Weiser family doctor retires after 33 years of practicing medicine

Dr. Bryan Drake has done just about everything during his 33 years as a small-town family physican in Weiser.

 He has delivered babies, provided emergency room coverage, instructed local first responders and much more, in addition to seeing patients and running a full-time medical practice. 

 Former patients, hospital staff, friends and the local medical community gathered at a retirement reception for Drake on Thursday at the Family Medical Center, where he has practiced medicine for many years. His wife Linda joined him at the reception.

 One of the retirement gifts was presented by Weiser Memorial Hospital CEO Steve Hale, who gave Drake a new stethoscope. A special engraved presentation case is forthcoming. Although retiring from active medical practice, he might find use for it on a medical mission or two in the future. 

 “Thank you for the many years of dedication to the hospital, the clinic and the community,” Hale said. 

 Hale asked the many visitors enjoying cookies and punch in the waiting area how many were patients of the doctor. Lots of  hands shot up in response.

 Newspaper clippings, photos and mementoes of a career in medicine that spanned more than three decades were taped to the walls around the clinic’s waiting room.

 Getting Drake to move to Weiser and practice medicine was a big deal for the community. Rural towns were always trying to recruit family doctors to set up practices. Drake joined the medical clinic owned by Dr. Richard Giever in 1986.

 Also in 1986, Giever Medical became Family Medical Center. Cynthia Haynes joined the practice as Drake’s nurse and she is still with the Family Medical Center today.

 In 1990, Dr. Giever retired after 27 years as a family doctor and the Drakes bought the practice. Five years later, the Drakes bought the FMC building from Giever.In 1996, he began offering clinical training to the first rural paramedic unit in the state. Back in those days, they didn’t have paramedic training in Weiser. They had what Drake called the “University of Weiser” to provide medical training. All of the doctors pitched in and helped instruct the first responders and get them certified.  

 In 1998, he brought in physican assistant George Roth to join the medical team at FMC. In 2000, he recruited in Dr. Bryon Hemphill as a full-time family practice provider and later a partner. 

 More recently, Weiser Memorial Hospital bought FMC in 2010 and the doctors became employees of St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center and WMH. In 2014, the hospital bought the building and renovated it. Also in 2014, Dr. Jordan Blanchard and Dr. Jonathan Gardner joined FMC. 

 Saving some humor for last, Hale said he was told that Drake has tolerated eight hospital administrators over the many years he has practiced medicine in Weiser.

 “You have just kind of been there, done that and everything in 33 years,” Hale said.

 Drake’s wife Linda was also acknowledged for her service to the Friends of the Hospital organization. She served as president many times, vice president, secretary, recruiter and pie maker. She has made pottery bowls to present to newborns at the hospital as gifts. 

 Local resident Stan Magee and his wife have been patients of Drake for 20 years. Their son-in-law, Dr. Bryan Hemphill, practiced medicine with Drake for many years.

 “He’s been good to me. He’s kept me going,” said Magee, who is going strong at age 83.

 A few other comments collected from patients were read at the retirement reception. 

 “Dr. Drake is a real friend, who warms you with his presence, who you can trust with your secrets and remembers you in his prayers.” 

 Another former patient said, “he was an amazing doctor to have and our family was so lucky to have had Dr. Drake’s compassion and care for so many years. Thank you, Dr. Drake.”

 Mayor Diana Thomas presented Drake with a special city coin. She said their relationship goes all the way back to when Drake arrived in Weiser to practice medicine. A former school teacher, Thomas said she had one of Drake’s children in her class.

 Drake said he will stay busy after a sometimes hectic career as a full-time family doctor. He is deeply involved with his church and plans to do some missionary work. His wife Linda got hurt three years ago and he will help her with the ongoing rehabilitation. He also wants to spend more time with his family, which wasn’t always possible when working the hours of a local doctor. 

 Drake took just a few minutes to thank the many people who stopped by the center to wish him well on his retirement. 

 “It’s been a blessing to be able to talk to you as you have come in for care. I think you know how much I appreciate you. It’s been my honor and privilege and I wish God’s blessing upon each one of you,” he said.