MADERA, Calif. – After nearly two decades with Valley Children’s Healthcare, Dr. James Horspool is preparing to retire from his role as medical director of the Charlie Mitchell Children’s Center, bringing to a close a career marked by service, trust and lasting relationships with patients and families.
For Dr. Horspool, the milestone has prompted reflection on the people and experiences that shaped his journey.
“19 years later, here I am – and it’s been a great experience,” said Dr. Horspool, who will retire from his position this week. “And I look back now and think about the people I’ve known, the experiences I’ve had, the things I’ve learned, the people who have influenced me and the opportunities I’ve had to influence other people. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
The Charlie Mitchell Children’s Center was created to provide comprehensive primary care for children with complex medical needs, a mission Dr. Horspool embraced after arriving at Valley Children’s nearly two decades ago.
“I met somebody at Lemoore that led me to my job here, and this is just where I felt like I was supposed to be,” he said.
Born at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City and raised primarily in the greater Los Angeles area, Dr. Horspool said finding his professional path took time.
That search eventually led him to a career caring for some of the region’s most medically fragile children.
Over time, Dr. Horspool found that both his clinical experience and personal perspective were valuable in serving patients and supporting families navigating complex healthcare challenges.
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“Inpatient care is kind of a different skill set, but it’s a very satisfying one, especially with a complex population like ours,” Dr. Horspool said.
“After working here for a few years, I realized that the experiences that I had were very valuable here, both clinically and personally.”
As he prepares to step away from his role – a time that’s been filled with letters and gifts from patient families expressing gratitude – Dr. Horspool said the emotion that stands out most is gratitude.
“As I’ve met with people and thought about my time here, the overwhelmingly prevalent emotion I felt is just gratitude,” he said. “Gratitude for having been led to this career, for having been shepherded through it, and the trust that so many parents have extended to me, and being able to come to work every day and have these marvelous friendships and relationships.”
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Horspool has cared for generations of patients while helping advance the center’s mission of providing specialized care for children with complex medical conditions. He credits colleagues, families and mentors for making the experience meaningful.
Looking ahead, Dr. Horspool said he is confident the future of the center and Valley Children’s remains bright.
“I think we have reason to be proud, and I’m overwhelmingly grateful that I’ve had this experience,” he said.
And while retirement will mark the end of a chapter in medicine, Dr. Horspool is approaching the transition with the same humility that has characterized his career.
“I think I’ll be okay just being James after this,” he said.
