Dr. Walter Watson: 100 Years Young and 18,000 Babies Later

February 27, 2010 by Cathy Ribble  
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Dr. Walter “Curley”‘ Watson was honored yesterday at University Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, as he celebrated his 100th birthday.  Some people call the obstetrician and gynecologist “Dr. Watson,” and some people call him “Papa Doc.”  Most people, however, call him the oldest practicing physician in the United States.

“Papa Doc” Walter Watson has delivered 18,000 babies in his lifelong medical career.  Many of those bearing the label “Watson Baby” were on hand to help University Hospital celebrate the nation’s oldest practicing physician on this special day.

“Watson Baby” Tom McAfee was at University Hospital to help the good doctor celebrate his birthday, but McAfee had other business to attend to as well.  His own daughter was being born that day, and you guessed it — little Audrey Marie McAfee is a “Watson Baby,” too!  Baby Audrey was delivered at University Hospital’s Women’s Center, conveniently named after Dr. Watson. She became an instant celebrity as she was named after Dr. Watson’s wife.

The special babies born to this elite club on Dr. Watson’s 100th birthday were rewarded with balloons and a baby onesie bearing their trademark, “Watson Baby.”

According to Healthgrade, Dr. Watson received his M.D. 67 years ago.  He has practiced at University Hospital since 1947.  Dr. Watson was unable to find a job right out of college, and he settled for work on a farm in Edgefield where he worked for seven years.  He plowed from sunup to sundown in his bare feet, saving his shoes for Sunday School.  He finally had enough money to enroll in medical school at Medical School of Georgia in 1939.  He did his residency at University Hospital in 1947 and never left.

It is reported that Dr. Watson still sees 5 patients a day and is currently accepting new patients, but generally no longer delivers babies.

Happy birthday, “Papa Doc!”  You are an inspiration to us all!

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