Between family medicine and tending to the aches and pains of a football team, Dr. Thomas U. Todd has given 40 years to a profession he loves.

        The 69-year-old doctor, who is also the mayor of Glendale, said he had planned to retire in August, but because there is no one to replace him, his retirement will have to be part-time.

        “I will try to take two weeks off every month until we can get a replacement,” he said as he prepared to take on a new patient last Wednesday.

        (Actually it wasn't a new patient. I had to get on his patient's list to get an interview because he is so busy.)

        “We will probably get a medical student to do the residency here, and that could relieve me,” he said. “There is no question that I love family practice medicine because I have stayed with it for 40 years.”

        Family medicine, that kind of practice which involves the entire family, is the kind of medical practice that brings you closer to your patients, Dr. Todd believes.

        “I think in this kind of practice, the patient also becomes your friend,” he said. “It is not like you do an appendectomy on a patient then seldom see the patient again. In family medicine, you are with the patient for life as well as the rest of the family.”

        Dr. Michael Todd, his son, is in practice with him at their office at 212 W. Sharon Road, Springdale. The office moved to that location in 1984.

        “He is the classic family doctor,” Dr. Michael Todd said. “He still makes house calls.”

        Since 1962, when Dr. Thomas Todd completed his residency at the old Cincinnati General Hospital, he has witnessed many advances in the profession. He's particularly proud that family medicine practice became a specialty in 1969.

        “This was quite an event because it gave this kind of practice some prestige. We have to take a state examination every six years to get recertified to practice family medicine,” he said.

        Being the team physician for the Princeton Vikings football team has meant something special to him. He has all the state championship plaques the team has won in his office.

        When he started as the team physician in 1962 he said he couldn't get an orthopedic doctor to come on a high school football field. He said in the last 10 years that has changed.

        Dr. Todd was recognized by the Princeton High School Athletic Department Friday during halftime ceremonies in the game between Princeton and Upper Arlington High School from Columbus.

        “He is first class,” said Scott Kaufman, athletic director. “What a great time to focus on his service to this team. He has been with the team through the highs and lows. He is irreplaceable.”

        Along the way, Dr. Todd performed many civic functions. He is a member of the Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati, serving as president in 1990-91; a member of the Ohio State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He was president of the Southwestern Ohio Society of Family Physicians from 1975-77.

        He is married to Diane Drohan Todd. They are the parents of three children.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahowardenquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.

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