Alumni/ae Spotlight

Nathan Bushnell, III (MHA '51)

By Katie Kunkel (MHA '07)

Nathan Bushnell is a graduate of the first MHA class in 1951. Because his last name begins with a “B,” and diplomas were awarded alphabetically, Mr. Bushnell is actually the very first graduate of the Program! He attended undergraduate school at both University of Virginia and University of Richmond. He first learned of the MHA program through an article posted in the Richmond Times Dispatch by Gibson Howell and started the program in 1949. The MHA program in 1949 had many differences compared to today. For example, the students took classes such as anatomy and physiology, and every Friday, the students would attend the clinical pathological conference. Furthermore, the students were taught a class by the Chief Medical Examiner at MCV, and the students had to observe autopsies. The MHA program consisted of six months of academic training and a residency.

Upon finishing his coursework, Nathan Bushnell completed his residency at University of Virginia, Medical College of Virginia, and Grace Hospital. Interestingly, during his residency training at UVA, the president of the hospital had been called to the Army, and Mr. Bushnell was appointed to acting administrator for six weeks. Upon completion of his degree, Mr. Bushnell was recruited as CEO of Richmond Eye and Ear Hospital in 1951. In 1953, Mr. Bushnell was hired as General Manager and Hospital Consultant at Richmond Surgical Supply Company. In 1954, Mr. Bushnell directed his interest back to hospital operations and became Administrator at Franklin Memorial Hospital in Rocky Mount, VA. In 1962, Mr. Bushnell became the Executive Director of Memorial Hospital in Martinsville, VA. During his leadership at Memorial Hospital, Mr. Bushnell helped oversee the construction of a new hospital. He served as Executive Director at Memorial Hospital until 1974 when he became the President of Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Southwestern Virginia. In 1977, Mr. Bushnell became President of Westminster-Canterbury House in Richmond and served until 1987. Since 1954, Mr. Bushnell has also periodically served as an Independent Consultant.

Throughout his career, Mr. Bushnell was very involved in professional associations and community organizations, which include some of the following: in 1963, Mr. Bushnell became a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Administrators, and he has been President of the Virginia Hospital Association, the Roanoke Area Hospital Council, Franklin County Speech and Hearing Association, and the Virginia Association of Non-Profit Homes for the Aging. He also served as a preceptor for the MHA program from 1958-1987 and as President of the Alumni Association for the MCV School of Hospital Administration. Further, Mr. Bushnell was Secretary of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Franklin County Red Cross Blood Program, Co-Chairman of Franklin County Chapter American Red Cross, Organizer and Chairman of the Virginia Council on Health and Medical Care, Health Personnel Committee, served on the Board of Directors for the Patrick Henry Mental Hygiene Clinic, Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Southwestern Virginia, Virginia Regional Medical Program, National Society for the Prevention of Blindness, and Westminster-Canterbury House. He was even named as “Man of the Year” by the Martinsville Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1964. Additionally, Mr. Bushnell has published papers and lectured to various national, state, and local organizations.

In addition to his participation in professional affiliations and community organizations, Mr. Bushnell has also received many awards. From the MCV Alumni Association, Mr. Bushnell received the Award for Meritorious Service and a Certificate of Commendation. He also received Honorary Membership (Citizen of the Year) for the Martinsville Jr. Chamber of Commerce and Distinguished Service Awards from both the Virginia Association of Non Profit Homes for the Aging and the Virginia Hospital Association.

Mr. Bushnell resides in Richmond today with his wife and enjoys traveling and photography.