People of my age hope to die peacefully at home in their own bed, surrounded by family and friends.
Unfortunately, this is not often the case. On reviewing obituaries in our newspapers, I've noted a number of my fellow citizens are dying in Fargo hospitals -- two or three a week, at times.
Certainly, this is not always optional, but it is uncommon when a patient with a poor prognosis cannot be transferred to a Detroit Lakes health care facility -- by car, station wagon or ambulance -- for comparable or better care and the ensuing ambience.
We are blessed with great health care facilities -- two nursing homes, extended care facilities, Hospice, and -- above all -- St. Mary's Hospital -- run by the Benedictine order. St. Mary's is certified by state and federal agencies, and staffed 24 hours daily by trained, experience and caring personnel; X-ray, MRI, CAT scans, ICU, CCU, full lab and emergency care are always available.
We're fortunate also in having two medical clinics -- over 25 physicians! Their minimum education is four years of college, four years of medical school and two to four years of residency in their chosen field. They are licensed by the state, undergo examination by their specialty "boards," and put in over 40 hours of specialty medical education yearly to meet state requirements. This means up to 12 years after high school before a well-trained M.D. at age 30-31 can make a living.
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Nobody wants to die, but often there is a choice between hometown with friends, relatives, your own M.D. and minister (the "ambience" I mentioned) and elsewhere.
You do have a choice.
-- Dr. Robert N. Watson, Detroit Lakes
