Dr. Joseph M. Mattson retires after 41 years

After serving 41 years as a family/geriatric practitioner in the West River system, Dr. Joseph M. Mattson retired April 16. He has worked in all clinics in the system but points to the Hettinger and Lemmon Clinics as his long-term service commitments.

Dr. Joseph Mattson volunteered his services upon his arrival in 1968 to teach the first formalized training session in emergency care in North Dakota. Dr. Mattson had recently been discharged from the United States Air Force and applied the military’s most recent emergency medical standards in training the volunteers.

During his years in the area, Dr. Mattson helped shape rural healthcare and the satellite clinic systems. He served many years as medical director of Hillcrest Care Center (later Western Horizons Care Center). He also assisted affiliated area clinics and served the Bison Ambulance as Medical Director. Dr. Mattson served the Catholic Church in Hettinger, Reeder and Scranton, as an ordained Deacon.

Reprinted from a 2008 Reporter, written by one of his patients, “If I’ve ever known a candidate for canonization, it’s Joe Mattson, and I’m the happy recipient of a couple of his miracles, so I’ve got the evidence. In fact, I am the evidence. Just last year I acquired a rather rare and serious ailment that required my transfer from West River Health Services to the Mayo Clinic. The super specialist there was amazed at Dr. Mattson and West River’s quick and accurate diagnosis. The Mayo doctor was so impressed that he told me, ‘I’m sure you wouldn’t have been diagnosed that quickly had you been here.’ That is surely a greater tribute than any I could offer,” wrote Mark Resner, Mott.

The West River community thanks Dr. Mattson for 41 years of excellent patient care and untiring dedication to the organization.

“It has been a great pleasure providing for your health care needs over the years. I encourage you to continue your care with West River Health Services. I greatly value our relationship and thank you for your loyalty and friendship over the years. It has been a pleasure and honor to have you as a patient. Best wishes for your future health.’

Sincerely,

Joseph M. Mattson, MD

06/28/2010