Duo passes stethoscope duties off to new team

Nurse practitioner Carol Read-Anderson and Dr. William King cared for their last patients Tuesday as they "retired" from their volunteer work at The Ross Clinic on East Long Street.

King, who retired from private practice in Carson City, was a full-time surgeon who practiced all types of surgery except back and brain surgeries.

"It takes me more time to do things," King said. "I'm ready to go."

King has volunteered 10 years at the clinic, Read-Anderson has been there 12 years. She works with the family practice of Dr. Bryan Ricks in Carson City.

"They're an incredible team," said Lynn Hunter, who along with Nancy Juneau are registered nurses and volunteer their time.

"Their kindness, gentleness and professionalism with indigent patients is wonderful. We should all strive to be like them. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with them.

"Not only have they given out medicine, but they have given patients comfort, encouragement and hope."

Patient Cecelia Merrell of Carson City has been going to the clinic since December or January, when she was diagnosed with pneumonia.

"My doctor was booked six months in advance," Merrell said. "So I bundled up and came here with my sister. We stood in line to be seen. The quality of care here is excellent."

Though she does have medical insurance, Merrell was unable to be seen by her primary-care physician and other clinics were too busy. Paying $300 a month for medical coverage through her job leaves little money to budget for rent, utilities, food and necessary prescriptions.

"My prescriptions cost about $600-$800 a month," Merrell said. "I have asthma."

Merrell said she will miss Read-Anderson and Dr. King, as she finished her follow-up appointment.

"Carol is meticulous and caring about the patients. She doesn't care about the money. Carson City would be at a big loss without this clinic."

The clinic was founded 12 years ago by Dr. Charlie Ross as a way to serve people in medical need in the community. After Ross's death in 1998, Dr. King and others have stepped in to keep the clinic going. Dr. Rex Baggett will be seeing patients Tuesday afternoons and Dr. Brian Sonderegger will see patients on Fridays. Nurse practitioner Chris Freuglia is in the clinic Monday afternoons.

Receptionist Joan Papaianni is a volunteer as well and also holds Read-Anderson in high esteem.

"I love doing this because I admire Carol so much," Papaianni said. "I've enjoyed every day of it. I'm retiring today, too."