After 18,000 Deliveries, Doctor, 100, Still Working

(May 25) -- He's delivered three generations of babies, and at the age of 100 Dr. Walter Watson still shows up faithfully at the hospital.

"Papa Doc," as he's known to many, has delivered some 18,000 babies during his career.

Among his patients is Sabra Allen, 77, whom he's treated for 59 years. Watson delivered 17 members of her family. "He delivered all five of my kids and 12 of the grandkids," Allen told the U.K.'s Daily Telegraph.

Watson is thought to be the oldest practicing doctor in the world and, despite having turned 100 in February, still runs a full-time practice in Augusta, Ga.

And by now, it's no surprise that he's got a well-oiled work routine.

Watson wakes at 6:45 a.m. and arrives at work by 8:30. And while his failing eyesight means he's no longer delivering babies, Watson spends the day doing his rounds.

"His work ethic is unsurpassed by anybody," said Dr. Michel McDonough, a colleague of Watson's who -- surprise, surprise -- was also delivered by the doc. "He was around before beepers -- back then you were either at the hospital, at home or at church."

Watson served in the Army before going to medical school and also spent seven years doing hard labor on a farm -- for 50 cents a day -- to save up for his education.

He did his residency at University Hospital in Augusta, and still works there to this day.

In February, the hospital honored Watson and his wife of 65 years, Audrey. Hundreds of "Watson Babies" turned out for the doctor's 100th birthday party at the hospital's women's center, which has been renamed in Watson's honor.

Watson said he has no plans to retire. He has two years to go before he beats the previous record holder, Dr. Leila Denmark, who is also from Georgia and practiced until age 102, according to the Daily Telegraph.

"I love medicine and I love having contact with people," Watson said. "It gives me a reason to crawl out of bed in the mornings."