Dr. Dick Schindler, standing left, was one of five men who set out to bike from the Pacific coastline in Oregon to the Atlantic Ocean this summer, completing the 3,500-mile trek on Sept. 1. Roe Erlandson, Dave Thomsen, Jerry Ulwelling and Terry Fox also rode on the trip. -- Herald file photo

After almost 40 years of providing care to patients in the Austin and Adams areas, Dr. Dick Schindler is hanging up his stethoscope for good.

Schindler, a family medicine physician who began his career in Austin in July of 1972, saw generations of patients at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin and Adams. Schindler will officially retire Dec. 31.

To honor Schindler’s service, an open house retirement reception will be held 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Austin YMCA. Anyone attending is invited to utilize the Y’s facility at no charge from 6 to 8 p.m. The running track, wellness center and pool are just a few of the areas that will be available for anyone.

“Dr. Schindler is an exemplary physician who serves as a mentor for all,” said Dr. David Agerter, CEO at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin. “He is caring and compassionate and always places the needs of the patient first. He has provided tremendous educational and leadership support to our medical staff for many years and he should be very proud of his accomplishments.”

Schindler was instrumental in starting the medical center’s educational program for providers and care givers, according to a Mayo Clinic Health System press release, and was the chair of the Continuing Medical Education Committee from 1973 to 2009. He also provided leadership for the Infection Prevention and Control and Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committees, and was the medical director of the Anticoagulation Clinic. He also was a member of the Ethics, Sports Medicine, Mayo Pharmaceutical Formulary, and Child and Maternal Health Committees.

Schindler received the Minnesota Family Physician of the Year award in 1993 and was runner-up for the American Academy of Family Physicians in 1995.

Schindler is also well known for his community involvement, including being the current chairman on the YMCA Board of Directors, a member of the regional Emergency Cardiac Care of the American Heart Association, member of the National Faculty of PALS (pediatric advanced life support), chair of the Mower Community Health Services Advisory Board and medical consultant, and member of the Minnesota Medical Association’s Continuing Medical Education.

According to the release, Schindler will continue to live in Austin and be involved in the community.

A separate retirement celebration to honor Schindler will be held in Adams at the Sacred Heart School gymnasium 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8, and is also open to the public.