I have been reminiscing, while I approach my retirement March 1.

When I came to Pawating Hospital in 1981, I was accepted by many fine physicians as a colleague. Dr. Kent Hassan was a kind physician and mentor. Dr. John Bruni was an exemplary diagnostician and surgeon. Dr. Aaron Warren built the Cass Family Clinic and the ER physician group. I am grateful to him that he helped introduce me to Niles through my work in the emergency room. He was also instrumental in recommending me to become a helicopter physician in Kalamazoo.

Mr. Robert Harrison and Mr. Murray Campbell were great stewards for Pawating in the ever-changing financial healthcare climate. They helped our hospital thrive and later become part of the Lakeland system.  Physician colleagues I have worked with over the years, are too numerous to mention, but were all greatly respected and appreciated.

Medicine has changed over the years. 

Charles Dickens said: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Medical information is at your fingertips, from “best practice guidelines” to pharmaceutical information, to disease diagnosis and management. Physicians must balance the responsibilities of compassionate quality care for patients with the burdens of meddling insurance companies, and ill advised government regulations. Physicians need to use computerization as a tool rather than a barrier to simple history taking and physical exams. Simple information gathering can be extremely life-saving.

Developing a human connection with patients is the best part of medicine. Striving together to achieve better quality of care, better outcomes and better satisfaction is what makes this job fun. We all need to remember what is important and what is valuable in this trusted equation between doctor and patient and vice versa. I feel blessed to be part of this equation.

I would like to thank all of my patients I have had over the years. Working together towards these goals has been uplifting, rewarding, and gratifying.  Over the years, I have had patients in our office, hospital wards and intensive care unit. I have worked with a tremendous team of nurses, pharmacists, nursing assistants, ward clerks, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, speech and occupational therapists, radiology and laboratory technicians, care managers, dietitians, medical records workers, maintenance workers, home care workers, volunteers and family members of our patients.  Working together, I believe we can continue to strive for excellence. I believe we are very lucky to have such a high-quality hospital in our community.  I believe the people who work in our community hospital really care, and always try to do the best.

Paul Detrisac

Niles