The Story Behind the Scrubs: Honoring a beloved physician

Garden and covered patio

Dr. Newton C. Galusha Jr. was one of those rare people who inspire the best in others and who genuinely go out of their way to make others happy all the time.

On Thursday evening, friends, family, former coworkers and area dignitaries gathered to honor Dr. Galusha’s life and work. Dr. Galusha passed away suddenly in 2007 after many years spent as a trusted leader on the medical staff of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford. He also was dedicated to Texas Health Springwood Hospital, serving as medical director of addiction services until his death. Dr. Galusha was remembered as having a calling to help those struggling with chemical dependency and addiction.

Addiction counselor David Butler from Texas Health Springwood recalled the tremendous impact Dr. Galusha had on him and on all their patients. Butler said that the garden is poignant because the flowers will be tended to similar to how Dr. Galusha cared for each patient with time, love and attention to their individual needs.

“He invested in his patients,” said Dr. Cathal Grant, who for years worked on the medical staff of Texas Health Springwood alongside Dr. Galusha. “He never gave up.”

In the years since his death, more than 100 people have contributed to a memorial fund with Texas Health Harris Methodist Foundation. Those funds have been used to establish the Newton C. Galusha Jr. Addiction Treatment Unit, a dedicated chemical dependency center for inpatient and outpatient treatments. And most recently the funds helped create the Galusha Memorial Garden outside of the unit.

Vivian Galus

The garden is a fitting tribute, his wife Vivian told assembled guests Thursday evening. She recalled he kept a plaque in their garden that said “he who plants a garden plants love.” Between gardening and helping patients it was his passion, she said.

Ramona Osburn, director of Texas Health Springwood, reflected that Dr. Galusha was the embodiment of the goals of the hospital, which also celebrated its 30th anniversary Thursday night. “For 30 years we have transformed what the future holds for our patients one life at a time,” she said.

Hearing the stories of family and friends at the ceremony, it’s only fitting that the garden will give patients hope and serenity to find their way, just like it did for Dr. Galusha.