Parma Doctor Named Ohio Family Physician Of The Year

Manuel Saridakis, DO

A longtime member of the University Hospitals Parma Medical Center medical staff has been honored as Family Physician of the Year. The award was presented to Manuel P. Saridakis, DO, by the Ohio State Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) at its annual symposium, attended by more than 300 physicians.

Manuel Saridakis, DO, has been on staff at UH Parma Medical Center since 1985. A graduate of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, he was the first in his family to enter the medical field, followed by his younger brother, George, and his cousin, Michael – both of whom are in practice with him, with offices in Parma and Sagamore Hills. Christopher J. Loyke, DO, his other practice partner, nominated him for this award.

“The entire profession of medicine is built on the backs of people like Dr. Manny Saridakis, who focus on patients and go above and beyond each and every day,” Dr. Loyke said. “He has inspired so many people to go into medicine, leading by example.”

An active member of the Greek community, Dr. Saridakis belongs to St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church, where he has served on the parish council. As stated in the famous Greek medical text, the Hippocratic Oath, he pledged to “impart a knowledge of the art to my own sons, and those of my teachers, and to students bound by this contract and having sworn this Oath to the law of medicine.” Dr. Saridakis has trained hundreds of medical students throughout his nearly four decades in practice. His mission to serve is carried on by his two children. Paul is a family practice resident at a Columbus hospital. Ellen is a first-year medical student at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, where Dr. Saridakis serves as master faculty.

In Ohio, 12 percent of all physicians are DOs. Of family physicians in the state, 26 percent are DOs.