MONROE - Donna Astin drives exactly 100 miles each time she visits her primary care physician.
The trip from Astin's home in Milton to Monroe takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes, each way. For 15 years, Astin has considered the drive an essential investment of her time. Yes, there are larger healthcare networks closer to Milton. Yes, there are other physicians who practice near Astin's home. But there is only one Mary Frantz, MD, and for more than 52 years, she has cared for patients at Monroe Clinic's adult medicine department.
"I drive a long way to see her," said Astin. "I've tried a few different doctors, and I found the rapport with Dr. Frantz to be the best. I think it's just her concern for her patients and her willingness to always find medical answers."
When asked to describe Dr. Frantz, Astin used the adjectives "knowledgeable, caring and compassionate." She explained that when it comes to spending time with her patients, Dr. Frantz has an "old fashioned" approach and takes the time necessary to listen, ask questions, and get to know her patients.
Virginia Wanless, also a patient of Dr. Frantz's, agrees. While the Monroe resident does not have to go as far for appointments, she appreciates that her physician is an exceptional caregiver and human being. Wanless estimates her first appointment with Dr. Frantz was 40 years ago, when she lived in Warren, Ill.
"We both had young children at the time," Wanless recalled.
From their first meeting, she knew Dr. Frantz was someone special.
"I just love her. She is so very kind to me," said Wanless.
Over the years, Wanless has resided out of the area at times, and during these times, she has seen other physicians. The experience made her appreciate her interactions with Dr. Frantz even more. She recalled making an appointment with another physician and requesting two appointments, one after the other, just to get more face time. Now that she lives in Monroe, one appointment with Dr. Frantz is just right.
"She has always spent time with me," said Wanless. "She's able to find out more about her patients. She knows I have three children, and she knows where they live."
In fact, Wanless even discussed her decision with Dr. Frantz to move out of the area this year to live closer to her children, and she valued Dr. Frantz's endorsement of her choice. The timing is good - not just for Wanless personally, but also because her beloved physician, Dr. Frantz, is retiring this month.
Regardless, Wanless is going to miss the extraordinary patient-physician relationship they shared.
"I always felt she was my friend," Wanless said.
For Astin, the news of Dr. Frantz's retirement has caused her to experience a mixture of emotions.
"I certainly think she's entitled to a well-deserved retirement. I'm just going to miss her very much," Astin said.
Another Time, Another Place
Before becoming the first female physician at Monroe Clinic, Dr. Mary Frantz lived with her colleague and husband, Dr. John Frantz, in a small town in Colorado. The couple originally met and married in 1946 while attending medical school in Rochester, New York. They later moved to Colorado where he completed his residency while she finished medical school at the University of Colorado.
Together, they established a private practice in Colorado and began a family. During her time there, she attended an estimated 40 births, and she continues to recall those experiences with great fondness. However, being two of only several physicians in the town placed restraints on the family.
"We couldn't leave town together," Dr. Frantz said.
Her husband began looking to join a physician group - a work model that was rather uncommon at the time. They subscribed to a physician newsletter and discovered Monroe Clinic.
"The physician group in Monroe appealed to us," she said. "They offered 'big city' medicine but in a small town."
History in the Making
In 1955, her husband joined Monroe Clinic as its 20th partner, and Dr. Mary Frantz continued to focus on the responsibilities of motherhood while putting down roots in Monroe. In all, the couple had five daughters - Betsy, Barbara, Margaret, Caroline and Winifred - so there was rarely a dull moment in the Frantz household. However, Dr. Frantz still valued her skills as a physician and sought part-time work.
"I wanted to keep up with my profession, but raising our kids was my priority," she said.
It wasn't long before Dr. Frantz was putting her medical skills to use as the first female physician at Monroe Clinic. At first, the other medical staff wasn't sure what to do with her. She started by assisting with surgery.
"Although I wasn't a surgeon, I knew how to hold a retractor," Dr. Frantz said.
Two years later, in 1957, she began seeing her own patients and officially became a member of Monroe Clinic's adult medicine staff. While she was trained as a general medicine physician, in 1965, Dr. Frantz took her boards to become certified as an internal medicine physician.
Since joining Monroe Clinic, Dr. Frantz not only witnessed history in the making, she has been part of it.
In the medical world, she has experienced the evolution of public health initiatives and the impact of routine vaccinations. She can recall a time when entire hospital floors were dedicated to a single infectious disease, such as tuberculosis or polio. She saw the introduction of Medicare in the 60s change the way physicians and patients did business.
"There was no Medicare when I first started seeing patients," Dr. Frantz said. "Physicians would often forgive bills, or some people wouldn't even see a doctor."
Dr. Frantz has also embarked on a number of personal adventures over the years. In 1968, she and her husband joined the Peace Corps and, along with their three youngest children, moved to Afghanistan where they taught medical students and residents for two years.
"Living in a totally different culture was a great experience. It brought us closer together as a family," Dr. Frantz said.
