Gift of gratitude strengthens the backbone of orthopedic care

Shown above is Scott Weiner, M.D., chair of the Department of Orthopedics and medical director of the Summa Health Orthopedic Institute.

This story originally appeared in the Summer 2024 edition of Promise magazine.

In the early 1970s, James G. Robertson, an officer at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company and founder of Firestone Bank, came to Akron City Hospital seeking care from Dr. Walter Hoyt (shown here), a renowned orthopedic surgeon.

Their partnership would culminate in a lasting legacy of generosity through Akron Community Foundation. Following Robertson’s passing, his wife, Helen, established the Robertson-Hoyt Orthopaedic Research and Education Fund to honor the life-changing care her husband received.

Today, the enduring generosity of the fund continues to fuel innovation and educational excellence at the Summa Health Orthopedic Institute, which is renowned for its comprehensive approach to care, from nonsurgical treatments and sports medicine to innovative joint replacement surgeries.

Dr. Scott Weiner, chair of the Department of Orthopedics and medical director of the Summa Health Orthopedic Institute, had the privilege of meeting Dr. Hoyt when he first came to Summa Health as a new physician.

“Dr. Hoyt was a worldwide name and very well respected,” said Dr. Weiner. “His legacy meant a lot to me as I started my career.” 

Dr. J. Patrick Flanagan followed as department chair after Dr. Hoyt retired. “Both were mentors to generations of residents who took full advantage of the Robertson-Hoyt Fund. Their collective work helped to create the excellent department we currently have,” he added.

The institute owes much of its progress to the fund. From bolstering the Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program to the acquisition of an advanced arthroscopic simulator, these contributions have been pivotal in advancing patient care and professional development.

“Using the arthroscopic simulator’s virtual reality technology is very similar to operating on a patient for resident trainees and produces better surgeons,” said Dr. Weiner.

The longtime generosity of the fund also provides research opportunities and continuing education for orthopedic staff and residents.

“When our research studies are published and presented at conferences, it enhances our institute’s national reputation,” Dr. Weiner explained. “Research is an exceptional tool for recruiting. Medical students seek out scholarly activity and take note of our productivity.”

The legacy of James and Helen Robertson, carried forth through the Robertson-Hoyt Orthopaedic Research and Education Fund, exemplifies the profound impact that grateful patients and philanthropic partnerships can have on patient care.

“This fund is part of the lifeblood of Orthopedics at Summa and even advances our internal culture of giving,” Dr. Weiner noted. “We remain grateful to Akron Community Foundation for facilitating this generosity over so many years.”

For more information, contact Summa Foundation at 330.375.3159 or foundation@summahealth.org.