Choose an era
1919
The idea, which will later become the
Fargo Clinic,
is first presented to the Board of Trustees
on April 7 by Drs. Sand, Tronnes and
Oftedahl. Dr. Sand envisions creating a
small-scale Mayo Clinic on the prairie, where
doctors specialize and treat patients as a
team, offering better quality and more
cost-efficient care.
The Board approves the idea and immediately
begins work on plans for the Clinic.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sand goes to doctors in the
Fargo area to try to convince them of the
merits of specialization and group practice.
At the time, this is a radical departure from
the norm, and Dr. Sand meets with a lot of
resistance.
A few physicians join the cause; others from
outside the area are brought in to complete
the staff. Unfortunately, the Clinic will
experience a fairly high turnover rate during
its early years because so many doctors find
it difficult to adjust to this type of
practice.
1921
Fargo Clinic opens its doors.
In October, the Hospital publishes a circular
discussing its advantages and describing its
various departments and services.
1922
The Hospital receives accreditation from the
American College of Surgeons.
1923
In April, the Clinic names a regular house
staff of 28 doctors, and the Hospital is
departmentalized.
1924
Physicians discuss briefly the idea of
acquiring a plot of land north of the Clinic.
One physician, Dr. Rothnem, argues that the
Clinic should purchase the land for a parking
lot. The others say there will never be
enough automobiles to require a lot. The
motion fails. Today, that land is occupied by
a MeritCare parking lot.
1925
The Hospital opens an Emergency Room in
October, providing a major improvement in
service to the community.
Return to 1905-1918 or continue to 1928 - 1940 .