All in the Family: OBs Practice at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox 

Table talk at family dinners can be interesting for the Bush family. A veritable medical dynasty, father, daughter and son specialize in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and three of them are on staff at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. 

“Sometimes, my wife, who has her own successful career, will just roll her eyes when we get going. So, we just try to keep it at a minimum,” said Dr. John Gregory Bush, scion of the OB family that includes Dr. John Bush, Dr. Joseph Bush and Dr. Cerise Bush. 

Getting all four together at one time can be a challenge, considering the unpredictable nature of their profession. Dr. Joseph Bush said his dad had to bolt often when the call came. 

“I saw my dad getting calls at all hours of the night and having to leave family dinners and parties,” he said. But despite the challenges, he also saw the connection his dad had with his patients, ones that stretched far sometimes. 

“Even on vacations, former patients came up to my dad to say hello. You make such cool connections with people. I wanted that, too.” 

Inspired by his father’s dedication to patients, Dr. Joseph Bush decided to follow in his footsteps. 

“I turned to my dad at one point and said, very matter of factly, ‘I’m going to be a doctor. I just want to help people.’ And, of course I was going to be an OB,” he said. “I’ve just enjoyed making people feel better. And seeing their faces when they realize they’re going to meet their babies.” 

A Legacy of Caring

Dr. Cerise Bush said she knew as well that the job was going to take her away from family at times. But reflecting on her father’s influence, she still was drawn to Obstetrics and Gynecology. 

“The legacy my dad has created for himself is rooted in his strong work ethic, his commitment to lifelong learning and a sense of responsibility toward the well-being of others,” she said. 

While acknowledging the demanding nature of the profession, Dr. Cerise Bush emphasizes that her father always placed family first. “His commitment to both his career and our family is one of my favorite things about him. He taught those same values to my siblings and me, and I know it played a key role in illuminating my own path. But he also taught us that no matter how busy life gets, family always comes first. My dad was a very active, present dad, and he was always at the important things.” 

Dr. Cerise Bush and Dr. Joe Bush say they are immensely proud of their dad, both as a doctor and as a father. The close-knit family not only celebrates each other professionally, but also shares in personal successes. Dr. John Bush and his wife are proud of the family they have created and enjoy watching all of them flourish individually. 

“Four children, one in marketing, three in OB, two at Silver, one up north. My son, John, is a good surgeon, and we’ll consult on occasion,” he said.

A Special Calling

“OB calls you. It tells you that you need to do this to help bring life into the world. And we become a big part of our patients’ lives. You get to be a part of this genuine joy. I get lots of wonderful thank-you notes,” Dr. John Bush said. 

Welcoming his children into the practice has brought an added layer of joy and support. Dr. Joseph Bush reflects fondly of the time he has with his Dad and sister. 

“It’s actually really fun working with my father and sister. We’ve done C-sections together, twins, in fact!” 

Dr. Cerise Bush additionally emphasizes the privilege of working closely with family members and the joys of being a family-owned practice. 

“Working with my dad and brother is a privilege that not many get to experience in their lifetime. My dad has a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering dedication to his patients. His guidance has been invaluable in growing into the doctor that I am today. 

“My brother joined the team last year, and his energy and passion has made us an even stronger practice. The three of us complement the strengths of the other, and the fact that we are family fosters a deep sense of trust and understanding that transcends mere business relationships.” 

The Bush family’s commitment to each other, their patients and their profession exemplifies a unique blend of medical expertise, shared values and a legacy of care that extends far beyond the hospital walls. 

For more information on Women’s and Infant’s Services at Silver Cross, visit www.silvercross.org.