Honoring Dr. Richard Lunger's Legacy

On April 21st, we gathered in the Emergency Department to dedicate a plaque in memory of Dr. Richard Lunger. Dr. Lunger’s career came full circle at Hunterdon Health, beginning with his family practice residency following his Navy service in Vietnam. After years in private practice at Charlestown and a stint as an Air Force Flight Surgeon, he joined our ER team in 1983. He remained a fixture of our emergency care for over two decades, eventually partnering with Dr. Elliot Justin to form Pegasus Emergency Physicians before his retirement in 2004.

Those who worked alongside Richard remember him as a "diagnostic minimalist" in the best sense. He leaned on an old-school approach, prioritizing direct observation and patient dialogue over an immediate battery of tests. He had a knack for spotting obscure conditions that others might overlook, usually only ordering labs to confirm what he had already deduced at the bedside. It was this combination of sharp clinical instinct and a genuine, easy-going connection with his patients that made him such a respected figure in our halls.

The plaque now hangs in the Emergency Department where Dr. Lunger served tirelessly for years. During the presentation, Dr. Edward Spector, current president of Pegasus Emergency Group, spoke about Richard’s lasting impact on the department. Dr. Lunger’s wife, Carol, and his family were in attendance and were deeply moved by the words of our Hunterdon Health family. To further honor this legacy, a generous donation was made to the Auxiliary’s fundraising efforts for the MICU, ensuring the work Richard started continues to move forward.

Pictured (left to right): Mike Lunger, Rebecca Lunger, Kristy Alfano, COO and Incoming Interim President and CEO, Andrew Lunger, Dave Lunger, Tera Lunger, Carol Lunger, Courtney Fernandes, Dr. Edward Spector, President of Pegasus Emergency Group, Mary Jo Loughlin, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, and Keith Shipley, MICU Director.