Walker Is Bassett Ambassador
Cooperstown, N.Y. - “Probably the piece I like best about being a doctor at Bassett is the collegial community and the feeling of being part of a shared project,” said James Walker, M.D. and current Bassett Ambassador. “I also love the physical area that Bassett serves and have a love affair with the rural northeast.” The Bassett Ambassador Program recognizes employees at Bassett who demonstrate core values of quality, respect, service, integrity and friendliness.
It’s probably safe to say that patients and colleagues alike have a love affair with Dr. Walker, who has been practicing at Oneonta Health Center for more than two decades, following five years in private practice in Ithaca, N.Y. He completed his residency and chief residency at Bassett between 1981-85. “I think I have learned to ‘doctor’ well and know how to doctor all kinds of people.” Staff at Oneonta Health Center say the word “caring” describes Dr. Walker best, and that he is loyal and dedicated to his patients and is passionate about what he does.
His life philosophy? Very simple. “I try to treat people the way I would want to be treated.”
In helping his patients to get on a healthier life path, Dr. Walker uses an incremental approach. “I encourage patients to try one or two little things - - maybe start with a very simple exercise each day or I suggest one healthier substitute for something not as healthy, like replacing a soda or two with flavored seltzer water, if they like that.”
Ann Wright, L.P.N., who works with Dr. Walker, describes him as “intelligent, polite, caring.” Another nurse, Bonnie Baranowski, who has worked in the same office with Dr. Walker for 20 years, wrote, “Through the years I have seen the compassion he has had for his patients and coworkers. He is the most professional, respected doctor.” Dr. Walker has also been known to visit terminally ill patients at their homes, during his lunch hour.
When Dr. Walker is not “doctoring,” he can be found at his home in the town of Oneonta enjoying the many trails adjoining his 20 acres, during the much loved “four season experience.” He and his wife, Jane DeLisa, who is a nurse practitioner and Cajun musician in an all-girl band, have two college-aged daughters.
