The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Published Sunday, July 6, 2003

Sage advice from Dr. Stypula

   » On rearing the first child: By the end of the first year of raising her first child a mother becomes much more competent and capable if the doctor did his job correctly.
   » Dealing with frantic parents continually worried about their child's health: You adapt to that; if you can't, you change your field.
   » Parenting: Couples have to be parents to their children, not pals.
   » Children who whine to get their way: The kid has got to learn that when you say "no," that's it -- no matter what.
   » Parents who fret about making mistakes: It doesn't matter if you're right all the time -- but you have to act like you know what you're doing.
   » Teaching: The parent is the most important teacher a child will ever have.
   » Technology: The more technology is devised, the more it's used.
   » The Internet: For patients, it's getting to be a little dangerous. If advicedoesn't come from a major medical center, be careful. It seems everybody is an expert these days.

Baby doctor hangs up stethoscope after 45 years of serving the valley
By Michael Roknick
Herald Business Editor

Driving to a home with an ill infant one bitterly cold winter night, Dr. Richard Stypula's car conked out.

Attempts to resuscitate his car failed. Stuck along a murky road at 11 p.m. and after putting in an exhausting day at his office, there was just no choice for the pediatrician. He walked to a nearby home and called a taxi to drive him to the baby's home.

Stories like this are common for the Hermitage physician. His soft-spoken voice and mild temperament have pampered frayed parents' nerves for generations.

But last week -- after nearly 45 years as a baby doc -- the 76-year-old hung up his stethoscope and began retirement. It's a job he'll miss.

"I love pediatrics,'' Stypula said. "I like to see kids grow up, the way they learn and see things.''

When it came to breaking into the medical field he had an unusual start. Technically, he didn't graduate from high school or college.

Back to TOP // Herald Local news // Local this day's headlines // Herald Home page

Questions/comments: online@sharonherald.com

030509