On Sunday, Sept. 20, I moved from the Wood River Valley to Klamath Falls, Ore., after 29 fantastic years in this beautiful place. I would just like to say thank you to my many friends and patients who have made this such a great place to live and work. It has been an honor and a privilege to practice medicine in a community of people who so actively participate in their own health and well-being by making such healthy lifestyle choices.
I have, of course, witnessed many changes in this valley over almost 30 years and would like to comment on two that appear to me to have been the most important.
First, Earl Holding's purchase of the Sun Valley Co. and subsequent transformation of the resort to one of world-class caliber has been phenomenal. Their contribution to the employment base in the valley and participation in so many community functions has made them integral to the success of many who live here.
Second, St. Luke's Health System's creation and management of a first-class hospital has had a huge positive impact on the quality of health care delivered in this valley. When we had two small hospitals at each end of the valley, we did a darn good job of providing medical care with what we had to work with but our new state-of-the-art facility has enabled us to take that care to the highest level possible in a community of this size. I would encourage each of you to utilize and support the St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center in any way that you can.
Thanks again to all of you.
Carl Barbee, M.D.
Hailey
