On the evening of July 1, friends and colleagues of Dr. Jim Goettle gathered at the Clinic to honor him upon his retirement, acknowledge his many years of service to the medical profession and his patients, and to celebrate his 90th birthday. Dr. Goettle has been a loyal and much admired volunteer at the Clinic for many years. Much loved by those who turn to the clinic for medical care, he has inspired many other doctors and countless volunteers by his unflagging service. In his letter to the GNFMC Board, Dr. Goettle said that he wanted to see some patients on July 1 so that he could say the worked into his 90’s!
Bishop Alden Hatheway presided at the gathering and he presented Dr. Goettle with a plaque bearing his photo and the following inscription:
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JAMES W. GOETTLE, M.D. In recognition of over 55 years of devoted service to his patients and in gratitude for the years he practiced at Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic of Beaufort, the Board, Staff and Volunteers of this Clinic honor Dr. Goettle on the occasion of his retirement and his 90th birthday. We are blessed to have known and worked with him and hope that his words below will inspire the work of those who provide and seek care in this special place for years to come. I have practiced in a number of settings, and although I have enjoyed all of them, the Good Neighbor Clinic gave me an emotional experience that none of the other settings offered. Surrounded by volunteers giving their time and the appreciation of our patients was the difference. |
A copy of the plaque will be hung in the reception area of the Clinic to honor his years of service. |