Neurology pioneer to be honored in new patient tower

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of Promise magazine.

As Akron’s first board-certified neurologist and Summa Health’s first chair of neurology services, the late Jon Weingart, M.D., elevated the standard of neurological care in our community and made a profound impact at Summa Health.

Now Jane, his wife of 57 years, and their children, Jon, Linda, Laurie and Amy, are making a difference with a generous gift to advance patient care. In recognition of their generosity, the medical-surgical nurses station on the top floor of the new patient tower on the Summa Health System — Akron Campus will honor the legacy of Dr. Weingart.

The esteemed physician passed away on December 11, 2015, at the age of 80. A graduate of Buchtel High School in Akron, Dr. Weingart attended Ohio Wesleyan University where he and Jane met and fell in love. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1957, and the couple married in 1958. Dr. Weingart attended medical school at Western Reserve University and interned at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut. His residency training was interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve as a captain for two years. He completed his residency training in both internal medicine and neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In addition to neurology, he was board-certified in psychiatry, electromyography and electrodiagnosis.

In 1971, Dr. Weingart returned home to Akron where he was instrumental not only providing exemplary care to his patients but also building a neuroscience team in Akron. As the inaugural chair of neurology services at Akron City Hospital, he led the division from 1971 to 1995. In addition to establishing an exceptional team of neurologists and neurosurgeons, Dr. Weingart was a talented diagnostician and played an influential role in bringing the first CT scanner and MRI to Akron.

Dr. Weingart’s accomplishments as a prominent physician were matched only by his profound commitment to his patients, a relentless quest for knowledge, a passion for teaching, and deep appreciation for Summa Health’s nursing team and staff. A respected leader, he served as president of the Medical Staff at Akron City Hospital from 1988 to 1989. An exemplary role model and mentor, Dr. Weingart was beloved by residents and medical students. He was recognized for his dedication and support with the distinguished Teacher of the Year Award at Akron City Hospital.

“Dr. Weingart was a champion of Summa Health with sincere compassion for his patients and colleagues,” said Dr. Cliff Deveny, president and CEO. “We are grateful to Jane and her family and proud to honor Dr. Weingart in the new patient tower.”

For more information about establishing a lasting legacy at Summa Health, contact Barbara Boyce, senior director of gift planning, 330.375.6356 or boyceb@summahealth.org.