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Wednesday, September 24, 2008 10:44 AM Playful pediatrician honored with playground By Eddie Fitzgerald | Times Staff Writer Nurses, doctors and friends gathered in front of Wilson Medical Center Tuesday to honor a pediatrician who touched many lives in Wilson over the past 23 years. Dr. James Busch, 62, who retired from Eastern Carolina Pediatrician last year, was honored by staff, colleagues and physicians with playground equipment because of his love for children. The play area in front of the hospital and inside the walking track now has a colorful square metal pedestal table, an airplane spring rider, a toddler play center and a horn panel and drum panel. "I think this is exciting and fun for the kids," said Busch, who, like several of his staff, was toting a water gun and wearing a cowboy hat, a bandana around his neck and a sheriff's badge on his coat. "I am very appreciative to the people of this community. ... This is one community that gives back much more than I give," Busch said. Robin Williams, WilMed Healthcare Foundation manager, said Busch was "very humble, wonderful and quiet. "Not many people know he always did all of the physicals free for the Special Olympics," she said. Frank Batten, chairman of the board of trustees for the hospital, said Busch was "a very likeable and great" pediatrician. "I don't know anybody who didn't like Busch," Batten said. "He is a great asset to our community." Kelly Henchel, who worked with Busch at Eastern Carolina Pediatrician for 10 years, said she thought it was great that playground equipment inside the walking track would be a reminder of Busch's contribution to the community. The equipment was purchased through donations made by the staff at his former medical practice; hospital staff, including employees in the nursery, pediatrics unit and labor and delivery; and other medical colleagues. "I think it is wonderful we can put something in the community so everyone knows how important he was in everyone's lives," Henchel said. The playground equipment is a perfect reminder of Busch because he could be playful, Henchel said. "The office was as serious as could be, but there were play times, too," she said. "He would make everyone laugh. In the summertime, if it got boring and slow, he would get the water guns out and make sure everyone was on their toes." During the playground dedication, some of the nurses and staff got him back by spraying him with small water guns. Alice Lahnstein, who was Busch's nurse for 11 years, said Busch has been missed. "He was real good to work for," she said. "We always had a great time. We made a great team." Linda Davis, who was Busch's office manager for 16 years, said she thought the dedication was wonderful. "He is a neat person," Davis said. "He is very passionate, very understanding." Busch said he loved the playground equipment that was decked out for the celebration in colorful balloons. "But this privilege has to be shared with a lot of people," he said. That included his wife of 35 years, Nelle, who had to watch some dinners go cold waiting on him while he was dealing with emergencies at the hospital; his four grown children; the eight doctors he worked with; a dedicated office staff; the nurses at the hospital and the doctors who gave up their nights and weekends to help him; and the hospital administration and community, he said. eddie@wilsontimes.com | 265-7820 |
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