Born in Rose Hill, Virginia, Autry O.V. "Pete" DeBusk received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lincoln Memorial University in 1965 and began a career in pharmaceutical sales, developing his first company—Pete DeBusk and Associates—in 1970. Never forgetting where he came from, he continues to look back and ask how to make life better in Appalachia and beyond.

In 1973, DeBusk patented his first orthopedic product, a boot to protect plaster casts, founding STAT Medical. As founder and chairman of DeRoyal Industries, Inc., now a global medical product leader, he expanded from one room in Fountain City to 21 facilities in six countries with 2,000+ employees. He also focused much of his time on his alma mater, Lincoln Memorial University (LMU), becoming board chairman in 2000. DeBusk envisioned an Ivy League model for LMU, with a third undergraduates and two-thirds in graduate or professional programs.

Under his leadership, LMU founded the LMU-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2007, gaining full accreditation before its inaugural class graduated in May 2011. DeBusk guided LMU's expansion, adding LMU Duncan School of Law, LMU School of Medical Sciences, LMU College of Veterinary Medicine, and terminal degrees, including Doctor of Education, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Business Administration. LMU continues DeBusk's vision with the LMU College of Dental Medicine and LMU School of Engineering, which opened in 2022.

DeBusk has received numerous awards and honors, including KnoxBiz's Health Care Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award, East Tennessean of the Year, Healthy Tennessee Eagle Award, Great Smoky Mountain Philanthropist of the Year, and Knoxville Chamber's Leadership Award. DeBusk has also received two honorary doctorate degrees from LMU, another honorary doctorate from the International Hall of Fame, and has now been inducted into the TICUA Hall of Fame!