While the locals in Afghanistan were extremely kind to the family and protective of their daughters, the Frantzs also saw firsthand the disadvantages of having little or no access to modern medical technology or medicines.
Their time in the Peace Corps is not the only time the Frantzs have ventured outside of Monroe. Explorers by nature, they have visited a number of far-off destinations, including South America, Australia, and Europe. One of their favorite locations is New Zealand, which they have visited numerous times.
In addition to their adventures, the Frantz family has also had to face tragedy - most devastating, the loss of two children. Betsy was killed in an accident at age 19, and later, Margaret passed away at age 35 after battling cancer. Today, their three other children are spread throughout the country - Winifred in Earlville, Illinois; Barbara in Portland, Oregon; and Caroline in Baltimore, Maryland.
Closing a Chapter
When Dr. Frantz first moved to Monroe, a photographer from the local paper snapped a picture of her riding a bicycle. A photo of an adult on a bicycle was a novel sight in the mid-fifties. Today, at the age of 87, Dr. Frantz still prefers travel by bicycle or foot, though she and her husband will use the car when going to church - the Unitarian Universalist Church in Madison - where they are active members. She continues to enjoy hiking, gardening and reading up on medical research. She also stays involved in the community as a member of the Monroe School Board.
While Dr. Frantz explains that she is retiring from her practice because it is "hard to keep up," most people would probably find it hard to keep up with Dr. Frantz at her current pace, retired or otherwise. As a medical assistant who has worked with Dr. Frantz for almost a decade, Denise Dye can testify to that fact.
"She's an inspiration," Dye said, explaining how Dr. Frantz recently traveled by foot from Monroe to a picnic in Clarno.
Dye said Dr. Frantz will be missed by staff and patients alike.
"She's very compassionate and understanding. She has never made a negative comment," said Dye "She's just an amazing woman."
And this month, as Dr. Frantz retires after spending more than a half-century with Monroe Clinic, she returns the sentiment for her patients and staff.
"Our department is very close and caring. I expect that to continue," Dr. Frantz said.
She added that as she shares the news of her retirement with her patients, it's a bittersweet experience.
"We've had some very sad moments when I see my patients. Some of them, I've been seeing for 50 years. Some are the children or grandchildren of former patients," Dr. Frantz said. "I'll miss those personal relationships."
CALL-OUT BOX
When: Friday, June 11, 4-7 p.m.
Where: Monroe Clinic Founders Hall, lower level, clinic building
What: The community is welcome to stop by and wish Dr. Mary Frantz well on her retirement. Cake and ice cream will be served.
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The trip from Astin's home in Milton to Monroe takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes, each way. For 15 years, Astin has considered the drive an essential investment of her time. Yes, there are larger healthcare networks closer to Milton. Yes, there are other physicians who practice near Astin's home. But there is only one Mary Frantz, MD, and for more than 52 years, she has cared for patients at Monroe Clinic's adult medicine department.
"I drive a long way to see her," said Astin. "I've tried a few different doctors, and I found the rapport with Dr. Frantz to be the best. I think it's just her concern for her patients and her willingness to always find medical answers."
When asked to describe Dr. Frantz, Astin used the adjectives "knowledgeable, caring and compassionate." She explained that when it comes to spending time with her patients, Dr. Frantz has an "old fashioned" approach and takes the time necessary to listen, ask questions, and get to know her patients.
Virginia Wanless, also a patient of Dr. Frantz's, agrees. While the Monroe resident does not have to go as far for appointments, she appreciates that her physician is an exceptional caregiver and human being. Wanless estimates her first appointment with Dr. Frantz was 40 years ago, when she lived in Warren, Ill.
"We both had young children at the time," Wanless recalled.
From their first meeting, she knew Dr. Frantz was someone special.
"I just love her. She is so very kind to me," said Wanless.
Over the years, Wanless has resided out of the area at times, and during these times, she has seen other physicians. The experience made her appreciate her interactions with Dr. Frantz even more. She recalled making an appointment with another physician and requesting two appointments, one after the other, just to get more face time. Now that she lives in Monroe, one appointment with Dr. Frantz is just right.
"She has always spent time with me," said Wanless. "She's able to find out more about her patients. She knows I have three children, and she knows where they live."
In fact, Wanless even discussed her decision with Dr. Frantz to move out of the area this year to live closer to her children, and she valued Dr. Frantz's endorsement of her choice. The timing is good - not just for Wanless personally, but also because her beloved physician, Dr. Frantz, is retiring this month.
Regardless, Wanless is going to miss the extraordinary patient-physician relationship they shared.
"I always felt she was my friend," Wanless said.
For Astin, the news of Dr. Frantz's retirement has caused her to experience a mixture of emotions.
"I certainly think she's entitled to a well-deserved retirement. I'm just going to miss her very much," Astin said.
Another Time, Another Place
Before becoming the first female physician at Monroe Clinic, Dr. Mary Frantz lived with her colleague and husband, Dr. John Frantz, in a small town in Colorado. The couple originally met and married in 1946 while attending medical school in Rochester, New York. They later moved to Colorado where he completed his residency while she finished medical school at the University of Colorado.
