Most people would view Dr. Stephen Burgher’s career path as one filled with unbearable pressure. He has served as Chief of Emergency Medicine at the Dallas VA, assistant medical director at a level one trauma center, and chair of emergency preparedness at the local and regional level for various hospital systems—and he completed two volunteer military deployments in the Middle East, filling roughly the same medical role during each tour. The irony is that “Doc Stephen,” as he is called, says he has felt personally drawn to each position. There is joy there.
How did he get to emergency medicine and the military? “I had been attracted to the military as a young man (my Dad had been in the Air Force), but also to medicine. After graduating from SMU, I was able eventually to combine the two on a medical scholarship with the Navy,” he said. This was fortunate, because by then, he was married to his wife, Amy, and had responsibilities as a family man.
“After a one-year internship in South Carolina, while serving as a Navy flight surgeon, I was moonlighting in an ER. A man was dropped off at the ER doors one night stabbed in the chest; seconds later he becomes unresponsive and loses his pulse. I was the Doc in charge. This man walks out five days later, and I thought, ‘This is what I’m called to do,’” he said. “It became my passion.”
One would never know talking to the self-effacing Doc Stephen that honors and awards have abounded throughout his career. One stands out: He was awarded the Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors 1998 Resident Academic Achievement Award, a civilian honor awarded to one emergency medicine resident nationally every year.
After serving 10 years on active duty (the requirement was only three after his Navy scholarship), he returned to Dallas with his family and eventually served for several years at Baylor University Medical Center as the assistant medical director and as the BSW (North) Health Care System chairman for Emergency Preparedness.
Then came Afghanistan. “I still had the desire to be in the Navy—I loved the camaraderie. There was a need, a medical shortage. My kids were older, in high school or college, but it was still hard on my family,” he said. “When they needed an ER Doc at Kandahar Airfield, I was willing and went for 10 months.”
Most people would view Dr. Stephen Burgher’s career path as one filled with unbearable pressure. He has served as Chief of Emergency Medicine at the Dallas VA, assistant medical director at a level one trauma center, and chair of emergency preparedness at the local and regional level for various hospital systems—and he completed two volunteer military deployments in the Middle East, filling roughly the same medical role during each tour. The irony is that “Doc Stephen,” as he is called, says he has felt personally drawn to each position. There is joy there.
How did he get to emergency medicine and the military? “I had been attracted to the military as a young man (my Dad had been in the Air Force), but also to medicine. After graduating from SMU, I was able eventually to combine the two on a medical scholarship with the Navy,” he said. This was fortunate, because by then, he was married to his wife, Amy, and had responsibilities as a family man.
“After a one-year internship in South Carolina, while serving as a Navy flight surgeon, I was moonlighting in an ER. A man was dropped off at the ER doors one night stabbed in the chest; seconds later he becomes unresponsive and loses his pulse. I was the Doc in charge. This man walks out five days later, and I thought, ‘This is what I’m called to do,’” he said. “It became my passion.”
One would never know talking to the self-effacing Doc Stephen that honors and awards have abounded throughout his career. One stands out: He was awarded the Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors 1998 Resident Academic Achievement Award, a civilian honor awarded to one emergency medicine resident nationally every year.
After serving 10 years on active duty (the requirement was only three after his Navy scholarship), he returned to Dallas with his family and eventually served for several years at Baylor University Medical Center as the assistant medical director and as the BSW (North) Health Care System chairman for Emergency Preparedness.
Then came Afghanistan. “I still had the desire to be in the Navy—I loved the camaraderie. There was a need, a medical shortage. My kids were older, in high school or college, but it was still hard on my family,” he said. “When they needed an ER Doc at Kandahar Airfield, I was willing and went for 10 months.”
“When inside the VA, seeing the guys in Korean and Viet Nam caps, or from WWII—it pulled on my heart strings. I guess it still does.” And then I realized—this very experienced, toughened military / medical man had choked up.
