When it comes to both advocates for and protectors of Newtown’s public health, it could be argued that there are no two more highly visible or responsive individuals than Dr Thomas F. Draper and Dr Robert S. Grossman. Although they will tell you to refer to them as “Tom” and “Bob,” these two physicians have been giving back to Newtown for well over 100 years collectively, according to information developed by Health District Director Donna Culbert.

Their boundless support of the community will be recognized on Sunday, October 26, with a public “open house” event from 2 to 4 pm in The Great Room of Newtown Congregational Church.

The community is invited to attend the event, which will include an opportunity to visit with both physicians, light refreshments, a brief recognition ceremony at 2:45 pm, and entertainment from the Impromptu Duo.

Currently, Dr Draper is medical advisor to the Newtown Health District, but he started his career as a pediatrician in town in 1959.

He previously served as Newtown’s director of health for 29 years, beginning in 1965. He was also named the school medical advisor that same year, and had a “pre-school” hour, where he was available for parents for an hour every day before school opened.

“Tom was very interested in the environment, and particularly the prevention of water pollution and the proper design, permitting, and construction of septic systems,” Ms Culbert said. “He worked extensively with Newtown’s wetlands and zoning personnel and was instrumental in the development of Newtown’s Sanitary Code, which set environmental standards for septic systems, private water supply wells, development, and sewer avoidance.”

Collaborating with partners, Dr Draper also helped build a program of community health.

“At Danbury Hospital, at various times Dr Draper has been the director of community medicine, chair of the Pediatric Department, and the president of the medical staff,” Ms Culbert said, adding, “He started the pediatric clinic. He also started a tuberculosis clinic, the [sexually transmitted disease] clinic, and a school-based clinic in the Danbury School System.”

Recognizing the heightened incidents of Lyme and other tickborne illnesses locally, he also became chair of Newtown’s Lyme Disease Committee in 2004.

Diversified Doctor

Dr Grossman currently serves as chairman of the Board of the Newtown Health District.

Dr Grossman has been very well known as a physician in Newtown, as well as throughout the region because of his tireless service at Danbury Hospital.

“At Danbury Hospital, at various times Dr Grossman has been the chief of the Department of Surgery and the president of the medical staff,” Ms Culbert said. “He started the surgical residency program, has been the state medical examiner, and was instrumental in obtaining autopsies for the pathology residency program to ensure it met requirements for approval.”

Dr Grossman has been on the Danbury Hospital Board of Trustees, even serving on several committees consulting on the design of the hospital’s original Tower Building.

He has been a Newtown Rotarian for 50 years and has been a member of the Newtown Men’s Club for 40 years, and a member of Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Association, working along with Lou Rowe to acquire the association’s first standalone headquarters at 77 Main Street.

“Dr Grossman began working at Fairfield Hills State Hospital and by 1961 he became primary surgeon there, continuing until the operating theater burned in 1974,” Ms Culbert said. “He was instrumental in building the first medical office building in Newtown on Route 6, and most currently with the evolution of the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance headquarters at Fairfield Hills.”

Dr Grossman also was and continues to be interested in the increase in Lyme disease in the community and served as the co-chair of the Board of Selectmen-appointed Tickborne Disease Action Committee. He enjoys working with local agencies and organizations that serve the community such as Newtown VNA, Masonicare, and Maplewood. He also enjoys being a member of Newtown Country Club, and welcomed his newest great-grandchild at Danbury Hospital last weekend.

The October 26 event celebrating the two physicians is free, and open to the public. Newtown Congregational Church is at 14 West Street.

For more information, contact Ms Culbert at 203-270-4291.