Troy Regional Medical Center’s long-time surgeon and part owner Dr. John Crosby has announced he will retire in the next month.

Crosby, who has served as the general surgeon in Troy for the last 34 years, will close his Troy Surgical Practice and retire with a mission, literally.

Crosby will expand his medical practice beyond borders, attending mission trips to foreign countries and providing medical service, according to an official press release from Troy Regional Medical Center.

“It’s just something I have been looking forward to doing for a long time,” Crosby said.

“I’ve participated in several week-long mission trips, but now I would like to have the opportunity to stay longer in a location if I am needed.”

While Crosby will close his surgical practice in Troy, he will still have full services at TRMC, being able to assist in surgeries if needed.

In addition, Crosby who has a share in ownership at the hospital, will remain an investor, said Yanni Tempelis, secretary/treasurer for the hospital Board of Managers.

Crosby is a member of the Board of Managers for the hospital, and Tempelis said he foresees him remaining in that capacity.

“There has been no conversation as far as leaving the board,” Tempelis said. “I know he will maintain his investor’s status.”

Those who know Crosby know this isn’t the first time talk of retiring has come up.

“There’s been discussion of him retiring before,” Tempelis said.

“To be a physician is very hard work. I think for the last two to three years it’s been on the back of his mind to retire.”

Tempelis said Dr. Rick Gill, general and thoracic surgeon, will take over as head surgeon for Crosby beginning Aug. 1. Crosby will continue to see patients he’s already had until Aug. 31, and then he will close his office for good.

All records and patients will be transferred to Gill’s practice for services.

To accommodate for a higher patient load, Gill’s office will be open to see patients Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m.

In addition, he will see patients on an emergency basis through the week in his office, but the remainder of the time will be open for surgery.

His office is located at 143 Scouting Circle and can be reached at 770-2222.

“Dr. Gill is a very, very good fit as far as the community is concerned,” Tempelis said.

“I have a lot of faith in him, and I know Dr. Crosby has a lot of faith in him.”

But, after 34 years of service, Crosby’s absence will not go unnoticed at TRMC.

“He’s a very good man and a very good surgeon,” Tempelis said.

“He’s very good with patients. His bedside manner is one of the best I’ve ever seen, and I’m sure he will be missed by all.”

And for Crosby, the leave won’t be an easy one either.

“After being at the same location for so many years, it will be hard not working with the staff every day,” Crosby said.