Dr. Wollner honored at Compass Memorial

Dr. John Wollner, MD, was recognized by Compass Memorial Healthcare on May 3 for 35 years of service at the facility. He has been seeing patients twice a month at the Marengo dermatology outreach clinic since 1988.

Dr. Wollner began practicing 36 years ago and within a year, became involved in the dermatology clinic at Marengo. The hospital, then operating as Marengo Memorial Hospital, was managed by Mercy Medical Center. Mercy wanted to bring specialists to see patients in Marengo and Dr. Wollner was one of those specialists.

“It was a good way to build a client base,” he said, although that business-minded approach soon grew into a long-lasting relationship with the hospital and the patients he saw from surrounding communities. Loyalty to Marengo and to the patients he’s treated through the years kept him coming back. When he’s not at CMH, Dr. Wollner sees patients at Epiphany Dermatology in Cedar Rapids.

“This hospital has a great administration and great volunteers,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to have a great staff, both in Cedar Rapids and here at Compass Memorial.”

Dr. Wollner trained in internal medicine, then went into dermatology because of the variety of cases it presented.

“I get to see all age ranges and all manner of conditions,” he said. “I’m a farm kid. I’ve seen it all. You can’t surprise me.”

During his tenure at CMH, Dr. Wollner has been a strong supporter of hospital and community based events, including the hospital’s annual 5K and many other activities.

His first two nurses joined him to celebrate this milestone anniversary. Jan Meier and Sharon Schulte, both now retired, worked with him during his initial years at Marengo Memorial Hospital. CMH provided bouquets of flowers for Dr. Wollner and his former and current staff, along with refreshments for staff and patients to enjoy.

Comments: Melinda.Wichmann@southeastiowaunion.com