Political Quotes

On the recordDecember 4, 2012
I want to recognize ``a wonderful life.'' Much like the movie starring Jimmy Stewart, it is the story of a small town boy who dreamed of big adventures in a big city, but who discovered his life's calling not far from home. For nearly 60 years, Dr. Russell Dohner has dedicated his life to providing affordable healthcare to residents of Rushville--a rural community in western Illinois. Dr. Dohner grew up on a farm, not far from Rushville, one of seven children. He experienced seizures as a small boy, and it was his family doctor who stayed by his side and inspired him to enter the medical field. After high school, Dr. Dohner served in the Army during World War II, attended Western Illinois University, and then worked his way through Northwestern University Medical School. Although he hoped to move to a big city and work as a cardiologist, he knew Rushville, a city of just 3,200 people, needed a doctor. In 1955 he opened an office there hoping to stay just a few years. That was 57 years ago. Today, little has changed in his Rushville office-- the nurses, the furniture, and the price of a visit. He charges patients just $5 a visit. He does not take health insurance, but at only $5 most of his patients can afford the visit. Even if someone cannot pay, he still helps them. Dr. Dohner barely makes enough money to pay his nurses, and he relies on income from his family's farm to make ends meet.…
Said by
Dick Durbin
Democratic · Illinois
Source
govinfo.gov
Dec 4, 2012

Share

More from Dick Durbin

Aug 26, 2026

I secured $1 million in federal funding for Lurie Children’s to help create this community health clinic in Austin and now, that investment comes to life.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 25, 2026

Students need to be careful. You can’t go wrong starting with City Colleges and community colleges in your community… I beg my young students in Illinois to start there, and counselors to do their job and discourage kids from getting…

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 21, 2026

Timely access to blood can be the difference between life and death, especially in a medical emergency.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 19, 2026

We always work closely with the leaders in local government regardless of their party affiliation.

durbin.senate.gov

Other voices in this conversation