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Retirement: A New Prescription for Dr. Argo
He’s been caring for patients of Mahaska County and Oskaloosa for 37 years. That all will change on June 29 when Dr. Charles Argo walks out the doors of Family Medical Center for the last time and begins his retirement.
“When I came to Oskaloosa and Family Medical Center in 1970,” said Dr. Argo, “there were only two small groups of physicians and several solo physicians to care for members of this community. Family Medical Center has grown from just three doctors to 11 during the course of my practice. There have been lots of changes. Of course, 37 years ago people used to ask me if I was even old enough to be a doctor; no one asks me that any more.”
No one has to ask. Dr. Charles Argo is quite well known in the medical community and with patients of Family Medical Center. He grew up in Iowa and attended Central College in Pella. He attended the University of Iowa Medical School, married a girl from Oskaloosa, Jean VanZomeren, and has practiced medicine in Oskaloosa ever since moving back to Iowa following his internship and his service in the U.S. Public Health Service.
Dr. Argo interned in Spokane, Washington. Subsequently he was a Commissioned Officer of the U.S. Public Health Services providing health care on Indian reservations for two years.
Though not all of his retirement plans have been solidified, he does have some definite activities in mind. “I plan to travel, enjoy my grandchildren, read, putter at farming, and,” he adds with a tone of commitment, “we have no plans of moving. Oskaloosa has been good to me. We raised a family here. It’s a good place to retire.”
During the last 37 years, Dr. Argo has seen many changes in the community and as a healthcare provider. “I remember times when to be ‘on call’ for medical emergencies meant we couldn’t do anything other than make sure I or my wife was near a phone. Those days don’t exist any more. The current ER (emergency room) system and coverage are great, and cell phones give us so much more freedom.
“The community is quite fortunate to have the medical services and facilities that we do have, and we should be quite proud of the hospital and Family Medical Center’s progress. I will miss it all.”
Dr. Argo is humbled by his patients’ willingness to allow him to provide healthcare these past 37 years, and he is in awe of their loyalty. “I have treated some families through three generations. That still amazes me.
“I think what I will miss most,” said Dr. Argo, “is the interaction with my patients. I know, however, they will be well cared for by my partners at Family Med.”
Dr. Argo and his wife have one daughter (Karen, of Oskaloosa) one son (Eric of Omaha, NE), and six grandchildren. The staff at Family Medical Center will be honoring Dr. Argo and his 37 years of service with a private luncheon before his official retirement date of July 1.