Archives for July 2025

After 48 years of devoted service to the Ortonville community and surrounding region, Dr. Robert Ross, affectionately known to most people as “Dr. Bob,” has announced his retirement from clinical practice. Dr. Bob’s retirement marks the end of an era for Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS) and Northside Medical Clinic, where he has been a cornerstone of compassionate, patient-centered care for nearly five decades.

Dr. Bob began his medical career in Ortonville in 1977. Throughout his career, he has become more than just a physician to many. He is a trusted presence in the lives of countless families, caring for multiple generations across Big Stone County and beyond. Dr. Bob’s wide-ranging clinical experience includes family medicine and obstetrics, including performing C-sections, an example of the depth and versatility often required in rural health.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Bob has served in several leadership and mentorship roles, including Clinic Medical Director and long-standing member of the board of directors for the Big Stone Health Care Foundation, where he has championed community health initiatives and fundraising efforts. Dr. Bob will continue to serve on the board for the Foundation, which has always been close to his heart.

Known for his steady leadership and calm presence, Dr. Bob has served as a mentor to many incoming providers. He is known among his colleagues as a steady hand, a wise counselor, and a deeply respected leader who has amplified a culture of excellence and empathy at OAHS.

Reflecting on his career, Dr. Bob states, “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 notes, “I will miss my patients, colleagues, my team, hospital, and nursing home staff at every level. You do God’s work. Keep it up.”

OAHS is deeply grateful that Dr. Bob chose to build his career here. His presence 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. Dr. Bob’s commitment to service, leadership, and advocacy in rural health, along with the legacy he leaves behind, will be felt for generations.

As part of the transition, OAHS has implemented a detailed plan to support Dr. Bob’s patients, including resources for selecting a new provider, transferring medical records, and receiving support from registered nurses for chronic condition management.

Plans are underway for a public celebration to honor Dr. Bob’s remarkable career and contributions to the community.

The Minnesota Department of Health has recertified Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS) as a Level Three Health Care Home, the highest level of certification available through the program.

Health Care Homes are primary care clinics that meet rigorous standards to deliver patient- and family-centered care. They focus on building strong relationships with patients and families, making care more personal, better coordinated, and easier to access. Clinics at this level work closely with other providers and community services and use a team approach to support each patient’s overall health.

At OAHS, this model includes offering flexible appointment options, assigning care coordinators to help patients manage their care, and ensuring communication across all the providers involved in a patient’s treatment. The goal is to make care smoother, more connected, and focused on each person’s unique needs.

This recognition reflects the ongoing work of the entire OAHS team. In particular, the Clinic and Quality departments lead the effort by maintaining high standards in day-to-day care and long-term planning.

A premanufactured MRI POD will be placed at Ortonville Area Health Services on Monday, July 14, and Tuesday, July 15. This project will temporarily impact Otto Avenue, Highland Highway, and access to the OAHS Emergency Department.

Monday, July 14

Schaefer Crane Service will mobilize a 350-ton crane and five semi loads of counterweights.

• Crane assembly and heavy equipment movement will take place in the ER parking lot and along Otto Ave. Please use extreme caution if traveling through this area, and avoid the area if possible.
• At the end of the day, a semi hauling the 15×55 ft, 105,000 lb MRI POD will arrive and park on Otto Ave.

Tuesday, July 15

On Tuesday morning, The crane will lift and place the MRI POD on its foundation next to the hospital.

• The 400 and 500 blocks of Otto Avenue will be closed to traffic during this time.
• Please use alternate routes and avoid the area if possible.

Emergency Department Access

The exterior ER entrance will be inaccessible both Monday and Tuesday.

• If you need emergency care on these days, please avoid Otto Avenue and park in the front lot of OAHS. Enter the building through the main clinic doors, and nursing staff will guide you to the ER.
• A plan is in place to ensure EMS ambulance services will continue to have direct access to the ER during this time.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this crucial step in our MRI installation.