Then came ISIS. “Normally, after serving in Afghanistan, they give you time—the ratio is four years off after one year on. But the task force surgeon scheduled to deploy had to back out, and my commanding officer asked if I would go back.” He could have said “No.” But he didn’t. The war effort this time was against ISIS, and he went as the task force surgeon—the advisor to the commanding officer of a Marine Corps 2,300-man task force, including 95 medical personnel. The command was in Kuwait, but there were assets in Iraq, Jordan, and other countries. “I was to make sure that the medical capability and personnel were correct from the medical standpoint. We were part of the Marine Corps Component response to ISIS in that region.” That was another 10 months.
He returned to his role as an emergency physician at Baylor Dallas downtown and had no thought of leaving. Then the phone rang again, this time with an invitation from the Chief of Staff at the Dallas VA Medical Center to become the head of their ER. “I went to see them. When you drive up, there is a boulevard of American flags.”
Our interview was over the phone, and suddenly, I thought we had been cut off. Then he came back. “I’m sorry. When inside the VA, seeing the guys in Korean and Viet Nam caps, or from WWII—it pulled on my heart strings. I guess it still does.” And then I realized—this very experienced, toughened military / medical man had choked up.
He took the job as Chief of Emergency Medicine at the Dallas VA Medical Center. Today, however, he has an additional, unexpected stress. He was diagnosed last year with an extremely rare cancer—EMPD. “I went through an extensive, 10-hour surgery, and the good news is that it hadn’t spread.” He says, however, that he is still rehabilitating from the surgery. He is back at work full-time, anyway, now helping Veterans battle a new kind of enemy—COVID-19.
What has sustained him throughout these various pressures? “First, any choice that I have made with my family is grounded in the Lord. Second is family—having Amy, and children Mary Beth (Burgher) Mogk; Stephen, Jr.; Thomas; as well as our parents. Third, the professional teams around me. In Emergency Medicine, it’s a team approach.” He then sums it all up in three words: “God, family, country.”
Easy words to say—only, “Doc Stephen” has lived them.
Linda Faulkner Johnston—Tradition Senior Living
Then came ISIS. “Normally, after serving in Afghanistan, they give you time—the ratio is four years off after one year on. But the task force surgeon scheduled to deploy had to back out, and my commanding officer asked if I would go back.” He could have said “No.” But he didn’t. The war effort this time was against ISIS, and he went as the task force surgeon—the advisor to the commanding officer of a Marine Corps 2,300-man task force, including 95 medical personnel. The command was in Kuwait, but there were assets in Iraq, Jordan, and other countries. “I was to make sure that the medical capability and personnel were correct from the medical standpoint. We were part of the Marine Corps Component response to ISIS in that region.” That was another 10 months.
He returned to his role as an emergency physician at Baylor Dallas downtown and had no thought of leaving. Then the phone rang again, this time with an invitation from the Chief of Staff at the Dallas VA Medical Center to become the head of their ER. “I went to see them. When you drive up, there is a boulevard of American flags.”
Our interview was over the phone, and suddenly, I thought we had been cut off. Then he came back. “I’m sorry. When inside the VA, seeing the guys in Korean and Viet Nam caps, or from WWII—it pulled on my heart strings. I guess it still does.” And then I realized—this very experienced, toughened military / medical man had choked up.
He took the job as Chief of Emergency Medicine at the Dallas VA Medical Center. Today, however, he has an additional, unexpected stress. He was diagnosed last year with an extremely rare cancer—EMPD. “I went through an extensive, 10-hour surgery, and the good news is that it hadn’t spread.” He says, however, that he is still rehabilitating from the surgery. He is back at work full-time, anyway, now helping Veterans battle a new kind of enemy—COVID-19.
What has sustained him throughout these various pressures? “First, any choice that I have made with my family is grounded in the Lord. Second is family—having Amy, and children Mary Beth (Burgher) Mogk; Stephen, Jr.; Thomas; as well as our parents. Third, the professional teams around me. In Emergency Medicine, it’s a team approach.” He then sums it all up in three words: “God, family, country.”
