OAHS  to Host Retirement Party for Dr. Bob September 13

Dr. Robert Ross – affectionately known as Dr. Bob –  retired from clinical practice at Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS) and Northside Medical Clinic this past August.  Dr. Bob had been a cornerstone of compassionate, patient-centered care there for 48 years.

A reception to celebrate Dr. Bob and his career will be held on Saturday, September 13, from 2-4 p.m. at Fairway View in Ortonville. A brief program will begin at approximately 2:30 p.m.  Everyone is welcome.

After repeated enquiries from the community regarding the best way to honor Dr. Bob, OAHS has established the Dr. Bob High School Scholarship Fund. The scholarships will support local students and carry forward his passion for inspiring the next generation of healthcare workers.

The new scholarship fund seems especially fitting as Dr. Bob began his medical career in 1977 in Ortonville. Throughout the past five decades, he became more than just a physician. He was a trusted figure in the lives of countless families, as he cared for multiple generations across Big Stone County and beyond. Dr. Bob’s wide-ranging experience encompassed everything from family medicine to obstetrics, and it exemplified the depth and versatility often required in rural healthcare. 

Known for his calm presence, he also served as a mentor to many incoming providers. Dr. Bob was known among his colleagues as a steady hand, a wise counselor, and a respected leader who encouraged a culture of excellence and empathy at OAHS.

He served in several other leadership roles, including Clinic Medical Director. He was also a long-standing member of the board of directors for the Big Stone Health Care Foundation, where he championed community health initiatives and spearheaded fundraising efforts. Now, in his retirement, Dr. Bob will remain on the board of the foundation as its mission holds a special place in his heart .

A hospital spokesperson said, “Dr. Bob has shaped, not only the care delivered within OAHS, but also the trust and connection between a rural health system and the communities it serves. His commitment to service, leadership, and advocacy in rural health, along with the legacy he leaves behind, will be felt for generations.”

Reflecting on his career, Dr. Bob stated, “Looking back over the past 48 years, I am deeply grateful for the trust my patients have placed in me. The relationships we have built, the stories we have shared, and the challenges we have navigated together have all shaped my journey as a physician and as a person.” He further noted, “I will miss my patients, colleagues, my team, hospital, and nursing home staff at every level. You do God’s work. Keep it up!”