Jackson retires after 46 years of surgical excellence

Dr. David D. Jackson retired this week after 46 years of service to Northern Regional Hospital.

A well-known surgeon in the region, Dr. Jackson was described by the hospital as “an essential part of the medical staff at Northern since starting his private practice as Surry Surgical Associates in 1978.”

His colleagues and staff of Northern General Surgery hosted a retirement reception on Tuesday, to celebrate the legacy in healthcare he leaves in his wake. A crowd gathered to commemorate his work and the event was a testament to his commitment and perseverance, which have influenced countless lives for more than half a century.

“We are deeply grateful for Dr. Jackson’s unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our community,” said, Brian Beasley, vice president of clinic operations and physician recruitment at Northern Regional Hospital.

“Working alongside Dr. Jackson has been an incredible privilege,” said Dr. Scott Corbin of Northern General Surgery. “His skill and care for each patient will have a lasting impact.”

“He served the hospital, he served the community, he served the entire region with distinction,” Northern Regional Hospital President and CEO Chris Lumsden said. “We are glad he put in so many years at Northern and I know he’s been looking forward to retirement for a few years, but he held in there and helped us out a lot during the transition.”

“He’s an outstanding physician and surgeon. I don’t know how many thousands, tens of thousands, of patients he has served over his 45-plus years — truly an impressive career. We’ll miss him because he’s kind of an institution both here at Northern and in this community,” Lumsden said.

Jackson’s wife of 35 year, Michelle, tried to avoid the spotlight during the party, but said she was proud of her husband but equally excited for what comes next. The couple raised five kids and she said, “He always says how proud he is of his children, and they are his greatest accomplishments in life.”

Their son Richard followed into the medical field at Novant Health in Winston-Salem, daughter Jennifer moved to New York to work for Carlyle, Zachary is a family attorney in Monroe, while Jordan is a litigator in New York, and youngest daughter Bailey is a nurse at Atrium Health in Winston-Salem.

Bailey spoke from the heart to her father Tuesday. “You have raised me to be fair, honest, loyal, smart and to always do whatever it was that made me the happiest. You’ve truly supported me in whatever it was that I wanted to do. Always tell me how proud you are of me and always giving me encouragement to better myself. You have no idea how thankful I am to have such a positive support system in you.”

“I’m so glad that we also shared those fun times together from all the bright and early mornings when I would make around to be in the hospital, peeking my head out in the patient’s room as you discussed their plan of care. I always remember the look on your patients’ faces along with their families. They always looked at you with such a deep admiration for you and for your knowledge,” she said.

Joanna Collins, a nurse who Jackson dubbed ‘wee bit,’ offered, “I have admired and respected how hard you have worked and the amazing professionalism. It was an honor to work with you over the years and I wish you all the best because you’ve earned it.”

She also used a favorite Billy Graham saying to send Jackson on his way, “May your troubles be less, your blessings be more, and may nothing but happiness come through your door.”

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you. You’re a great surgeon,” Barbara Berrier said. “I thank you for all the service you have given your patients and the hospital and wish you much happiness. Get out and enjoy life.”

Jackson had made such an impact on her that she said his reach stretched all the way to her kitchen. She had a bad habit in the office of leaving cabinet doors open, “I have a terrible habit of not closing them, so at home with my kitchen cabinets I hear him and think — I better close them.”

Dr. Scott Corbin practiced with Jackson for many years and said he hopes retirement brings some peace and quiet for his colleague. “I hope your retirement is calm and without many interruptions and no beeps. Thank you for the opportunity you gave me back when I first joined the practice in 1997 and for the opportunity to return in 2006. I learned this was a great place to be more than once.”

“The changes that occurred during the course of your tenure as a surgeon are pretty remarkable. Staying current is pretty remarkable as well because many did not,” Corbin said. “Doctor Jackson is an excellent surgeon and I’ve seen a lot of them. He’s helped me out several times. I appreciate the things I’ve learned and in fact, I was quoting you, quoting you just a few minutes ago in operate room.”

“We’ve been through a lot,” Corbin added, “I think I’ve been through a lot — maybe more than anybody except your wife.”

Taking Jackson’s place at the practice is Dr. Carl Buchholz who said of his predecessor, “The man has paved the way for some great things here. I’m never going to be able to fill those shoes, but I really respect what he’s been able to do for this place.”

Off into the sunset the Jacksons will ride with perhaps a little SCUBA diving in their immediate future. Corbin said Jackson is welcome to come back and visit at any time, but he will not be ceding back the primo parking spot.