By Cindy Card Buchholz
Dr. Reuben Bareis of Rapid City is proof that doctors never truly retire.
In August, Dr. Bareis discussed health care reform on South Dakota Public Radio. He writes occasional letters to newspaper editors about healthcare topics that concern him and has been on a crusade to educate the public about an advanced directive called Comfort One.
“A law was passed in 2004 and amended in 2005 that makes it possible for somebody to declare they don’t want to be resuscitated,” he said. After a person fills out the proper application through South Dakota Emergency Medical Services, he or she receives a bracelet to wear that declares their wish.
At 81 years old, Dr. Bareis wears the bracelet to alert emergency medical service providers, hospitals and other medical personnel about his cardiopulmonary resuscitation directives and protocols. “Almost five years have gone by and there are still lots of people who are not aware of it.”
He’s also been involved with the Arthritis Association, and he’s regularly asked for free medical advice. Although he retired 10 years ago, neighbors of Dr. Bareis still seek his professional advice when they run into him in the dining hall or elevator at Westhills Village Retirement Community in Rapid City. He says that never gets old.
(Read the rest of this story in FACES Fall ‘09)
