Brazil RPCV Dr. Robert Backus recognized by state lawmakers for outstanding local and global work in health care
State honors Dr. Backus
By TOBY HENRY
Reformer Staff
TOWNSHEND -- A doctor who makes house calls -- some as far as the Amazon rain forests -- has been recognized by state lawmakers for outstanding local and global work in health care.
Dr. Robert Backus, a Grace Cottage Hospital family practice physician and director for the Otis Health Care Center, was recognized by state lawmakers in a resolution passed unanimously by the Vermont House and Senate last week.
Backus was also named Vermont Medical Society's 2003 physician of the year for his work with the Peace Corps and the Amazon Africa Aid Organization.
Between visits with patients on Monday, Backus received a gold-sealed copy of the resolution from Rep. Richard Marek, D-Newfane, who introduced the bill.
Later that evening, Backus said he was flattered by the award, but emphasized that many of his colleagues also deserve such an honor.
"It's very kind, but I can think of a lot more people who are a lot more deserving," Backus said. "My personal feeling is that I am very lucky to be practicing with these patients and the physicians at the hospital I'm practicing at."
The resolution recognizes Backus as one of the few doctors in the state who still makes house calls.
"This tradition has largely disappeared as medical services are now delivered on a far more institutionalized basis," reads Resolution 173, introduced earlier this session by Marek.
Windham County Sens. Rod Gander and Jeanette White, both Democrats, also introduced a version of the same bill into the Senate.
"Dr. Robert Backus of Townshend is a rare example of a physician whose practice still encompasses home visits to those patients who would otherwise be denied access to a doctor's care," the resolution continues. "He is a practitioner who most faithfully adheres to the Hippocratic Oath's command 'that you will lead your lives and practice your art in uprightness and honor.' "
"It's a way to honor his long service to the West River Valley community," Marek said on Monday. "I was on NewBrook Fire and Rescue for three years as an EMT, and I have seen Dr. Backus at that hospital at all hours of the day and night. He's a model doctor, and I thought that the legislature should take note of the fact that he is such a fine physician."
A graduate of the University of Vermont's College of Medicine in 1976, Backus' volunteer work with humanitarian agencies dates back to 1963 when he became a volunteer for the then-newly founded Peace Corps. Later, as a clinician for the Amazon Africa Aid Organization, he traveled to communities in Brazil's rain forest to give medical care to hundreds of indigenous people.
Backus' travels to Brazil, which he has done annually for the past three years, also include five-day canoe trips down back rivers to kimbolos -- isolated communities populated by the descendants of escaped slaves.
"People there are extremely appreciative of the things you do and it's very humbling," Backus said. "I give great thanks for the hospitals and physicians we have here (in the United States)."
Grace Cottage Hospital executive director Andrea Seaton and Otis Health Care Board Chairman Neil "Bucky" Pelsue lauded Backus' local work, adding that the doctor's character and community spirit is much like that of the hospital's founder, Dr. Carlos Otis, who died in 1994 at age 83. Otis, who founded the hospital in 1949, was Pelsue's father-in-law.
"(Backus) absolutely reminds a lot of people, in many ways, of 'Dad' Otis," Pelsue said. "(The resolution) is very well-deserved, and he's a true asset to the West River Valley."
Patient Elizabeth "Tiz" Garfield, who has Backus as her primary care physician, agrees that he deserves acclaim.
"Dr. Backus is a very human person, and he cares a great deal about his patients," she said. "He has a great rapport with people. He really wants to get to know you and your family."
Backus said he plans to place his copy of the resolution on the back of the door in his office, adding that no fanfare is planned to celebrate the honor.
"Just supper with my wife and family," he said. "Then it's back to work tomorrow to do the job I love doing."
