Dr. Rupert Orchard Clark, MD

Dr. Rupert O. Clark, M.D., started out his medical career in the U.S. Military. After many years of rigorous study, he became an Internest, with psychiatric training. Dr. Clark's patients appreciated his ability to listen to their concerns and address them in a personable manner. He was thorough and caring and not inclined to attempt to cure everything with a pill. He believed in old-fashioned doctoring, but also kept up-to-date with methods and practices. Although he actively participated in the early development of HMO's, (Health Maintenance Organizations) he became quite disillusioned with the system later in his career. After exploring the possibility of going into private practice, Doctor Clark chose instead to join the National Indian Health Service, spending a number of years as the Deputy Director of the Aberdeen Area Indian Health Service. He remained in Public Health until retirement in his mid-70's and enjoyed his own good health until the day he died at the age of 84.