Together, they established a private practice in Colorado and began a family. During her time there, she attended an estimated 40 births, and she continues to recall those experiences with great fondness. However, being two of only several physicians in the town placed restraints on the family.
"We couldn't leave town together," Dr. Frantz said.
Her husband began looking to join a physician group - a work model that was rather uncommon at the time. They subscribed to a physician newsletter and discovered Monroe Clinic.
"The physician group in Monroe appealed to us," she said. "They offered 'big city' medicine but in a small town."
History in the Making
In 1955, her husband joined Monroe Clinic as its 20th partner, and Dr. Mary Frantz continued to focus on the responsibilities of motherhood while putting down roots in Monroe. In all, the couple had five daughters - Betsy, Barbara, Margaret, Caroline and Winifred - so there was rarely a dull moment in the Frantz household. However, Dr. Frantz still valued her skills as a physician and sought part-time work.
"I wanted to keep up with my profession, but raising our kids was my priority," she said.
It wasn't long before Dr. Frantz was putting her medical skills to use as the first female physician at Monroe Clinic. At first, the other medical staff wasn't sure what to do with her. She started by assisting with surgery.
"Although I wasn't a surgeon, I knew how to hold a retractor," Dr. Frantz said.
Two years later, in 1957, she began seeing her own patients and officially became a member of Monroe Clinic's adult medicine staff. While she was trained as a general medicine physician, in 1965, Dr. Frantz took her boards to become certified as an internal medicine physician.
Since joining Monroe Clinic, Dr. Frantz not only witnessed history in the making, she has been part of it.
In the medical world, she has experienced the evolution of public health initiatives and the impact of routine vaccinations. She can recall a time when entire hospital floors were dedicated to a single infectious disease, such as tuberculosis or polio. She saw the introduction of Medicare in the 60s change the way physicians and patients did business.
"There was no Medicare when I first started seeing patients," Dr. Frantz said. "Physicians would often forgive bills, or some people wouldn't even see a doctor."
Dr. Frantz has also embarked on a number of personal adventures over the years. In 1968, she and her husband joined the Peace Corps and, along with their three youngest children, moved to Afghanistan where they taught medical students and residents for two years.
"Living in a totally different culture was a great experience. It brought us closer together as a family," Dr. Frantz said.
While the locals in Afghanistan were extremely kind to the family and protective of their daughters, the Frantzs also saw firsthand the disadvantages of having little or no access to modern medical technology or medicines.
Their time in the Peace Corps is not the only time the Frantzs have ventured outside of Monroe. Explorers by nature, they have visited a number of far-off destinations, including South America, Australia, and Europe. One of their favorite locations is New Zealand, which they have visited numerous times.
In addition to their adventures, the Frantz family has also had to face tragedy - most devastating, the loss of two children. Betsy was killed in an accident at age 19, and later, Margaret passed away at age 35 after battling cancer. Today, their three other children are spread throughout the country - Winifred in Earlville, Illinois; Barbara in Portland, Oregon; and Caroline in Baltimore, Maryland.
Closing a Chapter
When Dr. Frantz first moved to Monroe, a photographer from the local paper snapped a picture of her riding a bicycle. A photo of an adult on a bicycle was a novel sight in the mid-fifties. Today, at the age of 87, Dr. Frantz still prefers travel by bicycle or foot, though she and her husband will use the car when going to church - the Unitarian Universalist Church in Madison - where they are active members. She continues to enjoy hiking, gardening and reading up on medical research. She also stays involved in the community as a member of the Monroe School Board.
While Dr. Frantz explains that she is retiring from her practice because it is "hard to keep up," most people would probably find it hard to keep up with Dr. Frantz at her current pace, retired or otherwise. As a medical assistant who has worked with Dr. Frantz for almost a decade, Denise Dye can testify to that fact.
"She's an inspiration," Dye said, explaining how Dr. Frantz recently traveled by foot from Monroe to a picnic in Clarno.
Dye said Dr. Frantz will be missed by staff and patients alike.
"She's very compassionate and understanding. She has never made a negative comment," said Dye "She's just an amazing woman."
And this month, as Dr. Frantz retires after spending more than a half-century with Monroe Clinic, she returns the sentiment for her patients and staff.
"Our department is very close and caring. I expect that to continue," Dr. Frantz said.
She added that as she shares the news of her retirement with her patients, it's a bittersweet experience.
"We've had some very sad moments when I see my patients. Some of them, I've been seeing for 50 years. Some are the children or grandchildren of former patients," Dr. Frantz said. "I'll miss those personal relationships."
CALL-OUT BOX
When: Friday, June 11, 4-7 p.m.
Where: Monroe Clinic Founders Hall, lower level, clinic building
What: The community is welcome to stop by and wish Dr. Mary Frantz well on her retirement. Cake and ice cream will be served.
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