Dr. Skiles takes path less traveled to become physician
No stranger to Marion area
Staff reporter
Even though it's not the education path most take, for Dr. Linda Skiles it has worked out just fine.
The family practice physician recently returned to Marion and has opened a practice at St. Luke Hospital, Marion.
The interesting story began in 1994 when at age 43, Skiles began her medical school education at Ross University School of Medicine on the Island of Dominica in the Caribbean.
She was not alone in her quest for a medical career at a later age at the university that caters to non-traditional students.
"Bruce (her brother) encouraged me to go to chiropractic school," Skiles said. Bruce Skiles is a local chiropractor and anesthetist.
Some may remember Linda Skiles when she worked for a year in the Marion County Appraiser's office while in the midst of taking tests and continuing her 11-year journey to become a physician. While working for the county, Skiles met and married Lee Dalrymple.
Following her stint with the county, Skiles completed her third and fourth year rotations at Chicago. She completed her family residency at Via Christi Medical Center, Wichita. After residency, she practiced for four years in Wamego. Skiles and Dalrymple were settled and happy in Wamego.
"Bruce called me and said St. Luke Hospital was recruiting a doctor," Skiles said.
At first she rejected the notion of leaving the Wamego practice but eventually found the offer irresistible.
In the end, family ties and an attractive incentive package from Marion County Hospital District #1 brought the doctor and her husband back to Marion.
As a family medicine doctor, she treats patients from birth through geriatric.
"I love geriatrics," Skiles said. "I can understand their frustration because of changes to their bodies and the decisions that follow regarding lifestyle changes."
She also realizes that many of the elderly are lonely and isolated, and sometimes just need someone to listen or offer a kind touch.
"I also love treating children," Skiles said. "If you give them time, they'll give it back to you."
From sports physicals to well women exams, family practice offers a variety which is attractive to Skiles.
Skiles had another reason for considering a medical profession — her mother.
Her mother had polio as a teen. Skiles remembers seeing her mother in an iron lung and spending time in doctors' offices.
While going to school to become a chiropractor, Skiles realized her calling was more in medicine than that as a chiropractor.
Skiles and her brother grew up in Kersey, Colo. After Skiles graduated from high school, her parents and Bruce moved to Fort Scott.
Ironically, Bruce Skiles' career brought him to Marion with his sister now following. Dalrymple also has family in town.
Skiles and Dalrymple are building a house on South Roosevelt Street, Marion, and are eager to get reacquainted with the community.
Doctors offices are being remodeled in the former Prairie View building on the north end of the hospital campus. For now, Skiles and her staff share office space with visiting doctors on the northwest side of the clinic.
Completion of those offices are anticipated by fall.
"We're glad to be here and I'm excited about taking care of patients in the area," Skiles said.
