Doctors Honored for Contributions to ND Health Care
by Juli McDonald KFYR TV
Posted on 5/3/2010
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More than 40 years ago, two doctors from the University of Pennsylvania came to Bismarck to go into private practice and to live closer to family. They hadn’t planned on pioneering health care in the state, but that’s just what they did.
When Doctors Margaret and Rif Morgan arrived in Bismarck in the winter of 1966, Margaret said she felt as if they’d come in a covered wagon. The two anesthesiologists from University of Pennsylvania found they were the only two practicing their specialty in the state, and said no hospitals were equipped to care for cardiac or pulmonary cases.
“I could not believe that in the United States that we had that inadequate health care delivery system,” said Margaret. “We had good surgeons, good nurses. A hospital that wanted to be progressive, and that’s why we were recruited because they realized more things could come to this area.”
The Morgan’s said they’d give Bismarck six months. But once they began putting their ideas into action they forgot to leave.
The Morgans established the first ICU at St. Alexius Medical Center. They set up a cardiac catheterization lab, a respiratory care unit and school, and a nationally recognized cystic fibrosis center. Within four years they brought 22 medical specialists to the area. Patients no longer needed to fly Minneapolis for quality care.
“There was no interest to make more money. It was my interest to build. The doctors voted against me and I promised them to have it like the university hospital. I don’t want to retire until it reaches that level,” said Rif.
When they first arrived, Margaret says she was discouraged when patients who should have survived did not, due to lack of equipment and training at hospitals. With time, hard work, and personal finance, the Morgans changed that.
“We feel gratified because our life has been worth something,” said Margaret.
This weekend, the Morgans will receive honorary degrees from the University of Mary. Rif says he’s received many degrees in his life, and he owes them to the Benedictine sisters at St. Alexius and the sisters at the University of Mary. Without them, his achievements in Bismarck would not have been possible.
After decades of working days and nights, the Morgans left in 1993. The couple now resides in Sanibel, Florida where they can finally enjoy the company of each other and their family. Last year, Margaret received treatment in North Dakota, and said she is so proud of what health care has become here.