05/29/2026

In Remembrance of Dr. Marchelle Suppan

Honoring a Life of Leadership and Service

Dr. Suppan accepts her OHFAMA Service Award

The Ohio Foot & Ankle Medical Association is remembering Past President Dr. Marchelle Suppan, who passed away May 24, 2026. As lifelong advocate for podiatric medicine, she paved the way for countless physicians as a friend and mentor. She practiced as a podiatric physician, held the role of President and CEO of Aultman Orrville Hospital, and was a respected member and Past President of the State Medical Board of Ohio. Dr. Suppan's life was defined by her commitment to service and leadership. In 1994, she served as the first female President of OHFAMA. In recognition of her dedication and accomplishments, she was one of the inaugural recipients of the OHFAMA Service Award in 2015. Read her full obituary here: Dr. Marchelle L. Suppan, DPM, MBA

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Dr. Suppan's friends and colleagues shared:

"I could not have asked for a better mentor. She helped guide and shape my career from the start — she encouraged me to step up to state leadership and become OHFAMA's second female President. I will always love her and will be forever grateful for what she did for my career."

- Karen Kellogg, DPM

"Dr. Suppan was an esteemed alumna of the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine who will be missed by so many of her colleagues. She was a pioneer for women in our profession and a mentor and role model to so many. A highly deserving member of the KSUCPM Hall of Fame (along with her father), Shelly personified podiatric medicine in the state of Ohio. She went beyond podiatric medicine to become one of the first podiatrist to be the president and CEO of any hospital at Aultman Hospital. Whenever I saw Shelly, she was upbeat and optimistic and always supportive of the college. We will all miss her."

- Allan Boike, DPM

"Shelly Suppan was a classmate and good friend of mine at OCPM. She was one of only 12 female students in our class. The Suppan family was from Barberton, my hometown, until her father Ray Senior moved the family to Orrville so he could obtain his hospital surgical privileges.

After her residency in Toledo, Ohio , she returned to join the family practice. She was always a team leader and soon became the president of the Mideast academy of OPMA.

Her family support for the Dooley vs Barberton hospital case was vital to the passage of surgical podiatry privileges for all Ohio podiatrists.

Shelly became very active in the membership of OPMA and became our first female president. She set great standards for all her residents and eventually became CEO of Dunlap Orrville hospital. Her career then moved her to a management position at Cantons Aultman Hospital.

We are all saddened by her passing."

- Les Niehaus, DPM