Bauman named 2022 Summa Health Distinguished Physician Award
Cardiology leader presented with health system's highest physician honor
William “Bill” Bauman, M.D., a respected leader, educator and compassionate caregiver in the field of cardiology, was honored with the 2022 Summa Health Distinguished Physician Award.
The health system’s highest physician honor was announced May 25, 2022, by Cliff Deveny, M.D., Summa Health president and chief executive officer, at Summa Society Celebration — the health system’s annual donor recognition event — at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn.
The Summa Health Distinguished Physician Award is a lifetime achievement award presented to a physician who exemplifies the mission and values of Summa Health, demonstrates outstanding leadership and dedication and acts as a role model professionally and personally in the community. The honoree also is recognized for clinical excellence and leadership in research and training and demonstrates a personal commitment to advancing philanthropy at Summa Health.
Among his many leadership roles, Dr. Bauman has served as interim chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Disease and head of the Division of Invasive and Interventional Cardiology. He is the first Distinguished Physician to be honored in the field of cardiology and serves as a source of inspiration to the entire medical profession.
A pioneer in his field at Summa Health, Dr. Bauman began his medical journey graduating from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, completing his internship and residency at Case Western Reserve MetroHealth, serving as a major in the United States Air Force and completing a cardiology fellowship at Indiana University Hospitals. He began his career at Summa Health in 1979.
He has received many teaching awards from Summa Health residents and fellows and has served on the faculty of Northeast Ohio Medical University as a professor of medicine.
Dr. Bauman has contributed decades of wisdom serving on numerous boards, including the Care Delivery Board and Summa Physicians Inc.
He joins a distinguished group of past honorees including J. Patrick Flanagan, M.D. (2021); Jay Williamson, M.D., (2019); Ernest R. Estep, M.D. (2018); Gary B. Williams, M.D. (2017); Robert Liebelt, M.D., Ph.D. (2016); and the late James Tan, M.D. (2015).