Posted On: March 30, 2021 by Community HealthCare System in: News Provider story
Dr. Tom Walsh, who moved back to Onaga in 1975 to practice medicine with his father, has announced that he plans to retire by the end of 2021.
“This is my hometown. I love the people here. I have enjoyed practicing here all these years, and it has been a blessing for myself and my family,” Dr. Walsh said.
Dr. Walsh was newly married to Marcia Walsh when he came back to Onaga, and they carried all of their possession in the back of a borrowed pickup truck. They raised three children and now have nine grandchildren. Marcia also worked in healthcare and retired from her position as chief operating officer of Community HealthCare System in 2018. As their children and grandchildren have grown, Community HealthCare System has also changed.
“We didn’t even have ambulance service when I first came here. Things are really stable now, the facilities are wonderful, and we are able to do so many things that we couldn’t even think of doing in the past,” Dr. Walsh said.
Although he hasn’t set a firm date for retirement, Dr. Walsh is ready to have more free time to visit family. His siblings are retired, and his grandkids are growing up. He wants to be able to “jump in the car and travel” and help Marcia with “Camp Mimi” in the summer when all the grandkids come for a visit.
Community HealthCare System CEO Todd Willert said that Dr. Walsh is deeply appreciated by both his patients and his co-workers.
“No one has done more to live the mission of Community HealthCare System than Dr. Walsh. He sets an example for all of us to do everything we can to enrich the health and lives of the people we serve in our communities. We thank him for his many years of service and all the stories he has told,” Willert said.
Dr. Nancy Zidek, who joined CHCS in 1996, has enjoyed working with Dr. Walsh.
“Dr. Tom is the ultimate small-town doctor. He has touched the lives of everyone in this area in one way or another and has dedicated his life to the people of northeast Kansas. There have been times, especially at the beginning of my career, when I would ask myself or the nurses, ‘What would Dr. Tom do?’ He will be missed by all. I wish Dr. Tom and Marcia the best as they embark on their new adventures,” Dr. Zidek said.
Dr. Marcus Weiser has also appreciated Dr. Walsh’s example.
“CHCS and its patients have been blessed beyond measure by the long-term presence of Dr. Walsh. I would like to thank him for his lifelong commitment to serving others and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Dr. Weiser said.
Willert said plans to honor Dr. Walsh and share some of his memories and stories are in the works.
In the meantime, Dr. Walsh will continue to see patients and help CHCS plan for the future.
“We have all these great providers here now. It’s a good time for me to step aside, and I am ready to do something fun,” Dr. Walsh said.
Norma Baxter | Apr 1st 2021 @ 2:53 PM
God, Dr. Tom, I love you and your family! Betty and I should have written that book!!!! There were many times you saved me and consoled me.
Phyllis Hupe | Apr 2nd 2021 @ 7:23 AM
Congratulations on your life time achievements. May you and Marsha have many years of retirement together
Angie Young | Apr 2nd 2021 @ 2:42 PM
Dr Tom's dad delivered me and I have doctored with Dr Tom for years. Not only did he take care of my grandparents,my mom and my sister he was the doctor on call when my dad came to the emergency room suffering from a massive heart attack. Dr Tom is the best and will be missed by my mom and I.
Jan Beightel | Apr 2nd 2021 @ 10:37 PM
Dr. Tom, This was a wonderful article about your life as a small town doctor. Onaga was so lucky to have you for the difference you made in the hospital and patient care. You are so respected and deserve free time with your family. My mom would send good wishes as well.
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View AllTheresa Hamilton, RN...St Mary's | Apr 27th 2021 @ 7:46 PM
Congratulations, Dr Walsh and best wishes to you and Marcia for a wonderful retirement surrounded by grandchildren and family! Thank you both as well for the vision you had for the St Mary's community and all your dedication and hard work over the years. That vision and work has benefitted a great many in the St Mary's community, including myself and my family, and has been much appreciated, and will not be forgotten! Wishing you both all God's blessings in retirement!