The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is proud to celebrate the White Coat Ceremony, an annual milestone that symbolizes the commitment of our future doctors to the noble calling of medicine. This tradition has marked the beginning of many medical careers, and this year, we were honored to welcome an esteemed alumnus who has dedicated his life to serving his community and to advancing the field of gastroenterology.
William H. Wismer, DO, FACOI, is a 2000 graduate of LECOM who has made significant contributions to the medical field and his community.
Dr. Wismer’s journey in medicine began with his education at Grove City College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1982. His passion for medicine led him to LECOM, where he earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree in 2000.
Dr. Wismer went on to complete his residency in internal medicine at Millcreek Community Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he continued to hone his skills and to expand his knowledge.
He then completed a Gastroenterology Fellowship at Millcreek Community Hospital, where he trained from 2003 to 2006. Dr. Wismer is board-certified in Internal Medicine (2004) and Gastroenterology (2007), a testament to his expertise in the field.
Since 2006, Dr. Wismer has served as an attending physician at the LECOM Medical Center and Behavioral Health Pavilion, where he treats patients with a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions. His work also extends to several other hospitals, including Corry Memorial Hospital, where he has served since 2017, and Warren General Hospital, where he has practiced since 2019.
As a physician, Dr. Wismer has provided comprehensive care for patients ranging from 18 to 100 years of age, utilizing modern procedures and techniques to diagnose and treat various GI disorders.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Wismer has dedicated much of his time to teaching. He has served as a Clinical Professor in Gastroenterology since 2006, where he is integral in shaping the next generation of medical professionals who benefit from his extensive experience and knowledge. His commitment to education is further reflected in his role as Faculty Council President in 2019-2020 and Vice President from 2018-2019.
Dr. Wismer’s professional accolades include being named the 2020 Doctor of the Year by Millcreek Community Hospital and earning the distinction of Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists in 2009. He also received the Vincent Fierro Gastroenterology Award in 2000, and he served as Chief Gastroenterology Fellow from 2003 to 2006.
A published author, Dr. Wismer has further established his expertise in the field. He maintains active memberships in several prestigious medical organizations, including the American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Internists, American College of Gastroenterology, and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Wismer is committed to making a positive impact upon his community. He has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and supported the Food Bank and Hunters Feeding the Homeless, reflecting his belief in giving back to those in need.
Dr. Wismer’s dedication to his patients, his students, and to his community is a reflection of the values that LECOM instills in all of its graduates. His career serves as an inspiration to aspiring physicians, embodying the qualities of professionalism, leadership, and compassion that are at the heart of the osteopathic profession.
The White Coat Ceremony venerates one of the highlights of the college year – a ceremonial rite of passage – a pronouncement of a psychological contract that creates a bond between professionalism and empathy in the study and practice of medicine.
LECOM is proud to have welcomed William H. Wismer, DO, FACOI, as the keynote speaker for the 2025 White Coat Ceremony, as his words of wisdom have inspired the next generation of medical professionals.