Changes, memories in 36-year career; Dr. Scott Pynnonen reflects on rural health care

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RETIREMENT—Dr. Scott and Dee Pynnonen at the home they purchased four years ago near Gwinn. The Pynnonens opened their independent family practice in L’Anse in 1985 and sold to Baraga County Memorial Hospital in 2004. Scott retired after a 36-year career a couple months ago and is enjoying a busy, full retirement.

by Barry Drue

Dr. Scott Pynnonen and his wife Dee have a unique perspective on the evolution of health care services in this area over the last 36 years. The Pynnonens set up shop in L’Anse as an independent provider in 1985, selling the practice to Baraga County Memorial Hospital and becoming part of the BCMH Physicians Group in 2004. At the height of the independent practice in a twice-enlarged former house on N. Main Street the Pynnonens had around 23 employees, full and part-time, and four providers over the years seeing local patients. It was very much a family affair and a labor of love for the Pynnonens, who raised two children, David and Katie, through those times. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.