Dr. David and Linda Hoff pictured near the plaque on the sixth floor of the Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower that honors their generosity to the Family Medicine Residency Program Director’s Endowment Fund.
Family Medicine Residency Program:
Honoring the past, shaping the future
This story originally appeared in the Fall 2023 edition of Promise magazine.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Summa Health Family Medicine Residency Program in 2020, Dr. David Hoff and his wife, Linda, along with Dr. Jay Williamson and his wife, Jan, established an endowed fund for Family Medicine residency program directors.
Teaming up for the Hoffs and Williamsons came naturally. Dr. Hoff was the first graduate of the program and its second director. As a former resident of the program, Dr. Williamson trained under Dr. Hoff, serving as his associate director for 12 years before becoming director. They agreed a combined effort would have a greater impact. Their instincts were correct.
With strong support from former program directors and alumni from across the country, the endowed fund has grown to $553,467 in just a few short years and made a meaningful impact for Family Medicine residents.
The Hoffs recently made an additional gift commitment to the fund through their estate. “In establishing the endowment, Linda and I recognized the economic pressures on funding medical education at present,” said Dr. Hoff. “Where there used to be funding for enrichment activities such as residency retreats, guest speakers or bonding events, those funds are not as readily available. We wanted to invest in enrichment areas for today’s students to provide the full spectrum of learning that will prepare family physicians for medicine and their roles in the community.”
“This fund, one of the first of its kind in the nation, has helped us enrich the education of our residents by providing additional opportunities that Summa Health may not otherwise be able to offer,” said Dr. Maria Schiaffino, current director of the Family Medicine Residency Program, Akron Campus. “It supports resources that program directors need for vital initiatives.”
More than 300 Summa-trained Family Medicine physicians now practice at home and around the world. With perpetual support in place for current and future program directors, the legacy of Family Medicine former program directors and alumni will continue for generations to come.
Promise asked three generous benefactors why they support the Family Medicine Residency Program Director’s Endowment Fund:
Leslie and Bud Kissel
Bud Kissel joined the Summa Health Primary Care Leadership Council in 2016. His distinguished career and leadership experience, combined with his commitment to Summa Health and the vital role of primary care in preparing the next generation of Family Medicine physicians, has been of great value to the council. As new members of the Charles Deering Legacy Society, he and Leslie serve as examples of servant leadership and generosity as they carry forward the legacy established by his father.
“Leslie and I are pleased to support family practice at Summa Health under the leadership of Summa Health President and CEO Dr. Cliff Deveny and Dr. John DiSabato, chair of the department and associate director of the Family Medicine Residency Program. They both embrace the values of my father, Dr. Edward W. Kissel, who practiced general medicine at Akron City Hospital for over 40 years. We are excited to see the dedication of Summa Health in its effort to provide health programs across all the communities it serves.”
Elaine and Henry Burkholder, M.D.
“I completed my Family Medicine Residency at Akron City Hospital from 1975 to 1978 and received an excellent experience that prepared me for a successful practice. I have had a good life, balancing medicine and the farm. I will be forever grateful for all of it. Now I am delighted to be in a position to pay it back and forward. Elaine and I have no hesitation in supporting this fund to improve current residents’ experiences and to honor program directors. We encourage other Family Medicine alumni to contribute as well.”
Cynthia S. Kelley, D.O., and Michael Kelley, D.O.
“Contributing to this fund is a way to celebrate the amazing transformation that happens during residency training and honor the mentors whose influence was so profound for each of us. We also see how these philanthropic gifts benefit Summa Health and the community by providing needed education, training and support to strengthen our residency and fellowship programs. Finally, we gave in honor of our parents who supported us every step of the way along our own medical education journeys.”
To contribute in support of the Family Medicine Residency Program Director’s Endowment Fund, give online, or contact Summa Foundation at 330.375.3159 or foundation@summahealth.org.