After four decades of practicing medicine, James J. Bass, MD, met with his last patient on August 30. Known for his compassionate care and commitment, Dr. Bass reflected on his medical journey and 11 years of service at Phelps Health.
The family medicine physician has taken great strides to make the transition smooth for his patients.
"In April, I made the decision to retire in August," Dr. Bass said. "I notified my patients in May and personally met with three Phelps Health physicians: Dr. John Armstrong and Dr. Anaid Hernandez-Sanchez (both Internal Medicine), and Dr. Mylhan Meyers (Family Medicine and Obstetrics) – to get to know each of them so I could better guide my patients who asked for a recommendation. All three doctors are great additions to the strong, deep bench of excellent physicians and providers we have at Phelps Health.”
“I wrote a summary of care for every patient I've treated since April. This way, my patients’ new doctors can access my notes in the system for accurate and coordinated communication during the transition."
Following in his father’s footsteps
Originally from Salem, Dr. Bass has called Rolla home since 1983.
"Medicine has been a family business for me," Dr. Bass shared. "My dad was a family doctor in Salem, and out of six kids, five of us went into medicine."
The doctor began his medical career in the emergency department at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1983, Dr. Bass and his wife, Annie, moved to Rolla, where he began a private practice with offices in Rolla and Salem. After the Salem office closed, he continued to practice medicine in Rolla, offering both inpatient and outpatient care.
In 2013, Dr. Bass joined the Phelps Health Medical Group and continued to see patients at the Phelps Health Medical Group - Bass Clinic in Rolla.
"I started out in emergency medicine but switched to family medicine, where I have the opportunity to build lifelong relationships with my patients and their families,” he said. “I get to know them, and they get to know me. I love that family medicine is relationship-based."
Reflecting on a rewarding career
Dr. Bass considers Phelps Health a shining star in the community.
"Phelps Health has been a great organization to work with," Dr. Bass said. "We're fortunate to have such a great hospital in a rural area. So many [rural hospitals] are closing, but we are growing and adding new service lines each year. It's a blessing to know that my patients will be in great hands with the physicians and providers at Phelps Health."
After over 40 years in healthcare, the doctor offered this insight for those considering the profession.
"It's more important than ever that the field of medicine continues to draw the best and brightest,” he said. “Medicine is a career of service and giving, but it's also a career of great personal reward. When you make a difference or save someone's life, you become a part of their family. When a patient is sick, you care for them. When they need a voice, you advocate for them. When they don't understand, you educate them. This is what drove me to work harder, continually educate myself, and most importantly, to be a better physician."
Throughout his career, the greatest change that Dr. Bass has witnessed is the rise of technology. Doctors and providers have powerful new tools that have changed the medical landscape. While he embraces the innovation, he offered a word of caution.
"Technology is not a substitute for a physician's skills,” Dr. Bass said. “It can't compete with a physician's ability to examine and talk with a patient. My hope is that technology never replaces these skills, but rather enhances them.”
While the doctor has noticed fewer medical students currently pursuing primary care, he emphasized the specialty’s significance.
"Primary care is the beginning of the patient's health journey,” he explained. “A primary care physician must be versed in many areas – not specialized, but knowledgeable. It's the gateway to the healthcare system."
Looking forward
As he steps into retirement, Dr. Bass is excited about the future.
“I no longer have to iron five shirts on Sunday so that I’m ready for the week! I plan to spend my extra time on my new riding lawn mower and reading up on the latest advances in heart disease,” he said. “Annie and I will also be traveling to see the boys in Chicago and Denver. She’ll keep working, because one of us needs to make money now that I don’t have a salary!”
Dr. Bass leaves behind a legacy of dedication and compassion at Phelps Health.
“I’ll miss seeing my patients and staff,” he said, in closing. “They’re family and friends. I look forward to seeing them when I’m out and about in Rolla.”
About Phelps Health
Phelps Health serves over 200,000 residents in south-central Missouri. Phelps Health is county-owned, non-tax supported and overseen by a five-member elected board. Phelps Health employs more than 1,900 people, including 100-plus providers. Phelps Health, which includes a hospital licensed for 240 patient beds, serves a six-county area, with its main campus and several clinics in Rolla, Missouri. Phelps Health also has clinics in Salem, St. James, Vienna and Waynesville. For more information, visit phelpshealth.org
