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Photo by Elliot J. Sutherland/The Ottawa Herald
Milton “Sam” Sampson, nurse anesthetist at Ransom Memorial Hospital and his own private practice, has been putting people to sleep in Ottawa for more than 41 years. His last day is Monday. A public reception will be from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday at Ransom Memorial Hospital, 1301 S. Main St.
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Longtime anesthetist retiring
By JODIE GARCIA, Herald Staff Writer
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If you’ve ever received anesthetics at Ransom Memorial Hospital, there’s a good chance you’ve met Milton “Sam” Sampson.
“He’s probably put most of the people in Franklin County to sleep at one time or another,” Larry Felix, chief executive officer of the hospital, said.
Sampson, a certified registered nurse anesthetist who has a private practice but practices primarily at Ransom, is retiring after more than 41 years of working in Ottawa.
A public reception will be from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday at Ransom Memorial Hospital, 1301 S. Main St. Refreshments will be served, and everyone is invited to attend.
Sampson, who began in Ottawa Feb. 14, 1967, said he’ll miss fellow nurses, as well as doctors and patients from the community.
“I’ve seen most of them, some time or another,” he said.
He said through the years, he’s seen many changes in the field of anesthesia. For example, patients used to spend more time recovering from surgery, he said. Now, many can go home the same day.
Up until about three years ago, Sampson was the only anesthetist at Ransom, he said, which meant if he wasn’t working, he was on call.
Felix said Sampson often worked at night only to return the following morning and work all day.
“He always did it with a smile,” Felix said. “He’s done a great job. He’s a good guy and has a great sense of humor.”
Felix said Sampson’s wife, Kitty, an RMH volunteer, also deserves a lot of credit for her long-time support.
Sampson, who’s last day will be Monday, said he plans to do a lot of gardening and a little traveling now and then.
“I’ll find plenty to do,” he said, adding that he’ll likely continue to work part-time.
“I won’t give it up 100 percent yet.”
Herald staff writer Jodie Garcia can be e-mailed at jgarcia@ottawaherald.com.
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