Local Ophthalmologist Continues Family Tradition Of Practicing Medicine On Cleveland’s West Side

Albert McGannon, DDS

Those who know say that Cleveland is changing the face of healthcare, and many area leaders agree that the healthcare industry will play a major role in shaping Cleveland’s future. For Ophthalmologist Dr. Peter McGannon, of Cleveland Clinic/Lakeland Eye Ophthalmology, however, practicing medicine in Cleveland has as much to do with his past as it does with his city’s future.

Dr. McGannon, 31, is the fourth generation of his family to practice medicine on Cleveland’s West Side. His great-grandfather, grandfather and father all became dentists, with his father’s Lakewood practice proudly servicing West Side patients since 1972. His great-uncles and uncles have practiced medicine as well, and his brother Michael graduated from medical school with an M.D. and now works for a medical malpractice insurance company.

“It runs in the family,” his father, Dr. Lance McGannon, points out. “You have the mindset of being a health practitioner.”

Growing up, Dr. McGannon recognized his family’s long history in medicine and considered becoming a dentist, but in the end chose ophthalmology for its mix of medical and surgical applications. He also enjoys the relationships he is able to form and maintain with his patients, saying, “It’s a great way to give back to a community that has given me so much.” 

As a third generation graduate of St Ignatius high school, he continued his education at Miami University and Case Western Reserve University. He went on to complete a residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and a fellowship at Baylor Medical Center’s Cullen Eye Institute in Houston, where he specialized in Cornea, Anterior Segment & Refractive Surgery.

Dr. McGannon’s office is located in the Lakewood Hospital Professional Building, right down the street from his father’s dental practice. Both he and his father also live in Bay Village. Family is important to the McGannons - after spending time in Chicago and Houston, Dr. McGannon wanted to settle down where he grew up.

Dr. Peter McGannon learned this strong belief in family and community from his father. Working for the Public Health Service in New York City, Dr. Lance McGannon had opportunities to practice in Alaska and California, but instead returned to Cleveland’s West Side where he and his wife, Leanna, established a thriving dental practice, raised six children and eventually returned to Case Western Reserve Dental school where he teaches once a week.

“It’s important to have family there to support you when you’re starting your own family,” he says, adding jokingly, “I couldn’t stay away from the Browns.”

The future for Cleveland and the McGannons is in healthcare. Dr. McGannon looks forward to expanding his roots in the West Shore area and providing his family with the same advantages he had growing up. His father is ready for grandkids, and as luck would have it, Dr. McGannon and his wife, Andrea, are expecting a baby girl. On the prospect of his soon-to-be daughter’s future career choice, he says that he would encourage her to continue with the family business, but adds, “I’d support anything that makes her happy.”

Dr. McGannon is passionate about bringing the latest technological advances and techniques in ophthalmology to the West Side.

“Expectations have risen from 50 years ago,” he says. We have better modalities for treating people. Expectations are higher, and that’s a good thing.”  

Dr. McGannon’s office is located at 14601 Detroit Avenue, Suite 530, Lakewood. To schedule an appointment with Dr. McGannon, call 216.529.5320.

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Volume 6, Issue 24, Posted 9:02 AM, 12.01.2010