Robert “Bob” McGaughy was raised in Newark and has dedicated himself to improving the quality of life in the community by spending many hours working and volunteering with numerous organizations including Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS).  Though he retired as the Vice President of Human Resources after 25 years with the organization, Bob continues to serve LMHS and is now the Chair of the Development Council.  He has also served as a Board Member for Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH), The Ohio State University at Newark, the Newark Granville Symphony Orchestra, Par Excellence School, Campus View Village, Newark Rotary, the Newark Rotary Club Foundation, The Salvation Army, and the Licking/Knox Goodwill.

Dealing with continuous pain in his knees, and with a desire to continue his volunteer work, Bob visited Orthopedic Surgeon Kevin M. Ouweleen, M.D., of Licking Memorial Orthopedic Surgery to discuss treatment options.  Dr. Ouweleen agreed that Bob would benefit from knee replacement surgery for both knees and scheduled the first procedure in October 2023.  After surgery, Bob was admitted to the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) at Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH), a specialized care center for patients who require medical care while receiving therapy to recover from an accident, injury, illness, or surgery.  

Patients in the ARU receive individualized care based on physical need and functionality.  Admission is dependent on many factors, including medical necessity, commit to at least three hours of therapy, five days per week, the ability to achieve rehabilitation goals in a reasonable time period, and the likelihood that the patient will be able to return home after being discharged from the Unit.

“I truly felt the ARU at LMH was the right fit for me to successfully recuperate after my knee replacement surgery,” Bob shared.  “Being sent straight home after surgery would not have had the same effect on my recovery.  The schedule is very regimented, and they create a very controlled environment.  Visitors were not permitted on the floor until after 3:00 p.m.  The schedule was beneficial because I knew I had no other choice but to perform the exercises and activities provided by the therapists.  I do not believe I would have been as disciplined at home.  It was also a blessing for my wife because it would have been difficult for her to assist me in getting up to do the needed exercises.  She also enjoyed the responsibility of not having to care for me.”

After having his second knee replacement surgery in January, Bob again returned to the ARU.  “The staff in the ARU are outstanding.  David W. Koontz, D.O., the Director of the Unit, is extremely motivating and runs a tight ship.  He told me if I could not tolerate the three hours of therapy, that I would not be allowed to stay.  The therapists and assistants were demanding yet patient.  They encouraged me to push myself in a positive, professional way that made me feel as though I could accomplish the goals they set for me.  I was up and walking within hours of the procedure.  During my therapy sessions they assisted with everything I would need to return home, even the little things you might not consider such as putting on shoes.  They became friends to me.”

After nine days in the ARU, Bob was discharged and returned home, and continued therapy at The Gib Reese Center for Physical Rehabilitation, LMHS’ physical rehabilitation facility, located at 1717 West Main Street in Newark.  Again, he felt a close bond with his physical therapist, Michael Pyle, and physical therapy assistant Tory Worstell, who assisted in continuing the strength exercises.  Bob met the goals set for him and has since been released from therapy.

“Overall it was a great experience.  My only regret is that I did not have the replacement surgery sooner,” Bob said.  “The rehabilitation process was an integral part of my recovery and do not believe I would have healed as well or as quickly if I had been sent home.  I tell my friends that we have the best healthcare services available right here in our own community, and that they should take advantage of all that is available to them.  Dr. Ouweleen is an excellent surgeon and the technology, equipment, and care is of the highest quality.”

Since his recovery, Bob has returned to his volunteer work and remains active with the Rotary Club and the Development Council.  He was able to assist with the Golf Gala this year.  During his stay at LMH, a friend of Bob’s visited and offered Bob the opportunity to take communion.  Bob enjoyed the visit and felt moved to become a Eucharistic minister himself.  He now visits friends and members of the Catholic church who would like to partake in communion while in the Hospital.