50 Years of a Family Legacy
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- Written By: Health Matters Fall 2024 Newsletter
The following story was written for Myrtue's Health Matters Fall 2024 Newsletter.
SON CARRIES ON FATHER'S MEDICAL CAREER
Myrtue Medical Center has welcomed dozens of doctors and specialists over its 70 years, but two physicians, whose tenures span nearly the entirety of the hospital’s existence, share a unique bond: that of father and son.
Drs. William (Bill) and Scott Markham never had the opportunity to work together — Bill tragically passed away in 1974 from a heart attack when Scott was only 12 years old. Yet, the parallels between the two men are unmistakable to those who knew them.
For both Dr. Bill and Dr. Scott, the most rewarding part of medicine was delivering babies. “Scott has often said each time a baby is delivered into his hands, it’s one of God’s miracles,” said Michelle Mores, daughter of Bill and sister of Scott.
When Myrtue Medical Center first opened its doors in 1954, Dr. Bill Markham was among the first physicians walking the halls with Dr. R. E. Donlin. Over the next 19 years, Bill became a cornerstone of the community, delivering countless babies, tending to the ill, and advocating for public health. His commitment extended beyond the hospital walls — he served as a school board member, a Shelby County Medical Examiner, and a board member of the Health Planning Council of the Midlands.
Dr. Bill’s dedication to his patients was unwavering. He was known to take calls at any hour, day or night, and regularly made house calls, regardless of the weather.
“They’d make house calls,” Michelle said. “These frequent calls were just some ways Dad’s patients connected with him. We would sit down to dinner, we’d start eating, and Dad would get a phone call,” she recalled. “He’d say… ‘if they’re sick, they need me’.”
During fall harvest season, patients would express their gratitude by bringing fruits, eggs, and vegetables to the Markham home. The family did not know how to can fruits and vegetables before, but they quickly figured it out, Michelle remembered with laughter.
Michelle fondly remembers her father as a devoted family man, a trait she believes her brother inherited. “Dad loved Mom and his family. Scott has that same sense of the importance of family,” she said.
Medical technology and procedures have evolved drastically over the nearly 50 years the Markhams have practiced medicine.
“It is a job I would not trade for anything,” said Scott. “I am really proud of this institution at Myrtue Medical Center. I feel like the retention rate of the practitioners and the quality of care exceeds other hospitals.”
When Scott joined Myrtue Medical in 1995, he worked under the wing of Dr. Duane Harris. The two often made their rounds together, tag teaming their patient care and paperwork.
“Patients just loved that because we would sit and visit and talk about what’s going on with them. When they had both of us together, they thought it was so nice,” Scott recalled. Beyond medical care, Scott and Dr. Harris fostered a sense of understanding, trust, and loyalty in their patients. “Dr. Harris was a mentor to me. I am so glad I could learn under his direction and guidance,” Scott said.
Like his father, Dr. Scott Markham has become a highly respected and beloved figure in the Harlan and Shelby County community. His dedication to his work, combined with his compassionate and patient-centered approach, has earned him the trust and admiration of those he serves. Whether through routine check-ups or handling complex medical issues, Scott ensures that each patient feels valued and understood, continuing the legacy of excellence in healthcare that his father established.
Defiance resident Wes Walker, a longtime patient of Dr. Scott Markham, was also once cared for by Scott’s father.
“I remember how Scott’s dad, Dr. William Markham, was so thorough and personable,” said Wes Walker. “I feel this same comfort with Dr. Scott Markham. He is pleasant and knowledgeable - I can talk to him as a person and doctor. We are so pleased to have Scott as our primary care physician.”
In the community, the Markham name is synonymous with generations of care. One touching example of this legacy involves Julie Goetz and her family. Dr. Bill Markham delivered Julie’s youngest daughter, and nearly four decades later, Dr. Scott Markham delivered her youngest grandson and several great-grandchildren.
This heartwarming connection is just one of the many ways the father-son duo has touched the lives of countless families in the area.
For Scott, being a physician at Myrtue Medical Center is far more than a profession — it’s a continuation of his family’s legacy of care.
“We just simply love the man,” said Robert and Karen Kite, patients of Dr. Scott Markham. “We have confidence in him, and we are just tickled that we have Dr. Markham taking care of us.”
