The late William D. Smucker, M.D., named 2024 Summa Health Distinguished Physician

Visionary founder of Complex Care Clinic awarded health system’s highest physician honor

William D. Smucker, M.D., a renowned leader, educator and compassionate caregiver in the fields of family medicine and complex care, was honored posthumously with the 2024 Summa Health Distinguished Physician Award.

The health system’s highest physician honor was presented to the late Dr. Smucker’s wife, Helen Smucker, on May 16, 2024, by Cliff Deveny, M.D., Summa Health president and chief executive officer. Dr. Smucker was honored at Summa Society Celebration—the health system’s annual donor recognition event—at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn.

The Summa Health Distinguished Physician Award is 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.

Dr. Smucker’s career was marked by a series of prestigious roles. In 1987, he left private practice in Medina to join the Summa Health Family Medicine Residency Program as a faculty physician. His practice included 30 years as a long-term care provider in addition to providing clinical care. In 2017, Dr. Smucker was named the director of the Family Medicine Residency Program, where he drove the program to unparalleled heights. His role as a professor of Family Medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University underscored his dedication to advancing the field.

In envisioning the Summa Health Complex Care Clinic, Dr. Smucker set a benchmark for integrated care for patients with the most complex medical, behavioral health and social challenges.

He joins a distinguished group of past honorees including Thomas “Tom” M. File Jr., M.D. (2023); William “Bill” Bauman, M.D. (2022); J. Patrick Flanagan, M.D. (2021); Jay Williamson, M.D. (2019); Ernest R. Estep, M.D. (2018); Gary B. Williams, M.D. (2017); the late Robert Liebelt, M.D., Ph.D. (2016); and the late James Tan, M.D. (2015).