Lehigh Valley Physicians Group dedicated its new Pine Grove building with a tribute to a well-known local physician.
Dr. Richard B. Russell Jr., 71, has practiced medicine in the area for 44 years.
While he has scaled back his practice, Russell remains on the Walter and Irene Baran Schuylkill Family Residency faculty, a program sponsored by Lehigh Valley Health Network.
“I saw a full slate of patients this morning,” said Russell, who has spent his entire medical career in Pine Grove.
Patrick C. Simonson, regional administrator, moderated a program in which hospital officials presented Russell with two plaques commending his service.
The inscription, the same on both plaques, reads: “Honoring Dr. Richard B. Russell Jr., DO, for more than 40 years of healing, comforting and caring for the residents of Pine Grove and surrounding communities.”
A larger version of each plaque will be placed on a wall in the new building.
A member of the Class of 1970 at Pine Grove Area High School, he graduated from Penn State University in 1974. He earned his medical degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
The presentation was made during an open house at 121 S. Tulpehocken St., a new building that opened in February. It replaces the former LVPG office at 121 N. Tulpehocken.
Terry Purcell, president of LVH-Schuylkill, commended Russell for his dedication.
“It has been great to learn how our patients trust and respect our team in Pine Grove,” said Purcell, also head of the LVHN Northeast region.
The staff of LVPG Family Medicine-Pine Grove includes Russel’s son Dr. David Russell along with Debra Halupa and Tanya Wagner, certified registered nurse practitioners.
Dr. Grant M. Greenberg, who chairs the network’s family medicine department, said the new facility is a step up from the former office.
“We’re committed to the region,” he said, “and the rural communities around it.”
Built on the site of the former Red Arrow Service Station, a Pine Grove landmark, the new 2,700-square-foot building is next to Tri-Valley Pharmacy. It has six examination rooms, including one devoted to on-site procedures, such as incisions and sutures. Devoted to primary care, it also has an on-site laboratory.
“Patients can have lab work done right here,” Dr. Richard Russell Jr. said. “That way, they don’t have to drive to Lebanon or Pottsville.”
Questions about the practice can be answered and appointments made by calling 888-402-5846 or visiting LVHN.org.
Source: Berkshire mont