Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine receives $1.7 million estate gift for scholarships

A $1.7 million gift from the late William A. Bernie, M.D., will support scholarships for medical students at Wright State’s Boonshoft School of Medicine.

The late William A. Bernie, M.D., has left a $1.7 million gift through his estate to the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. The funding will be used to support scholarships for medical students.

“We are thankful to Bill for his incredibly generous gift. It will make a tremendous difference to our medical students and help alleviate student debt,” said Gregory Toussaint, M.D., interim dean of the Boonshoft School of Medicine. “Throughout his distinguished career, Bill was a surgical leader and innovator. We are indebted to him for his contributions as one of the founding members of our medical school. Bill’s legacy will continue to live on through current and future generations of Wright State medical students.”

Born in Dayton, Bernie graduated from Fairview High School and Miami University. He earned his medical degree at the University of Cincinnati.

After serving in South Korea as a captain in the U.S. Army medical corps, he completed a four-year surgical residency at the University of West Virginia followed by a surgical oncology residency at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

In 1972, Bernie started his life in private practice with Gem City Surgical Associates in Dayton, while serving on several hospital medical staffs. He practiced as a skilled and highly in-demand surgeon for 20 years.

In 1992, Bernie retired from active surgery and started a second career as an executive in the Ethicon division of Johnson & Johnson in Cincinnati, where he was a pioneer in developing minimally invasive surgical techniques and related equipment. His second career in research and development lasted over 20 years, and he was devoted to the mission of transforming patient care through education and technology.

“Bill was a surgical leader and innovator who introduced laparoscopic surgery to the entire Miami Valley general surgery community,” said Toussaint. “When he transitioned from clinical practice to Ethicon, he became a national force in the development of laparoscopic instruments and minimally invasive surgical training. His support of advanced procedural training for practicing surgeons and surgical residents led to improved surgical care for our entire region.”

A founding member of Wright State’s Department of Surgery, Bernie was a volunteer faculty member for more than 30 years, serving as an assistant clinical professor. He also gave of his time as a member of the Dean’s Leadership Council. Bernie received the Boonshoft School of Medicine Appreciation Award in recognition of his contributions over the years.

Bernie was also a generous donor to the Boonshoft School of Medicine. An anatomy lab in White Hall bears his name. In 1993, he established the Helen K. and David Bernie Scholarship Fund in honor of his parents. The scholarship is awarded to high-achieving medical students who have successfully completed their first year of studies.

“Dr. Bernie’s estate gift will help fund this scholarship for generations of medical students to come,” said Wright State University President Sue Edwards, Ph.D. “While Dr. Bernie may not be here to see the impact he makes in the lives of our students, they will proudly carry on his long legacy of excellence in medical care and surgical innovation. Dr. Bernie’s generosity will allow us to continue graduating highly trained professionals who will serve patients throughout our region, state and nation.”