Belenchia thankful that ‘God brought me here’
A retirement reception was held at Ochsner Laird Hospital on January 23 for a long-time physician for Ochsner Rush Health in Union.
Colleagues, family, and friends were on hand last Tuesday to celebrate Dr. Russell Belenchia and his over 40 years of outstanding service to his patients, Ochsner Health employees, and community. During the reception, Belenchia was presented a plaque in recognition of his steadfast commitment and dedication at Ochsner Health. Along with the plaque, there were plenty of appreciative words shared of the outgoing physician and his contributions to his patients and community.
“It takes a God-blessed servants’ heart to do what Dr. Belenchia has done so gracefully for all these years,” said Tracy Laird, Director of Nurses at Laird Hospital. “It’s been an honor to serve with him and we’ll miss him!”
Another employee at Laird Hospital, Susan Pinson, echoed that sentiment.
“He’s always been very caring with his patients. He loves his patients, and he always expected the staff to give the same courtesy that he has in caring for them,” said Pinson. “He’s a wonderful doctor and so many in the community have depended on him for his medical care and we are going to miss him.”
Belenchia said that he has fond memories of his time at Laird, beginning with his arrival in the summer of 1983.
“They put me straight to work in the emergency room of the old hospital on the first weekend I was here,” said Belenchia. “It was a busy time. I learned so much in my first year from Dr. Laird and Dr. Alexander. It was an amazing time for me to learn as much as I did. And I got to meet a lot of wonderful people in the community. It was a time when relationships were developing with close friends that I still have today.”
Even in retirement, Belenchia will still be serving the community that opened its arms to he and his family years ago by continuing his role as Medical Director at J.G. Alexander Nursing Center. And it’s a community that Belenchia is grateful to be have been led to.
“I’m so thankful that God brought me here. We prayed about being sent to a place that we were needed,” he said. “We’ve been here over 40 years and the people have been just a blessing. They were so loving, and they accepted us. I give God all the glory!”
