- Gideon S. A. Adegbile, MD, FAAFP, Springboro, OH
- Donald Braden, MD, FAAFP, Dover, OH
- Suk Choi, MD, Ashtabula, OH
- Josephine Collaco, MD, Oregon, OH
- Emil Gullia, MD, FAAFP, Miami, FL
- Thomas Klosterman, MD, FAAFP, Youngstown, OH
- Robert Sharrock, MD, FAAFP, Bryan, OH
- Harold Slocum, MD, FAAFP, Oberlin, OH
- Elmer Wahl, MD, FAAFP, Dayton, OH
- John Winsch, MD, FAAFP, Heath, OH.
The OAFP is proud to share some reflections and photographs submitted by this years’ class of “50 Years in Medicine” milestone recipients.
Dr. Adegbile
My 50-year stint in family medicine has brought unexpected blessings in many ways. While my original intent was to go into OB-GYN, Providence directed me into “family practice” in the early 70s, which evolved into family medicine. I was still able to deliver perhaps over 700 babies and assist in various types of surgical procedures, as well as do minor surgeries on my own. I also practiced addiction medicine for over 40 years and was director of a Methadone clinic for more than 30 years. I also served as a clinical professor mentoring dozens of medical students. Many chose to go into family medicine, including one who became my partner for over two decades.
Dr. Collaco
Photograph: Seth G.S. Medical College, Mumbai, India. June 1966.
Dr. Klosterman
“As Charles Dickens so appropriately stated in A Tale of Two Cities, ‘I’ve seen the best of times and the worst of times.’ A career is a career and contains some of each. I prefer to remember the best of times, those patients I was able to help. The practice of medicine has changed dramatically; however, the knowledge and ability to help someone in need persists. I am pleased to have been able to do that.”
Dr. Wahl shared his memories at the start of his family physician career in 1971, thus illustrating the changes in family medicine since. The following are just a few standout moments:
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- The American Academy of Family Physicians had just changed its name from the American Academy of General Practice
- Florence Landis was executive vice president of the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians
- CT scans and MRIs didn’t exist
- Penicillin, Tetracycline, and Sulfa were the only antibiotics.
The full list of Dr. Wahl’s memories can be viewed on the OAFP website.
Dr. Winsch
“What does it mean to be a family doctor? It means being an advocate for your patients and their families at all times. If you always do what is best for your patient, you will always do what is best for you and your profession. Please note this will usually NOT be easy, and almost never the path of least resistance!”
In recognition of their devotion to the craft of family medicine and outstanding community leadership, a commemorative pin has been commissioned in honor of our OAFP members who have practiced medicine for 50 years. Cast in sterling silver and blue enamel and boasting the words, “Dedication, Service, and Integrity,” this badge will serve as a symbol of the OAFP’s deep appreciation for a lifetime commitment to family medicine.
Congratulations and thank you for all that you do!