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Healer touched many lives in 37 years of medicine

Pat Parker

ESCANABA — A long-time family physician assistant at UP Health Systems Doctors Park in Escanaba is retiring after 37 years. Pat Parker started her career in June of 1981.

Parker, originally from Flint, Mich., studied medicine at the University of Detroit Mercy, which at the time was called Mercy College of Detroit. The final component of study was an eight-week program that lead her to the Upper Peninsula, she explained, noting her program director was adamant on her going.

Parker noted that at first she was hesitant to make her way from the big city to the smaller town of Escanaba because she was unsure she wanted to continue practicing family medicine, as it didn’t spark her interest fully.

Making her way to the U.P., Parker said she quickly adapted to learning and exploring the opportunities and community around her.

When she started, she was only one of three female physicians at Doctors Park.

“It’s been utterly fascinating,” said Parker. “It’s something new everyday.”

Over the years, Parker explained that she has had hundreds of thousands of visits spanning four generations of some families. When she started in 1981, she had 1,600 patients who listed her as their primary care doctor.

To date, Parker said she has 1,200 patients to her name, adding she will miss each and everyone of them.

A lot has changed over the span of the almost her almost 40 year career, the physician noted. Parker explained that practicing medicine has become more of a conversation, rather than a telling and doing process. She noted doctors used to just tell patients what to do, not giving them options for themselves. Today, Parker said its more of a relationship with patients and getting to know them, and their families, on a more personal level.

“I truly believe that it’s been a privilege,” said Parker, wiping away a tear.

Parker noted she decided to retire due to her age and she’s had a long-lasting, positive career. Parker is 65.

“It’s been a pretty cool place to work,” said Parker. “It’s been fun.”

In addition, Parker has moved with local medical facilities over her career. The original Doctors Park was located at 2500 7th Ave. S., where Pathways is currently. UP Health Systems Doctors Park is now located at 710 S. Lincoln Road.

Once in retirement, Parker said she will enjoy the time off and do things she does often such as hiking, biking, and tending to her garden. Her mother, now 90, is starting to show her age and Parker is looking forward to spending more time with her.

Parker raised her two children in Escanaba. One is graduating college as a graphic designer and the other is still in school, and working full-time.

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