Dr. O.A. Cull, a familiar
— and perhaps the oldest — face in Owen County’s
medical community, was honored Friday with the Dan Martin Award
for Lifetime Contribution to Rural Health in Kentucky. The award
is given to an individual who has provided many years of service
to rural Kentuckians.
“His dedication, commitment and strong work ethics have
set an example for us all. If only we could reproduce many more
Dr. Culls, the world would be a greater, healthier place in
which to live,” said Owenton Mayor “Milkweed”
Wotier, who nominated Cull for the award.
Bernie Poe, New Horizons Health Systems Administrator and Chairperson,
also nominated Cull for the statewide honor, presented by the
Kentucky Rural Health Association (KYRHA) at its annual conference
in Frankfort.
After 54 years of serving the Owenton community, Cull still
maintains a practice at New Horizons Medical Center and sees
patients on a regular basis — many of whom request him
personally.
“Dr. Cull has given his life to make the people of Owen
County healthier,” Poe said. “He is very deserving
of this honor.”
A licensed physician since 1950 when he graduated from the University
of Louisville Medical School, Cull has been serving patients
for 56 years. He first came to Owen County in 1952 following
an internship in St. Joseph, Mich., and after opening his first
practice in Corinth.
“Over the years, he has had ample opportunity to move
on to bigger and greener pastures, but his heart has always
been with the people of Owen County and surrounding counties,”
Wotier said.
Cull began a full medical practice in Owenton in 1956 serving
alongside Dr. Maurice Bowling at the Owen County Memorial Hospital.
Cull delivered babies, assisted in surgeries, administered anesthesia
and monitored patients through procedures, said Poe.
Though the medical procedures and names may have changed over
the intervening years, Cull has remained, steadfastly serving
the people of Owen County.
“(Dr. Cull) has made an indelible impact upon this entire
county,” Wotier said. “I am convinced that if it
were not for his untiring efforts to support this community,
this community would not be where it is today in caring for
the medical needs of our people.”
