Dr. Ronald Witzke is closing his Medicine Hat practice.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
After 50 years of caring for patients in Medicine Hat and elsewhere across Canada, Dr. Ronald Witzke is retiring from practice as of July 1.
Born and raised in Manitoba, Witzke completed his schooling at the University of Manitoba, graduating from its medical school in 1973.
Following his graduation, Witzke served as a doctor in the Canadian Air Force – a position he remained in until 1985, when he was recruited by Medicine Hat’s now defunct Medical Arts Centre.
In the years following, Witzke served as a consultant general surgeon working out of Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, as well as his own practice, treating patients with a variety of ailments, including trauma, cancers, hernias and digestive issues.
Witzke also played a large role in establishing gastroenterology and endoscopy services in the region.
Roughly four years ago, Witzke to part-time hours and set up his current surgical clinic, where he conducts local aesthetic procedures, with a focus on skin and tissue ailments.
While Witzke has enjoyed his time caring for Hatters, he is now looking forward to retirement, which will begin July 1, however his practice will officially close Aug. 1.
“I’ve been a doctor for 50 years, and I’ve been (in Medicine Hat) for 38 years, which is quite a while,” Witzke told the News. “I really enjoy the community; it’s been a great community to raise my kids in and run a surgical practice in, so I’ve been really happy here.
“I do appreciate the confidence shown in me by the general population and by the referring doctors. So, I definitely would like to thank the community and all the referring doctors for their confidence and trust in me.”
As well as thanking community members and bidding them adieu, Witzke wants to assure his patients their records from his practice will continue to be accessible through their family doctors, as well as RSRS, a secure medical records facility, which can be reached by calling 1-888-563-3734, ext. 1.
In his final message to the community, Witzke simply said: “Thank you for the privilege of caring for you.”
