By Debbie Robinson

news@joplinglobe.com

An old country doctor who made a house call to treat a young boy’s grandfather sparked a career for Orville “Tony” Mehaffy.

On Friday, the boy who became Dr. Mehaffy was honored with an appreciation luncheon at NHC Healthcare of Joplin for his 25 years of service as medical director.

Mehaffy, a Baxter Springs, Kan., native, began practicing medicine in 1974 in Baxter Springs and moved to Joplin in 1982.

“There’s so much of a need for doctors to become involved in nursing homes,” said Mehaffy, who called that visit by a country doctor to treat his grandfather a turning point in his life.

“I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was 13 years old,” he said.

Mehaffy, who also has a private practice in Joplin, spends Fridays at NHC Healthcare and other times as needed. He also meets many family members.

“They all have my card, so they can call me,” he said.

Mehaffy began his education at the former Joplin Junior College, then attended Pittsburg (Kan.) State University. He graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School in Kansas City, Kan. He served three years in residency at Wellesley Medical Center.

At NHC, Mehaffy said, he encourages staff members to create a home environment for residents. He said that in addition to medical care, he emphasizes that residents be well-fed, have plenty of water and receive good skin care.

Resident DeReva Murphy, 87, has been a patient of Mehaffy’s for the past four years.

“I think he’s a very good doctor,” she said. “You can depend on him. You feel better knowing you have a doctor in case you need him.”

Another person helping celebrate Mehaffy’s tenure was Geniene Kuehn, Mehaffy’s nurse of 33 years.

“He’s caring and compassionate for his patients,” she said. “He spends time with his patients.”