Dr. Ruffalo will end his long medical career here April 30

After 38 years of providing healthcare to patients throughout western North Dakota and eastern Montana, Phillip J. Ruffalo, M.D., will see his final patient on April 30.

That day will close the books on a stellar career as a general surgeon since first arriving in Williston back in November of 1969.

Ruffalo estimates he has touched the lives of many, having averaged 1,000 to 1,200 surgeries per year, over that period of time.

His interest in medicine dates back to his high school chemistry teacher who worked with a small group of advanced students.

“That gentleman amazed all of us, as he had the element table memorized and he was the one that encouraged us and planted that first seed,” said Ruffalo.

Born in Chicago, Ruffalo achieved his secondary education at Waukegan Township High School in Waukegan, Ill., going on to graduate in 1953.

At that time Waukegan was a community of approximately 100,000 residents.

VERY WELL SCHOOLED

His pre-medical education included four years at Franklin College in Franklin, Ind., where he first earned his bachelor of arts in biochemistry.

The next stop was Northwestern University in Chicago, Ill., where he attended medical school from 1957 until 1961.

Cook County Hospital in Chicago provided him an internship during a period from 1961-62. He stayed on at that facility to complete his residency from 1962 to 1966.

In those days that hospital had 3,500 beds and was considered to be very prestigious.

SERVES IN IRAN

During the Vietnam period the draft came into play, however, the draft board allowed him to finish his residency before being drafted into the U.S. Air Force at the age of 30.

By this time he had the first part of his surgical boards completed.

Ruffalo began his medical career in service to our country with the rank of Captain while serving in the Air Force at a full service hospital in the Middle East as the only board certified surgeon.

That duty took him to the USAF Hospital in Teheran, Iran, where he served as the Chief of Surgery from 1966 to 1969.

Prior to his arrival, the U.S. Army ran that facility.

In explaining his duty assignment, that covered a period of 30 months, it was the “luck of the draw,” said Ruffalo.

BACK TO CHICAGO

Upon his discharge from military service Ruffalo took a fellowship in Urology at Presbyterian St. Luke Hospital back in Chicago in 1969, leading up to his board certification with the American Board of Surgery on Dec. 16, 1969.

It wasn't long before he was to make his home in Williston.

ROAD TO WILLISTON

His choice of Williston came to be as there were four doctors who also had training in Chicago, none that he knew, but somehow officials in Williston heard of his interest to practice here.

He was contacted and came here to look over the community and facilities and decided this was the place to call home.

“We have enjoyed ourselves ever since,” said Ruffalo.

“The people in this area are very good, hard working and honest and they are the kind of people we enjoy being around as compared to a larger community.”

Ruffalo praised the Williston school system which provided for an excellent education for his family.

“The overall aspect of having children and being able to exercise care in their development and instill in them a strong foundation and beliefs is important,” said Ruffalo.

LONGTIME EMPLOYEES

Spending that length of time in the medical profession has provided Ruffalo a number of loyal employees over the years.

Debbie Soiseth has been with him since he began in solo practice in 1981.

From 1969 until going on his own he was employed with the Craven-Hagan Clinic.

“All of the employees have been such marvelous people as they are very hard working and loyal and do an excellent job,” said Ruffalo.

HONORS AND AWARDS

In 1986 Ruffalo was presented with an Outstanding Alumni Service Award from Northwestern University.

He has served on the Board of Councilors for the Northwestern University Medical School from 1978 to this day.

Over his career he has served as president of the state Chapter of American College of Surgeons three times, along with being president of the Kotana Medical Society twice.

In addition, he was the Mercy Hospital Chief of Staff two years, to go along with serving as a regent for the North Dakota International College of Surgeons from 1972 to 1981.

TEACHING APPOINTMENTS

While he held several memberships over the years, he also served as an instructor of surgery at the University of Illinois in 1966.

From 1985 to 1989 he was a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine.

Presently he serves as a Clinical Professor of Surgery at the UND School of Medicine, a post he has held since 1990.

RAISES A FAMILY

Along with his wife of 44 years Jeannine, they raised and educated five children, who have since spread out across the country.

The oldest daughter Kimberly lives in Reston, Va., where she is employed with Raytheon, a company that serves as a defense contractor.

Phillip “Skip” can be found in Boise, Idaho where he works for a company by the name of Plexus and is involved in the financial end.

Kathryn presently makes her home in Lander, Wyo., while working as an independent lobbyist in Washington D.C.

Her husband is an FBI agent and plans call for him to be reassigned to the Washington, D.C. area, which will also bring Kathryn closer to her work.

Meanwhile, Kristin is in Hartford, Conn., and works for Forest Laboratories, a pharmaceutical company.

The couple's youngest child Michael also lives in Boise as a member of the police force in that community.

“We have to credit Williston with providing an excellent education for all of them,” said Ruffalo.

HIS FOND MEMORIES

When asked of any particular fond memories he said, “There's no one thing, but I can say we have thoroughly enjoyed the time and it was my pleasure in being able to take care of the people here. I can't express well enough how highly I regard the population of this area and it has been my pleasure and my honor.”

Ruffalo went on to say, “There are really good people here and I have had an opportunity to care for a vast number of them.”

ON THE SIDELINES

While being busy with his medical duties, Ruffalo always found time to give something back.

We can still picture seeing him on the Williston sideline for the home Coyote football contests.

Ruffalo served as a volunteer team doctor from 1970 until 1993, noting that Del Easton had lobbied for years to have medical providers on location.

With the addition of Mercy Wellness, physical trainers are now assigned to staff home contests.

Ruffalo worked the sidelines with George Amdsen and Dean Hermes, while also overseeing the wrestling weigh-ins for Hermes and when Tom Christian took over those coaching duties.

“I felt it was a little contribution to the community and it was always fun to watch the athletes grow up to be fine adults,” said Ruffalo.

FUTURE PLANS

Now that his work is done here he will “retire from active practice,” with plans to relocate to the Boise area.

This will allow for him and Jeannine to enjoy more time with their two grandchildren (Skip).

At the same time they have plans to travel and enjoy many of the excellent cultural facilities in that part of the country.

While his active days of practice will be behind him, don't count him out as being a volunteer.

His extra free time will allow for some golf, while he indicated this will also allow some additional time for reading.

Now that he will have a little more time on his hands, another activity he would like to do is spend more time playing the piano.

Up until three years ago he admitted he knew nothing about playing and took some lessons and would like to pick up where he left off.

“I'm not very good, but it makes for good mental gymnastics,” said Ruffalo.

After nearly 40 years a change of tune is certainly in order and we wish him and his family the best in years to come.

HAPPY EASTER

Today provides a special time for friends and families to spend time together.

We seize this opportunity to wish a very Happy Easter and we look forward to the sun to shine and provide warmth to bring on the May flowers.

Sunshine tends to be great medicine and tends to be a great relief.

Let's all get out and enjoy.

scope@willistonherald.com|572-2165