A reception for Dr. Charles Bollman has been scheduled from 2-3 p.m. Friday at Geary Community Hospital. He is retiring at the end of June after 43 years of service as a surgeon in Junction City.

He noted when he began in 1974 that Junction City did not have a surgeon. “I thought this was a great opportunity for me to start up a practice. I went into private practice at that time, and actually was in private practice for 20 years by myself.” He would be joined later by other surgeons.

His message to his patients: “I love my patients. I wish them the best and I thank them for supporting me all these years.” 

Bollman has watched the growth of Geary Community Hospital over the years. He noted when he first arrived in Junction City the first floor of the Medical Arts Building was under construction, and for about six months his office was downtown. “Since that time they’ve added on three more floors in addition to the surgery centers.”

The reception Friday is open to the public.