Easy words to say—only, “Doc Stephen” has lived them.
Linda Faulkner Johnston—Tradition Senior Living
“When inside the VA, seeing the guys in Korean and Viet Nam caps, or from WWII—it pulled on my heart strings. I guess it still does.” And then I realized—this very experienced, toughened military / medical man had choked up.
Join our Community.
Fill out this form to learn more about our preeminent retirement Communities.
Aging brings changes to both body and mind, making brain health an essential part of overall well-being. While some cognitive decline is a natural part of aging, research suggests that lifestyle choices can help support mental sharpness and long-term wellness. More seniors and their families are prioritizing holistic approaches to brain health, seeking ways to promote cognitive function and maintain an active, fulfilling life.
The Role of Lifestyle in Brain Health
Maintaining cognitive function isn’t about a single solution—it’s about adopting a lifestyle that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. From nutrition to movement, sleep, and social engagement, several key factors play a role in promoting brain health and overall longevity.
A Diet That Fuels the Mind
Nutrition plays a powerful role in supporting brain function. Diets rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients may contribute to cognitive resilience. The Mediterranean and MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diets emphasize:
- Leafy greens, berries, and colorful vegetables
- Whole grains, nuts, and legumes
- Healthy fats like olive oil and omega-3-rich fish
Incorporating these foods into daily meals can provide essential nutrients that contribute to overall well-being.
Keeping the Mind Active
Lifelong learning and mental stimulation are key to cognitive health. Engaging in activities that challenge the brain—such as reading, solving puzzles, learning a new skill, or exploring creative hobbies—can help keep the mind sharp. Structured programs like educational workshops, guest lectures, and discussion groups encourage ongoing learning and cognitive engagement.
The Connection Between Movement and Memory
Physical activity is often linked to better cognitive function. Exercise may improve blood flow to the brain, encourage neuroplasticity, and support overall health. Simple yet effective activities include:
- Walking, yoga, and low-impact strength training to support mobility and coordination
- Group fitness classes that provide both physical and social benefits
Staying active doesn’t just strengthen the body—it can also promote brain health and overall vitality.
The Power of Restful Sleep
Sleep is essential for memory retention and cognitive repair. Good sleep hygiene can help support mental clarity and emotional well-being. Establishing healthy sleep habits may include:
- Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine
- Reducing screen time and blue light exposure before bed
- Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing
Prioritizing restful sleep can enhance overall cognitive resilience and daily functioning.
Social Engagement and Emotional Well-being
Strong social connections are vital for mental and emotional health. Engaging in meaningful conversations, participating in group activities, and maintaining close relationships can help seniors feel connected and purposeful. Whether through family gatherings, community events, or interest-based clubs, staying socially engaged can provide a sense of belonging and cognitive stimulation.
Managing Stress for Mental Clarity
Chronic stress can have an impact on brain health. Incorporating mindfulness practices—such as meditation, deep breathing, or engaging in relaxing activities like gardening or music—can help reduce stress and promote emotional balance.
Creating a Supportive Environment for Brain Health
As seniors and their families explore living options, many are looking for communities that prioritize a holistic approach to wellness. A setting that fosters healthy dining, engaging activities, and social connection can contribute to cognitive and emotional well-being.
At The Tradition, we recognize that overall wellness extends beyond just physical health. Our communities provide opportunities for residents to stay active, connected, and engaged—encouraging a lifestyle that supports both body and mind. If you or a loved one are beginning the search for senior living, we invite you to explore how The Tradition fosters a fulfilling and enriching way of life.
ABOUT THE TRADITION
A luxury senior living Community offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care services, all in a resort-style setting.
TRADITION SENIOR LIVING
SOCIAL MEDIA
© 2008 - 2019 Tradition Senior Living. All rights Reserved.
© 2008 - 2019 Tradition Senior Living. All rights Reserved.