- Dale Angerman, MD
- Michael Bosworth, DO, FAAFP
- James Chaillet, MD, FAAFP
- Susan Crapes, MD
- Patrick Fahey, MD
- Janet Gick, MD
- James Gottfried, MD, FAAFP
- Raymond Gruenther, MD, FAAFP
- Gregory Haban, MD
- Vernon Hershberger, MD, FAAFP
- Paul Heyslinger, MD
- Peter Howison, MD
- Patricia Hubbell, MD, FAAFP
- Thomas Hubbell, MD, FAAFP
- Surendra Kumar, MD, FAAFP
- Fausto Lazo, MD, FAAFP
- Grenville Machado, MD
- John Ortman, MD
- Lawrence Ratcliff, MD
- Ronald Shemenski, MD
- Robert Sinsheimer, MD, FAAFP
- James Soldano, MD
- Albert Weisbrot, MD, FAAFP.
In recognition of their devotion to the craft of family medicine and outstanding community leadership, a commemorative pin has been commissioned in honor of our OAFP members who have practiced medicine for 50. Cast in sterling silver and blue enamel and boasting the words, “Dedication, Service, and Integrity,” this badge will serve as a symbol of the OAFP’s deep appreciation for a lifetime commitment to family medicine.
The OAFP is honored to share the following reflections and photographs submitted by this years’ class of “50 Years in Medicine” milestone members.
Dale Angerman, MD
My favorite memory is following in my father’s and brother’s footsteps and becoming a family doctor, too.
Susan Crapes, MD
I am grateful for the education I received that allowed me to pursue a career not available to many women until that time. I worked for a community health organization in rural Southeast Ohio areas for 30 years. Since retirement from primary care, I’ve been active in public health in a rural county. Though there is no favorite practice memory, I feel privileged to have known so many people in various phases of life. Hopefully, the overall effect was to be of help to those people.
Patrick Fahey, MD
My favorite memories included seeing on occasion young adults in the office whom I had delivered a couple decades earlier.
Peter Howison, MD
My favorite memories are from participating in births.
Surendra Kumar, MD, FAAFP
I graduated from Darbhanga Medical College in Bihar, India, in 1972, the same year I came to this country. I worked as a research associate at the University of Colorado Medical Center for about 2 years. I have several publications regarding neuroblastoma. After passing my ECFMG examination, I joined the Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, as a straight surgical intern from July 1974 to June 1975. Then I joined the Mercy Hospital Family Practice Residency Program in Toledo, OH, from July 1975 to June 1978. After completing residency, I opened my solo family practice in Oregon, OH, where I worked till December 2023.
I was an active medical staff member at the local Mercy St. Charles Hospital where I served as a department director and chief of staff. I was also an active member at ProMedica Bay Park Hospital and several local nursing homes. I am ABFM Board Certified and a life member of the AAFP.
I took care of patients in my office, in several local hospitals, and at events and gave medical advice to participating people. I received several community appreciation rewards. My experience as a family physician was very satisfying and rewarding.
I retired on January 1, 2024, and now I spend my time volunteering in community health and traveling.
I appreciate and thank the OAFP for recognizing my 50 years in medicine.
Fausto Lazo, MD, FAAFP
My wife, Sharon Lazo MD, FAAFP, (who would have also been receiving this honor) and I had the privilege to serve the community of Bridgeport, OH together. We were blessed with the best patients any physician could ask for. We were together through college, medical school, and residency. Unfortunately, my wife passed away after a long illness a few months ago. I still keep in touch with most of my patients through social media and see some of them on a daily basis. We had a wonderful life.
Lawrence Ratcliff, MD (with wife Shelia Wilson)
It goes without saying that the help I received from the AAFP and the OAFP over the last 50 years of my career in family medicine allowed me to achieve success in so many facets of my life.
What are my best memories of practice……. all of it!!! Medical school; residency at Grant Medical Center; U.S. Navy stationed in Jacksonville; emergency room practice in Newark; family practice in German Village, Kettering Medical Center, Providence Medical Group and in Farmersville, OH.
The memories of all the patients and colleagues along the way. Caring for the community of Farmersville and the local Valley View High School sports teams. The nuanced and funny moments along the way with the ups and downs of that wonderful timeline called the practice of family medicine.
Robert Sinsheimer, MD, FAAFP
Before seeing an elderly man with severe heart failure, the family demanded to speak with me. “Please don’t tell Dad he’s dying. The stress will hurt him.” The family’s request presented me with a not uncommon ethical dilemma. As I headed to the exam room I was troubled. Wasn’t it was the right of the patient to know the truth? But if I told him, the family would be the one dealing with the fallout. I entered the exam room and started taking his history. When I was listening to his lungs, I had an idea. “Do you worry that you are dying,” I asked. He looked me in the eyes. “I know I’m dying doctor. Just don’t tell my family.”