[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING DR. KENNETH E. MITCHEM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2003

  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Kenneth Mitchem, 
who is one of the Central Valley's most outstanding citizen leaders. As 
a doctor he has dedicated himself to increasing the availability of 
medical services to his community and as such he has touched many 
lives. As his friends and family gather to celebrate Dr. Mitchem's 
numerous achievements, I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in 
saluting his most accomplished career.
  After Dr. Mitchem graduated from the University of Health Sciences 
College of Osteopathic Medicine he opened his practice in Mokane, 
Missouri. In 1957 he moved his practice to Camdenton, Missouri. There 
in the midst of the Ozark Mountains he was the only full time doctor. 
With the nearest hospital 65 miles away he opened his practice as a 
clinic, two-bed emergency hospital, and birthing center. This clinic 
was complete with a laboratory, X-ray capabilities, and pharmacy. In 
his clinic he treated everything from broken bones and car accidents to 
delivering babies.
  In 1969 he moved to Turlock, California where he joined the office of 
Drs. Stanley Todd and Hugh Washburn. As a general physician and 
surgeon, Dr. Mitchem was able to provide medical care for thousands of 
patients in the Central Valley at a time when there were few doctors in 
this area.
  Not only is Dr. Mitchem widely respected as a very important and 
competent physician but he is also widely respected in the community 
for all of his public service. In the past Dr. Mitchem has served as a 
board member to the Stanislaus County Medical Society. Currently he 
serves as a member of the Board of Directors to the Stanislaus 
Foundation for Medical Care. Not only has he displayed an incredible 
amount of integrity and dedication to his colleagues, but he has worked 
to increase the availability of medical services to patients throughout 
our community.
  As a Medical Advisor to the Elness Convalescent Hospital, the Bel Air 
Lodge, and the Hale Aloha Convalescent Hospital, he has demonstrated 
his commitment to seniors and the important medical care they need.
  Dr. Mitchem also serves his community as a Board Member of the 
Creative Alternatives Board. As a member of this board he helps run 
three separate programs in our community. These programs include a 
foster family agency, a residential care program, and non public 
schools. This board was established in 1976, and with Dr. Mitchem's 
assistance, has helped hundreds in our community. His dedication to 
children, families, and seniors is astounding. Dr. Mitchem is truly an 
invaluable member of our community.
  Mr. Speaker, on May 29th, as Dr. Kenneth E. Mitchem's friends and 
family gathered to honor his years of incredible service to the medical 
community and his patients, he was honored as the recipient of the John 
Darroch Memorial Award by the Stanislaus Medical Society. His successes 
are considerable, and it is a great honor for me to have the 
opportunity to pay tribute to his contributions. I ask all my 
colleagues to join with me in wishing Dr. Kenneth E. Mitchem continued 
success in all of his future endeavors.

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