Dr. Gus Bynum, an assistant professor of family medicine in the University of Kentucky Department of Family Practice, is retiring from private practice after 39 years of caring for Georgetown families.

"I'll miss interacting with my patients and co-workers," Bynum said. "Finding out how their families are doing, what they've achieved and their hobbies. You really get to know people, and your patients become your friends."

Bynum comes from a strong family tradition of doctors: His father was a general surgeon and his maternal grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfathers were all doctors.

"I just felt like it was time to make a break," Bynum said. He's already well known in the area for one of his home projects — pumpkin-carving. Bynum says he also plans to focus on his woodworking and stone carving.

He and his wife already have two trips planned — one to the Washington, D.C., area soon for his son's wedding, and one to the Grand Canyon early next year — with many more in the future.