By Bill Morgan, Staff writer
A celebration of service to the community was held Tuesday evening at the Becker CentraCare Clinic to honor Dr. Bruce Kuhlmann for his more than 20 years of health service to the area.
Kuhlmann began his family medicine practice in Becker in 1998 as a primary-care physician trained to meet the diverse health needs of children and families. Kuhlmann studied at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) and graduated in 1978 and has been in practice for over 40 years.
CCOM is one of the top osteopathic schools in the country.
Kuhlmann received a CMS Stage 1 EHR award in 2013, an on-time doctor award in 2014 and 2015, a patient’s choice award in 2008, ‘09, ‘11, ‘14 and ‘15 and a compassionate doctor recognition award in 2011 and 2014. He is affiliated with many hospitals including CentraCare Health - Monticello and St. Cloud Hospital.
Dr. Kuhlmann was instrumental in opening the Becker CentraCare Clinic 20+ years ago after practicing medicine for 17 years in the state of Washington, before moving to Minnesota. He was married to Sharon Kuhlmann, a registered nurse and licensed marriage and family therapist in Becker. They divorced a few years ago.
“I am so grateful to this community and the people here,” Bruce said Tuesday. “It’s been a special time working here in Becker and doing what I can for these fine people.”
Kuhlmann’s daughter, Erica, 37, is also a DO practicing medicine in the Twin Cities. Kuhlmann’s son, Nathan, 41, was an EMT for a while but now is a claims processor.
“He inspired me to follow in the field of medicine,” Erica said Tuesday. “Those are big shoes to fill, however.”
Bruce was diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago and has been battling the disease ever since. His daughter, Erica was happy to see so many grateful people at Tuesday’s event.
“Fortunately for me, I was able to do my rotations with my dad while I was in medical school,” said Erica. “He has a way with people and I try and emulate his character. But I pale in comparison to him and the people he’s touched.”
Bruce’s grandfather emigrated from Germany in the early 1900s and worked as a country doctor. Bruce’s father began practicing medicine with him, after serving as an Army doctor in WWII. Both men worked as family doctors in Melrose, MN, sharing their expertise and experience.
A Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) is different from an MD, or allopathic physician. DO’s receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system, which allows them to incorporate manipulative treatments involving the bones and muscles. D.O.s practice a “whole person” approach to medicine, by regarding the body as an integrated whole, instead of only treating specific symptoms or illnesses. They also focus on preventative health care.
The Becker CentraCare Clinic has four providers at their Rolling Ridge location including Becky Mueller (DO, FAOASM), Danielle Cohen (APRN,CNP,DNP), Victoria Fenstermacher, (APRN,CNP) and Paul Spinner (MD). Their services include family medicine, health care home, rehabilitation services and sports medicine.
