Friendships, memories and a new chapter for Valley Medical Clinic

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

For Dr. Ward Fanning, stepping back from Valley Medical Clinic means saying goodbye to a working routine that has connected him with generations of Strathmore families.

“Over the years, patients have become much more than just patients. They have become close friends,” he said.

As the clinic’s long-time physicians prepare to retire, those friendships have made for an emotional few weeks. But amid the farewells, Fanning has encouraging news. Several physician groups have expressed interest in taking over, and he expects patient care to continue.

The clinic’s doctors include Fanning, Dr. Alison Clarke, Dr. Lori Lobay and Dr. Ben Sader, whose upcoming retirements were recently recognized by Strathmore town council.

For Fanning, retiring alongside his colleagues was a decision rooted in the relationships they have built at work.

“I really value all my colleagues here,” said Fanning “They’re great people.”

The physicians gave patients three months’ notice of their plans. Fanning noted that they (the physicians) have also advertised through professional journals, drawing interest from five physician groups.

At the time of the interview, any official news of an incoming group had not been announced. Fanning said the intention is to make the transition as smooth as possible, ideally keeping the same staff, computer systems and medical records.

That familiar staff is an important part of the clinic’s future.

“They’re wonderful people and wonderful caregivers,” he said.

For patients who have grown comfortable with the people greeting them, answering their calls and helping with their care, that continuity would mean a great deal.

Fanning’s own connection to Strathmore stretches back to July 1985, when he arrived after finishing his residency. The hospital had opened that spring, and the clinic building was already taking shape.

There was little time between training and getting to work. He finished his residency on a Friday and began working in emergency the next morning. His first patient was a man who had been badly injured by a bull, someone Fanning said he still sees today.

Other memories span entire families. He recalled caring for four generations in a single day, including delivering a baby and seeing the child’s mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Over the years the work has ranged from welcoming babies to treating fractures and responding to urgent medical needs. Those experiences have given Fanning plenty of stories, but it is the lasting relationships that stand out as retirement approaches.

“Well, I can tell you, the last week has been very emotional,” said Fanning. “People have come in here, and they’ve been crying. There’s been a lot of tears.”

The clinic has also grown alongside the community. Fanning remembers arriving when Strathmore had fewer than 3,000 residents, a time when it seemed everyone knew everyone.

Today the building brings several health services together, including medical care, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, physiotherapy and hearing services.

Fanning sees that mix as something special for the community and an appealing opportunity for the next group of physicians.

Although he is retiring from his regular practice, his interest in medicine remains strong. He is still signing up for conferences and courses, and he said there may be opportunities to help with holiday coverage or mentorship.

He also plans to stay in the town he has called home for decades.

“I’m staying in the community, ‘cause I love the community,” he said.

For now, there are more familiar faces to see and more goodbyes to share.

And as the doctors prepare to hand over the care of patients who have become friends, Fanning hopes the clinic’s next chapter will carry those relationships forward.