House Concurrent Resolution 34

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING VAN ROBINSON BURNHAM, JR., M.D., UPON HIS RETIREMENT AND FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE.

WHEREAS, Dr. Van Robinson Burnham, Jr., retired from the general family practice of medicine after a career spanning fifty-eight years, on December 31, 2003; and

WHEREAS, born February 20, 1920, in Marks, Mississippi, Dr. Burnham received his formal education in the Ruleville School System, graduating from Ruleville High School in 1937; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Burnham attended Sunflower Junior College from 1937-1939, University of Mississippi, where he earned his bachelor of science degree in 1941, and Northwestern University, earning his doctorate of medicine degree in 1944; and

WHEREAS, he received his medical training on a rotating internship and residency in pathology at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1945 and 1946, respectively; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Burnham began his practice of medicine with the United States Naval Reserve Medical Corps as a Lieutenant Junior Grade from 1945-1946, before relocating to practice in Vaiden, Mississippi, from 1946-1948; and

WHEREAS, in 1948, Dr. Burnham moved to Clarksdale, Mississippi, where he practiced until 1953, before relocating to Birmingham, Alabama, from 1953-1955 to serve as Lieutenant Commander in the United States Naval Reserve's Medical Corps, and ultimately returning to Clarksdale in 1955 on a permanent basis; and

WHEREAS, he served as Chief of Staff for the Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center from 1969-1974, where he was on active staff from 1953 to his present date of retirement; and

WHEREAS, his professional affiliations include: the Mississippi State Medical Association and American Medical Association, both of which he is a 50-Year Club member, an American Academy of Family Practice Fellow, membership in the Clarksdale and Six Counties Medical Association, MENSA and INTERTEL; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Burnham is also active in the civic arena, having involvement in such organizations as being a board member of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, president of the North Delta Museum's Board of Trustees, the Clarksdale Rotary Club, Friend of the Carnegie Public Library, a member of the First United Methodist Church and a Paul Harris Fellow; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Burnham has enjoyed the loving support of his wife of fifty-five years, Barbara J. Braswell Burnham; three children, Babs Burnham Sweatt, Van R. (Bubba) Burnham, III, and R. Conner Burnham; and five grandchildren, Scott Hollis, Van Hollis, Denson Hollis, Beth Burnham and Van R. (Bo) Burnham, IV; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence in such outstanding Mississippians as Dr. Burnham, whose remarkable service to this nation and state are truly valued:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. Van Robinson Burnham, Jr., upon his retirement and extend our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Burnham and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.