Frank Newman, Montana rural health pioneer, passes away
Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 6:55 pm
My grandfather, Frank Newman, passed away today from sudden complications due to pneumonia. Frank was not only a great grandfather, parent, friend, and mentor but served his country with loyalty and pride. He served with the USMC during the Korean War and has been a very proud veteran ever since. Even retired as Lieutenant Colonel. He touched the lives of so many people in the community of Bozeman and Montana that I can't even begin to describe my feelings. It's a sad day for the people who knew him but it's an opportunity to share his story and the positive emotion he elicited from everyone he touched. He was the definition of family man and was always there for anyone and would never give up. As an avid runner, he helped found the Big Sky Wind Drinkers running club in Bozeman and the Frank Newman Marathon is engaged in every year at the end of May. The line quoted from Frank in the Chronicle a number of years ago resonated with me and gives some insight into what he saw in running and participation (not only in a race but in anything). "It is not important how fast one runs, but that one runs." This will always stick with me as important quote to live by. So to the most caring individual I have ever been around in my life, I bid you farewell. Rest in peace, and Semper Fi.
The following is an excerpt from a newsletter sent out every week by President Cruzado and MSU recognizing staff members and individuals from the community (hopefully it will give anyone a little more insight as to his impact on the community):
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The following is an excerpt from a newsletter sent out every week by President Cruzado and MSU recognizing staff members and individuals from the community (hopefully it will give anyone a little more insight as to his impact on the community):
Here are a couple more articles from the Chronicle if you wish to read more about himDr. Frank Newman is a pure gold pioneer of rural health in Montana. Forty years ago, Dr. Frank Newman played a leadership role in creating the Montana WWAMI Medical School program with the University of Washington. He directed the program for 10 years, and continues to be involved as director of the Targeted Rural Underserved Track, which carefully mentors Montana medical students in a way that will ensure their eventual practice in rural Montana.
Dr. Newman has worked with MSU students for fifty years. He has served as a health professions advisor, helping numerous students apply to and become accepted in health professions schools across the US as well as WWAMI. Although he no longer serves in that role, every week several students stop by his office at the MORH/AHEC for advice and assistance.
WWAMI is not Dr. Newman's only legacy. He also created and obtained funding for the Montana Office of Rural Health, the Montana AHEC, the Montana Office of Primary Care, the Montana Family Practice Residency in Billings, the TRUST Program, and has written and received numerous grants and contracts to support rural health in Montana. Dr. Newman has traveled tirelessly throughout Montana developing a critical understanding of the needs of these remote communities and implementing what is needed to improve the system for better healthcare.
Although Dr. Newman could be enjoying retirement, he has continued to work in rural health into his 80's. He currently runs the Small Hospital Improvement Program, directs TRUST, and successfully obtained two major rural health workforce grants for Montana this past year. Dr. Frank Newman is a joy to work with, and his knowledge and passion for rural health in Montana is second to none.
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