Doctor provides healing touch for nearly 5 decades [The Progress-Index, Petersburg, Va.]

Jan. 03--PETERSBURG -- How many patients he has treated in his long career, Dr. Burke Steele Jr. can't recall. More than likely, that number could be in the thousands. But of one thing, Steele is certain. "I am currently the longest practicing physician in Petersburg," he said.

For almost five decades, Steele, a general practitioner, has looked after his patients inside his office at 51 S. Market St. The Victorian-style building itself has quite a unique medical history. It has housed a doctor's office continuously since the early 1900s, making Steele the last resident to date, but also the longest.

Steele was born in Lynchburg in 1934. But when his father, a banker, found work in Petersburg, the family relocated when Steele was 5 years old. "I grew up in Walnut Hill, which was a lot of fun for us kids," he said.

Petersburg was an exciting place then, Steele said. "It was during World War II, and it was busy with merchants because there were no malls and Fort Lee was so close," he said. Upon graduating from Petersburg High School, Steele went off to Washington & Lee University in Lexington, majoring in history.

"I wasn't really interested in the medical field at that point, I was thinking more about law school," Steele said.

Some of his teachers later inspired him to discard his plans and seek a medical education. Steele transferred to the Medical College of Virginia, and he interned at Stuart Circle Hospital. After receiving his doctor title in 1960, he joined the Navy.

For the next two years, Steele traveled the world as a doctor servicing a fleet of destroyers and carriers.

"I saw many European countries, especially those in Scandinavia," he said. Steele even made it as far north as the Arctic Circle.

In 1963, upon leaving the Navy, Steele returned home to Petersburg to practice medicine. "I always knew that I wanted to come back here," he said. "I like the area, and I had friends and family here."

At first, Steele saw many patients of Dr. Fletcher Wright Jr., whose father had already practiced at the historical residence on South Market Street. When Wright retired, Steele took over the office -- and has been there ever since. "I think it's rare to find one location with so much history," he said.

Steele enjoys talking about history. Across the street, less than a block from his office, stands the Thomas Wallace House, where President Abraham Lincoln met with Union Gen. Ulysses Grant after the Battle of Petersburg concluded.

"This street used to be quite upscale," Steele said. "Unfortunately, many of the old buildings are long gone."

Steele never considered leaving Petersburg. With his wife Elizabeth, who he met in college and married in 1958, he has made his home here. The couple has three adult children and nine grandchildren. One of his sons, an insurance broker, has his office in the same building as his father. But none of his children followed in his footsteps as a doctor.

"They are too smart," Steele said, laughing.

His office, where Steele has practiced for decades, is a window to old times. His furniture and the artwork on the walls look like they haven't been moved for many years. "I don't know why I am still here," Steele said. "I think I enjoy it," he adds, laughing.

The most fun part of his long career in Petersburg is meeting people, Steele said. "I've met lots of them," he said. But he doesn't remember any local celebrities or personalities who stand out. "I look at everyone the same way," Steele said.

Even though he has slowed down in recent years, Steele still sees between 15 to 20 patients a day. He admits that pushing 80, he had thought about retiring. But only for a minute.

"No, not really," he said when asked if he has plans to close his office anytime soon.

In his free time, Steele enjoys sports and history. He currently serves on the board of the Virginia Commonwealth Bank and volunteers for city museums. After a lifetime in Petersburg, he still has hope for the city.

"Things have started to come back up," he said, looking out of his window, as if he was looking into the future.

- Markus Schmidt may be reached at 722-5172 or [email protected]

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