As a young internist, Dr. Robert Holcombe (76A, 79C) found that he loved his work but missed his family. Providence had an answer.
“I can remember coming home one evening and my beeper went off just as we were sitting down for dinner,” he related. “My oldest daughter, who was 3 years old at the time, started crying. I prayed that night, and I thanked God for giving me a career in something I wanted to do, but I also asked Him to show me if there was anything else He wanted me to do that would give me more time with my family.”
The next day, Robert learned of an opening at the Emergency Care Center operated by Floyd Medical Center (now Atrium Health Floyd) in Rome. That opportunity, followed by another three years later in urgent care, enabled him to spend the next three-plus decades serving families in the local community without the additional pressures of managing his own practice – all to the benefit of his beloved wife, children and (eventually) grandchildren.
“Years ago, I was told if you find something that you enjoy doing you will never have to work a day in your life,” he stated. “I can honestly say that has been true for me over all these years. I got up each morning looking forward to having the privilege of being able to take care of patients.”
Robert retired last August to high praise by Atrium Health Floyd leadership, affirming that the path he chose all those years ago was the right one.
“Dr. Holcombe’s calm and steady leadership has been a blessing in the fast-paced urgent care environment, and never more so than during the COVID pandemic,” said Matt Gorman, vice president of corporate and network services. “When other clinics were closing, he ensured that Floyd Urgent Care remained open for the community. Speaking for everyone on our team, we’ll miss him and wish him the best in his retirement!”
Bravo, Robert! You’ve made Berry proud!
Information and photo courtesy of Atrium Health Floyd
