News 12 This Morning

AUGUSTA, Ga --- University Hospital's legendary Dr. W.G. Watson is celebrating his 100th birthday, and a lifetime of service to Augusta. Hospital leaders estimate he has delivered between 16,000 to 18,000 babies over his near 60 year career.

He entered medicine in 1947, and has worked at University Hospital ever since. Some of his patients, Dr. Watson says, have been coming to him for 55 years. There are many families in out area that have several generations of babies delivered by the doctor. We spoke with one Aiken family who has 16 children, all delivered by Watson.

With each passing year, his continuing service is honored by the hospital and his patients. The womens' heath wing of the hospital is named in his honor, and a bronze statute stands proudly in the lobby.

For his 100th birthday, University is planning a large scale celebration on the hospital's front lawn. A huge tent will accommodate guest speakers, hospital staff, and generations of former patients. A video tribute will be shown, and national media will be on site, sharing his story with the world.

Dr. Watson hoped for a quiet birthday, he says.

Maybe next year.