About Us

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, but they also 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.

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 alumnus.  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 the local area 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 medical school in collaboration with Columbia University in New York, while also obtaining her Executive master's in public health. 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 Northeast Ohio with her husband, sons 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 local area. 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 Bachelors of science degree in Nursing from Kent State University and her Master's of Science in Nursing degree at the University 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.

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.  Dr.Jain has recently relocated to the greater Columbus, Ohio area and is no longer practicing at Pediatrics of Akron. We wish him well in his new endeavors.