Tom DeBord: Rose through ranks at Barteron hospital

As a freshman at Akron’s Buchtel High School, Tom DeBord started dating a girl from rival Firestone.

After graduating and earning his accounting degree from the University of Akron, DeBord later took a job at Barberton’s community hospital.

Decades later, both relationships endure.

With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?

Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.

DeBord and his high school sweetheart, Diane, have been married for 24 years. And this month, DeBord took over as president of Summa Barberton Hospital and its sister facility, Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital.

DeBord, 47, has risen through the ranks at Barberton, starting in 1988 as director of general accounting and moving into a variety of administrative roles.

Most recently, he served as chief operating officer of the two community hospitals before being named their interim president. He replaces Jim Pope, who left for another health system president and chief executive post in the Toledo area.

The promotion is a dream job for DeBord, who said he wanted to lead a hospital because he likes the idea of supporting those who provide patient care. ”We really make a personal impact on people’s lives every day,” he said. ”Even though I’m not a caregiver, I support those who are.”

Wadsworth-Rittman and Barberton hospitals are considered part of Summa Health System’s southwest region. Last year, the hospitals generated total net revenues of about $194 million — an amount officials say they are on pace to exceed this year. The hospitals employ about 1,600 people, making them among the largest employers in their communities.

In his new role, DeBord said he plans to oversee growth at both facilities while building relationships with physicians and the communities. ”I want to grow the services on both campuses, because the people of these communities want to be able to get their care close to home,” he said.

Wadsworth-Rittman continues to lose money, posting an operating loss of about $5.6 million last year, according to hospital officials. But the health system recently launched an aggressive growth plan for the community hospital, which is undergoing at least $8 million worth of capital improvements, beginning this year.

The plans include a $2 million new eight-bed intensive-care unit on the hospital’s second floor, another $2 million to create three additional operating rooms, an expansion of the emergency department and an expansion of staffing and programs in cardiology, orthopedics, senior services and primary care.

A similar ”visioning” strategy is under way for Barberton Hospital, which is profitable, DeBord said. The plans probably will include a bigger emergency department, he said. Barberton’s ER was built to treat about 27,000 patients per year but now sees an estimated 45,000. Other likely areas of focus include cardiology, oncology, orthopedic surgery and senior services, he said.

Summa acquired Barberton Hospital in 2007 and Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital the following year. The health system also includes Akron City and St. Thomas hospitals in Akron, partial ownership of Western Reserve Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls and an affiliation with Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna.

With his expanded role, DeBord now serves on the health system’s leadership team, representing the southwestern region. ”I’m going to be here,” he said. ”I have no plans to go anywhere.”

Longevity, after all, is something DeBord knows well. While interviewing for his promotion, DeBord mentioned his appreciation for dedication, saying: ”One of the things you get with me is I’m consistent. I’m loyal. I’m very dedicated.”

He still fondly remembers the Sunday afternoon 22 years ago when he and his wife visited the Barberton community hospital the day before his job interview.

At the time, DeBord was impressed by a display in the hospital lobby honoring employees for long-term service, including some with 45 years’ tenure. ”I thought, ‘If somebody worked here 40, 45 years, it must be a great place to work,’ ” he said.