It's the end of an era. Dr. Curtis Krahn is retiring after a lengthy medical career in Steinbach that spanned over three decades. 

Dr. Krahn says it was no easy decision and at this point, he notes he isn't quite sure what retirement is going to look like. 

"I don't think of retirement as leaving medicine entirely because I don't think that is possible for me. I do think I need to reconnect with those parts of medicine that I find most meaningful but also least exhausting. I really need to cherish the energy that I have and use the limited energy resources that I have as wisely as I can."

For example, Dr. Krahn says he plans to work a few days here and there in the Cancer Care Unit. "I can put together a couple of days at the Cancer Care Unit and then be able to leave, knowing that I have tied up all of the loose ends or that if I have not been able to tie them up, there is somebody on the team that will be able to tie up the loose ends. That just doesn't happen in family medicine."

In addition, Dr. Krahn says he is looking forward to reconnecting and strengthening some of the relationships in his life that have been neglected over the years.  

Looking back over his career, Dr. Krahn says he has built many rich and meaningful relationships with his long-time patients. He notes he feels honoured that they entrusted him with such significant portions of their life. 

"I have also become very invested in patients. You can't go through a tough delivery with somebody or a life and death experience with somebody or even the end of life with somebody without having that relationship take on a very deep and meaningful and sometimes even spiritual, if you can say that, aspect to their relationship."

He adds "It is the sort of thing that after having done it for 30 years, you just realize 'wow these people are my friends, these are not patients,” noting “those are the sorts of things that you don't give up easily."

Over the years there have been many highlights.  

Dr. Krahn says it has been rewarding to work with such amazing colleagues and see the Steinbach medical team develop.  

"It has also been a great privilege to work with people in hospital, and facility administration, and with government, and with Bethesda Foundation to develop a whole bunch of projects. What a privilege to be involved with the new Cancer Care unit, or the new birthing unit, or the new emergency department, or Resthaven, or Crisis Stabilization unit, Bethesda Primary Care Centre I have seen all of these things come together." Dr. Krahn adds "That has been one of the biggest highlights is to just see the system improve and get better."

As of Thursday, June 30th, Dr. Krahn will no longer be a family doctor in Steinbach.  

So, what’s next? 

Dr. Krahn says he and his wife Debbie will take some time away. 

"I plan to go to an off-grid cabin for the next two months and relax, unwind, do little projects, and go to Europe for September."

Upon returning in October, Dr. Krahn will make plans to work very part-time in the Cancer Care facility and will also look for ways to help out his colleagues who are overworked. 

Finally, Dr. Krahn says "Thank you everyone for allowing me to be a part of your lives."