Dr. Laurence Busse’s life took an unexpected turn in 1990 when he was involved in a car accident in New Orleans. As the sole survivor, Busse endured severe burns on 85 percent of his body, leaving him with a long and arduous road to recovery. Despite the grim prognosis, Busse’s determination to live never wavered.
Under the care of plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Crais, Busse underwent months of painful treatment and multiple surgeries. Throughout this challenging journey, Busse grappled with questions about his future and the impact of his appearance on his life. However, he refused to let these doubts consume him and instead focused on his goal of becoming a doctor.
After his recovery, Busse returned to college, determined to finish his degree and resume life as normal. He went on to earn an MBA and worked as a business consultant, but his passion for medicine persisted. Inspired by his parents’ involvement in the medical field and driven by a desire to make a difference, Busse decided to pursue a medical degree, specializing in critical care.
The time Busse spent as a patient in the intensive care unit was a transformative experience. It gave him a unique perspective on the patient’s journey and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by critically ill individuals. Busse channeled his own tragedy into motivation, using his spirit and determination to excel in his medical career.
Today, Dr. Laurence Busse serves as the medical director for critical care at Emory Johns Creek Hospital and is the site director of the Emory Critical Care Center. He combines his medical expertise with his business skills by running the Satellite Trails Group of Emory, which focuses on clinical trials.
Busse’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, he has emerged stronger and more determined than ever. He believes in seizing opportunities and finding one’s passion in life, and he hopes that his story will inspire others to do the same.