Dr. Gene Bowles, MD retired from his career as a surgeon in 2017 at the age of 80. He was the Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Denver Health Medical Center. Dr. Bowles addressed the question of when surgeons should retire. Or should there be a structured time or process for surgeons to retire? Should detailed cognitive testing and other such tests be required at a certain age?
The Employment Act of 1967 prohibits age discrimination, however, there are some mandates of retirement for certain professions. Congress has approved fixed retirement ages for a number of professions that impact public safety. Those occupations include the following:
Commercial airline pilot-- 65 years, Air Traffic Controllers-- 56 years, FBI agents-- 57 years, Lighthouse operator -- 55 years, National Park Ranger -- 57 years, Federal Judges-- 70 years, Physicians--N/A
According to a John Hopkins study, medical errors are the third leading cause of death. An American College of Surgeons Statement, dated Jan 2016, offered the following comments: Surgeons should pursue a life-long approach to wellness. Surgeons experience age-related decline in physical and cognitive skills-varies among individuals. Surgeons many not recognize deterioration in skills. Recommend starting at age 65-70, voluntary & confidential assessment. Colleagues encouraged to bring forward performance issues.
The organization, A Way Forward, offers hope to those who struggle with substance abuse. Debbie Platts, Executive Director and LSW Counselor, Mark Rogers, spoke to our club about this important local non-profit organization. The mission of A Way Forward is to eliminate financial barriers to recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and provide a trusting, welcoming, diverse and non-judgmental environment for families and individuals seeking help in the St. Vrain Valley. Their goals include: 1) Inspire hope that people do and can recover, 2) Walk with people of their recovery journey, 3) Dispel myths about what it means to have a mental health condition or substance abuse disorder, 4) Provide self-help education and link people to tools and resources and ,5) Support people in identifying their goals, and building a path forward.
The presenter, Mike Vialpando, represented Longmont Power and Communication (LPC). He is the manager of AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure Services)
The Rotary clubs of Longmont (Longmont Rotary and Twin Peaks Rotary and the Young Rotarians), have raised approximately $34,000 to help with the refugee crisis in Ukraine and bordering countries. The money is directed through the Disaster Fund of The Rotary Foundation. Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self isn't just words. It’s how Rotary members take care of each other, and their communities. Our long standing relationship was fostered through the Open World study groups, comprised of Ukrainians who came to Longmont to learn about medicine, government, media and education. Due to this long-standing, close relationship, it has been particularly difficult to watch the destruction of their country and the murder of its citizens.
With photos available from the internet, Tracey Perry shared some various snippets of Colorado history, including Longmont history. 
Service Above Self
Longmont, CO 80501
United States of America