So many babies

PERKINS TWP. — More times than not, when Dr. William "Bill" Bruner goes grocery shopping or pops into a convenience store, his quick trips turn into long excursions. "It's a weekly occurrence, but I really enjoy it," Bruner said. "Parents come up to me with their kids and say, 'That's the doctor who delivered you.' I appreciate that recognition." Bruner — who's practiced medicine for 39 years, a majority of that time with NOMS Healthcare, and specialized in OB/GYN (obstetrics and gynecology) — recently retired from delivering babies, which he did more than 10,000 times. Though he's staying on with NOMS in a reduced capacity: He'll continue seeing patients for gynecology appointments. Working fewer hours gives him more opportunities to spend time with his three daughters — Courtney, Meredith and Whitney, all of whom graduated from St. Mary Central Catholic High School, and spread across the country — and three grandchildren. He doesn't see himself giving up on medicine for several more years, but most doctors in his field fully retire at age 55. "I eat, sleep and breathe medicine," said Bruner, who's 69, when asked about his hobbies and other interests. "You have to be available to your patients 24/7." Bruner's dedication to the job serves as just one of the many reasons why he's remembered, revered and treated like a celebrity by, literally, thousands of community members, said Donna Marsinick, his lone nurse and longtime friend. "Don't get me wrong: There are a lot of good doctors, but he is at the top of the heap," Marsinick said. "He is a legend in my eyes and in a lot of people's eyes. They just don't make 'em the way like him anymore." Humble beginnings Bruner, born and raised in New Mexico, first became interested in medicine as a child. His dad, William I, worked as a general practitioner in their hometown. "He was a doctor during World War II, and he was the only doctor in that area," Bruner said. "There were a lot of physicians who were in the service at that time." Bruner recalls how his dad gladly maintained both a professional and personal relationship with each patient. "The town really got behind him," Bruner said. "He would engage people beyond what was simply wrong with them. He wanted to be part of their lives. He wanted to be part of the community." Bruner adopted a similar mindset throughout his own career. "I enjoy being a part of their lives," Bruner said about his patients. "Someone who is very comfortable with you and your personality, and are willing to share things they wouldn't normally otherwise, helps solidify my relationship and creates trust with patients." While he studied in Kansas City and completed a residency in Detroit, an internship at the former Sandusky Memorial Hospital — later absorbed into Firelands Regional Health System — lured Bruner for life. "The physicians who were here during my internship made such an impression on me that I really wanted to come back here to practice," Bruner said. Sandusky represented the forever home for him, his late wife, Rhonda, who was a pediatric nurse practitioner, and their three daughters. "I absolutely love Sandusky," said Bruner, who still lives in the area. "I love the trees. I love watching the farming seasons go by. The water is nice. And I really like the small-town friendliness." Destination deliveries Even after witnessing 10,000-plus births, Bruner can still recall his initial experience. "I was a medical student in Kansas City, and I did an obstetric rotation when I delivered my first baby," Bruner said. "Of course, I didn't have a clue what I was doing. But just being able to do the hands-on delivering and watching the whole response was a really good feeling." Bruner labels each delivery a "unique event," but an earlier one tops the list of most memorable. "When I was in medical school, there was a junior high school in Dearborn (Michigan). A little eighth-grade girl was pregnant, and nobody knew it until she went into labor," Bruner said. "The head of the fire department got a hold of me, and we did the whole thing at what felt like 100 mph," he said. "There was no time to get to the hospital. The feet were hanging out. I ended up delivering her right there in the hallway of the school." Bruner has, in fact, helped deliver the overwhelming majority of his babies at Firelands' labor and delivery area. Although, on rare occasions, Bruner can help any mom give birth in an ambulance, which has happened. "For me, it never got old," Bruner said. "The process of birthing is such a magnificent experience, and I just get a really good feeling from it. I love the experience of that and taking care of the women." Bruner expressed his deep appreciation for each patient he met, worked with and who believed in his abilities. "It's the ultimate compliment to be able to be a part of a couple's initial birth experience," Bruner said. "It's been a privilege to be able to do that for 39 years in this community." Well-wishes In November, Bruner's daughter Whitney announced her dad would be retiring from delivering babies. The post went viral, with dozens who had a personal experience with Bruner sharing and commenting on the thread. Here's a sampling of their heartfelt words: • Kayla Schadwil: He delivered me 25 years ago and all four of my children. He's amazing at what he does. I trusted no one else. • Amber Lee: He delivered my second out of four babies, and I had an absolutely amazing experience with him. I'll never forget it. • Kelly Ann: Your dad truly saved my life and brought all my girls into this world. When I was pregnant with the twins, I was told he was retiring from obstetrics soon. I went to my next appointment and told him he couldn't retire before I delivered them. He said I'll be here this summer. That was 12 years ago. I was honored as a clinical instructor, 10 years later, to be able to take my students in his operating room. He was the one who told me to go into obstetrics as a registered nurse. I'm forever grateful to him. He's an amazing doctor and person. • Alison Crawford: He delivered two of four of my babies and got me through my toughest pregnancy. He also delivered me. Congratulations Dr. Bruner on your amazing career and retirement. • Kerrie Brunner Glass: Not only did he deliver me and my twin sister, he has delivered my two daughters and a surrogate baby. He is an amazing doctor. I'm so glad he has been there for all of them. • Cris Jarvis Helman: I am very grateful for all the care Dr. Bruner has given to me since August 1985. Dr. Bruner saved my life and that of my unborn baby. It was a privilege to have his hands guide that life into this world along with two more siblings. • Rachelle Muratori Rhoad: The most amazing doctor, and I will forever be grateful for his wonderful care. • Stacy Lochotzki: He delivered my stepson in 1984 and my daughter in 2003. The best doctor ever, and I mean ever. • Michele S Hallier: Best. Doc. Ever. I love him dearly. He delivered both my babes — got lucky he was there already for the first one and scheduled the second to have him specifically — for me, and I am forever grateful. • Julie Davlin: I had never met him when I went into labor, and he was on-call and delivered my son's C-section. He took such good care of me and made me feel so at ease. That was my only experience with him, but it was a good one. • Cathy Taylor-Blay: He saved my life twice and both my sons'. I am forever grateful for his quick thinking and professionalism.