John Thomas Schaeufele, M.D.

John Thomas Schaeufele, M.D., FAAP, President CEO of Mercy Childrens Hospital, died peacefully Wednesday, October 19th , 2011 in his home. He was born May 1, 1954, to the late Robert and Dorothy Schauefele, in Akron, Ohio. The fourth of six children, he attended parochial schools in Akron, where Catholic values were deeply entrenched in his family life and education. It was these values and his deep faith that sustained him throughout his life, and was evident in the way he treated family, friends, co-workers, fellow physicians and patients. In his teens, after a serious bout with pneumonia, he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. At the time of his diagnosis it was known to be a lethal disease. His life story from that moment on is one of inspiration, perseverance, compassion and commitment to others. As a result of his diagnosis, he spent a great deal of his youth around physicians and hospitals. These interactions inspired him to want to be a physician but he was advised against pursing the rigors of the profession of medicine because of his diagnosis. His inner strength and determination made it possible for John to graduate from the University of Akron with a degree in biology in 1976 and continued his studies at the university, completing a masters degree in biology. During this time, he meet the love of his life Mary Forbis, and they were married in 1980. John adopted her children Heath and Crystal as his own. His family was central to his life and he built his life around them. Following completion of his masters, he applied to medical school but was not accepted. He pursued a Ph.D. in molecular biology at Kent State University, after five years of applying to multiple medical schools; he was accepted at the former Medical College of Ohio, now part of the University of Toledo. While at MCO, he distinguished himself as an outstanding student. He was one of the top six students inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honorary society. He completed his residency in pediatrics at MCO and was appointed chief pediatric resident. After his training, he accepted a position at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center as a hospitalist and pediatric intensivist. His clinical skills, dedication and commitment to the profession were evident to his peers and he advanced rapidly through the ranks of the medical staff. He was appointed chair of the department of pediatrics within two years. John had a passion to teach others. He stated that a physician caring for a patient cares just for that patient, but a teaching physician treats many patients as the learnings are amplified by each physician in training. He became director of the Pediatric Student Program at MCO and in 1997 was awarded the Deans Award for Teaching Excellence and in 1998, was appointed the first Endowed Chair of Pediatrics at the Medical College. He was most proud of the recognition he received from his students. The national Pediatric Housestaff Association awarded him Teacher of the Year four times and he was given an honorary lifetime achievement award in 2003. John was very involved in the formation of Mercy Childrens Hospital in 1998 and was the first Clinical Chair of the hospital. He assumed the role of Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer in 2006. One year later, he was promoted to President CEO. His accomplishments in these roles were many. He brought new specialists and subspecialists to the region to care for the children in the community. He was a pioneer in evidence-based medicine, creating a clinical pathway for treatment of children with asthma. He was instrumental in bringing the areas first electronic medical record to Mercy. Children in Northwest Ohio had an advocate in John. He exemplified the Mercy mission of improving the health of the community while seeking out the poor and underserved and as a result, received the organizations excellence in mission award in 2004. He established the department of child advocacy and worked for public smoking restrictions, legislation for bicycle helmet requirements, access to healthcare for all children and other initiatives that advanced the health and safety of children. This advocacy extended to Johns participation in community organizations. Most notably he was involved on the Boards of Imagination Station, Life Connection, Ronald McDonald House and Voices for Ohios Children. John underwent a double lung transplant in November of 2004 returning to work six months later. He remained active in his role until weeks before his death. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues at Mercy, where in an internal announcement of his death, he was referred to as a Champion for Children. In addition to his sense of humor, kind heart and brilliant brain, John will be remembered for his word for word renditions of Twas the Night Before Christmas and the Gettysburg Address. John is survived by his loving family: wife Mary; children Heath Riewe Lisa; and Crystal Dunnigan. His grandchildren Stephan Thomas Bunn, Annie Marie Holey, Trent Thomas Riewe, Angela Celestial Faith Dunnigan, Caleigh Martha Riewe, Ashley Michele Dunnigan and Connor Jon Riewe. His brothers, Robert, Gary Cathy, Dave Rose and Mark Tina Schaeufele and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Ruthann and Marianne Wise. Visitation for family and friends will be on Sunday from 1 to 9 PM at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd. with a Scripture Service at 8:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Monday at Rosary Cathedral, 2535 Collingwood. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Mercy Childrens Hospital Foundation. Condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.