Donley stated in the press release. “As chief of staff, my focus will continue to be on our shared responsibility to our patients, our caregivers and the communities we serve. I firmly believe that our guiding principles – respect, communication and truth – will build trust and inspire commitment.”