John Walburn, MD, is hanging up his stethoscope this summer after 44 years of practicing medicine.
Dr. Walburn’s medical career had its roots in pharmacy. His graduation from the University of Nebraska College of Pharmacy gave the family three generations of pharmacists, with Dr. Walburn joining his grandfather and great-grandfather.
His family operated the local pharmacy in Cambridge, Nebraska, where Dr. Walburn was raised. A local Cambridge doctor influenced Dr. Walburn’s decision to continue on to medical school.
Dr. Walburn said that witnessing the doctor’s love of helping children and families engendered his desire to similarly serve the community, so after graduating from medical school in 1973, he completed his residency in pediatrics.
“I realized this is what I wanted to do,” Dr. Walburn said. “Part of what I like is the preventive aspect and influencing health at a young age. You have some influence on health and behavior.”
Dr. Walburn began his distinguished career by opening a clinic at 24th and Ames Avenue in Omaha. When he moved his practice to UNMC, many of his patients and families followed.
Dr. Walburn’s career at UNMC was marked with many recognitions and honors, including being named Physician of Distinction of the Nebraska Medical Center and Champion of Hope of the Hope Medical Outreach Coalition, receiving the Chancellor’s Commendation Community Service Award and being awarded the Spirit of Literacy Award from the Literacy Council of the Midlands.
“Dr. Walburn directly influenced both my decision to pursue a career in pediatrics as well as my passion for medical education,” said Nathan Gollehon, MD, vice-chair for education and assistant professor of neonatal-perinatal medicine at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. “His direct yet nonthreatening approach when interacting with patients and families as well as medical learners sets him apart, and is an example that I still try to follow today.”
“The Division of General Pediatrics would not be where it is today without Dr. Walburn’s expertise and leadership,” said Sheryl Pitner, MD. “He is an excellent clinician and dedicated to the underserved and the families he has cared for over multiple generations. He has been such a good role model and mentor through his life-long dedication to patients, learning — he calls himself an M51! — and teaching. Dr. Walburn has truly touched the lives of so many through patient care and education of hundreds of pediatricians.”
Dr. Walburn said he would miss being around students and residents.
“This was a hard decision to make. I’m thankful to the many families I’ve been part of taking care of, my colleagues and the nurses — some of whom I’ve known for 20 to 25 years.
“I’ve always been proud to be faculty at UNMC.”
The Department of Pediatrics salutes Dr. Walburn's many years of service and we look forward to his continued presence on campus and involvement with our students and residents for many years to come.
Congratulations to a respected colleague who has been transformational in our community and our University. Your impact continues to be visible not only in the Children you have helped but also in you legacy of generations of pediatricians who are better physicians because of you.
Congratulations, John, on your retirement, and your long distinguished career.
Carl Gumbiner
Congrats to you Dr. Walburn on your retirement. I think back of the many running ( race) adventures that we participated in, as well as being my daughter's doc and instrumental in her pursing a career in medicine. You have touched many in your career, helping to make this world a better and healthier place to live.
Enjoy your retirement.
Congrats on a stellar career, John. I always loved connecting with you, and I especially appreciated your tremendous sense of humor. All the best to you, buddy. Job well done.
Congrats John! I'll always remember our delightful discussions starting back in the late '80s about unusual clinical practices you had observed over many years, some of which turned into published research studies, including the bed-sheet treatment for psychogenic cough, the couch trick as a coping strategy during flu shots, and the "sugar tit" for pain analgesia in infants. Who knew clinical research could be so much fun? Well…you did! And you made it fun for me too. Thank you John for turning me on to inquiry-based learning. It stuck. Keith Allen
John, you will be greatly missed and hard to replace. Your career has been and will always be a wonderful example to generations of pedestrians and others who care for children.
Wishing you new happiness in the years ahead and good health to fully enjoy them!
Gary Lerner
Well done, Dr. Walburn. Enjoy your well earned retirement and the extra time with your grandchildren.
You and your wonderful family have been our friends for many years. Now we can play more golf and not get any better together. Congrats on a terrific career helping thousands of patients. Rick
Thank you all for your kind remarks. The privilege has been all mine.
Congratulations, John. It was a privilege and honor for me to have worked with you the past 4 decades since we were residents together. Best wishes during retirement. John Kugler
Congratulations, John. It's been a privilege to have been a student, resident and colleague during your tenure at UNMC. Enjoy!
Our students will miss you a great deal! Best wishes for a long and happy retirement!