Doctor leaves Marion for life on the water
Staff reporter
It was a tough decision but for Dr. Kim Hall it made sense.
The time is right for the single mother of 11-year-old Rachel to change the direction of her medical career.
"Rachel is only two years away from a teen-ager," Hall said, "and she needs me to be home more. I wanted to make the decision before she entered middle school and high school."
Hall, with Dr. Don Hodson, sometimes works 60 hours or more a week by seeing patients in a clinic and being on-call at night four nights a week.
"Being on-call means not being able to go more than 30 miles from Marion," Hall explained.
Hall has been with Marion Family Physicians for 11 years. She has enjoyed her practice — meeting and getting to know her patients and treating a variety of conditions. In larger practices in large cities, doctors are more specialized.
"I like the variety," she said. "We do everything here."
A couple of years ago, Hall and her daughter spent some time on a pier in Kentucky. They loved it.
And now they are moving to Kentucky to live on a trawler.
Hall explained a trawler is like a house boat only it is not flat like a house boat and is seaworthy.
In time, the two will find a house on land and the trawler will be for recreational purposes.
"In 20 years, I want to pull up anchor and do the Great Loop," Hall said. That excursion could take a while. It's a large area of the ocean that goes around the southeast states.
During this year's spring break, Hall and Rachel stayed on the boat and visited two private Christian schools. One was chosen and at least Mother is excited about the educational opportunities.
This school is different from conventional education. Each child is assessed and placed in classes based on their skill levels, not specific grade levels. Class sizes are small with 11-13 students.
Education for her daughter is important to Hall as is a well-rounded upbringing. This school offers the same opportunities as conventional schools with sports and music.
The area is a "very rural," Hall said, but she is confident Rachel will fit right in.
"She's already made friends from our visits," she said.
Hall also wants her parents to enjoy their retirement time.
Darrell and Mary Massier moved to Marion to assist Hall with childcare duties. When Hall was called during the night for an emergency, Rachel was taken to her grandparents' house.
"They've been a great help," Hall said, "but now it's time for them to do the things they want to do, like traveling."
Hall's biggest concern was leaving her colleague, and friend, in a lurch.
The practice had been looking for a third doctor for several years. St. Luke Hospital recently hired a doctor who will begin in July.
"At least there's another doctor coming to help Don with the load," she said.
Hall plans to spend the summer with Rachel and getting settled in their new home. After school starts, she will resume her practice, probably part-time for now.
"Rachel is only going to be this age once and I don't want to miss spending any time with her," Hall said.
Change isn't easy and the decision has been a difficult one for Hall but she is confident this is the right one.
"You always know when it's the right move," Hall said. "It feels right."
