Meet our team at Pediatrics of Akron! Our providers include six pediatricians and two pediatric nurse practitioners who bring their expertise to the care of our patients through well child visits and sick visit appointments. If you’d like to find out more about our providers, please give us a call. We would be happy to tell you more.
At Pediatrics of Akron, we consider it both a great joy and responsibility to care for children. We are parents ourselves, so we strive to be understanding and available to the families we are privileged to serve. We are honored that you have chosen us as your child's primary medical provider and are confident that you will be pleased with the quality of care and service that we can provide you and your family.
A vital part of our service to children begins with our outstanding staff who works hard to manage and maintain a professional, caring and supportive environment for our patients. Our doctors are lifelong learners. Not only have they received advanced medical training in pediatrics, they continually pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest in child health care.
Your child's health is as important to us as it is to you. We look forward to providing you with excellent medical care your child deserves. Please take a few moments to learn about our skilled practitioners and our friendly, nurturing staff.
Rajneesh Jain, MD
Dr. Rajneesh Jain joined Pediatrics of Akron in 1999, upon completing his residency in pediatrics at the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital. He grew up in India, went to medical school there, and also completed pediatric residency and boards there. He then went to Northern Ireland for additional training in pediatrics and neonatology before starting his training in the U.S. Bringing this broad scope, perspective, and experience to the practice of pediatrics, he believes in a holistic approach to health and wellness. Partnering with families and children to build trust and long term relationships in their journeys through the different stages of childhood through adolescence and young adulthood is the most rewarding aspect of pediatrics and one that he cherishes deeply. A strong foundation for healthy minds and bodies is built upon good nutrition, daily play, and sound sleep. Instilling an early love of books, music, and nature, making time to play daily, with an emphasis on fun, helps children not only thrive and grow, but also helps to counter and buffer the constant demands on their time and attention from media, schools, and activities in our increasingly rushed and busy lives and fosters resilience, curiosity, and creativity. Dr. Jain is board certified in Pediatrics and speaks fluent Hindi. He is an outdoor enthusiast and father of two sons. He lives in Cuyahoga Falls.
James B. Pettay, MD
Dr. James Pettay graduated from the University of Akron in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education. He taught high school for a few years before going to medical school at the Ohio State University in 1996. He graduated with his MD in 2000 and did his pediatric residency at Akron Children's Hospital from 2000-2003. He joined Pediatrics of Akron July 1, 2003. He enjoys the practice of general pediatric medicine, newborn medicine, and well visit/preventative medicine. He finds it an honor to work with parents and their children through the various stages of "growing up". He is grateful for all of the patients, families, co-workers, colleagues, and partners he has had the privilege to work with all of these years. He has two sons that have grown to fine young men that he enjoys spending time with. Outside of the office he enjoys reading, basketball, recreational sports, and travel. Thank you for trusting Pediatrics of Akron with your families for over six decades.
Martin A. Cochran, MD
Dr. Martin Cochran joined Pediatrics of Akron in 2006. He grew up in Tallmadge, Ohio and is a Kent State University alumni. He graduated from Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), fulfilled a three year residency in pediatrics at Akron Children's Hospital and served as Chief Resident. He is a board certified pediatrician and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Dr. Cochran is also an Assistant Professor at Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine. He enjoys the practice of general pediatrics. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, hiking, backpacking, and spending time with his family.
Julie C. Smith, MD
Dr. Julie Smith joined Pediatrics of Akron in 2013 after completing her pediatric residency at Akron Children's Hospital. She graduated from The Ohio State University and received her medical education at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. She enjoys caring for patients from birth through college. She resides in Tallmadge with her husband and two daughters. In her free time Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with her family, running, camping, and fishing.
Jamie Bar-Ness, MD, MPH
Dr.Bar-Ness attended the Medical School for International Health at Ben Gurion University in Israel, in collaboration with Columbia University in New York, while also obtaining her Executive Masters in Public Health from Tel Aviv University. She has special interest in maternal-newborn health, adolescent health, sports injury and prevention and breastfeeding medicine. In her spare time, Dr. Bar-Ness enjoys spending time with family and friends in the great outdoors, traveling and baking. She lives in Solon with her husband, son and border collie - Bradley. We believe she will bring her unique training, experience and abilities to the practice of pediatric medicine as she joins Pediatrics of Akron in our mission to provide up to date, competent and compassionate care to all of our patients and their families. .
Christine M. Sadinski, APRN,CNP
Chris Sadinski APRN, CNP is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Kent State University and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Chris is currently seeing patients at both Pediatric of Akron locations. Chris joined the staff at Pediatrics of Akron in 1997 after working at Children's Hospital Medical Center of Akron. Chris lives in Tallmadge, Ohio with her husband Bob. In her spare time she enjoys the beach, water sports, live theater and traveling.
Chelsea Sutter, APRN,CNP
Chelsea Sutter, APRN, CNP, joined Pediatrics of Akron in March 2020 as a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor's of Nursing degree from Kent State University and her Master's of Science in Nursing degree at the Univerisity of Akron. She is credentialed through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. Chelsea lives in Akron with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and running.
Robert Sobieski, MD (retired)
Dr. Robert Sobieski has been a pediatrician in the Akron area for over 40 years. He is one of the senior members of Pediatrics of Akron. He is a graduate of St. Louis University College of Medicine and completed his residency at Akron Children's Hospital. He enjoys the practice of general pediatrics.
William H. Ginther, MD (retired)
Dr. William Ginther has been a practicing pediatrician in Akron for over 25 years. He is a graduate of Hoover High School, Princeton University, and The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He did his pediatric residency at Brown University. He has served as Chief of Pediatrics at Akron General Medical Center and as the medical advisor for the NEO Chapter of the National SIDS Foundation. He is board certified in pediatrics.