Dr. David Schriemer
Dr. David Schriemer’s retirement after 35 years of practice in Vicksburg marks the end of a very special era of medical care in the community.
David began his education in Grand Rapids Public Schools where his dad was personnel director. In 8th grade, he started at Caledonia schools, at that time a rural system, much like Vicksburg Public Schools where “The school was surrounded by corn fields the FFA had planted.” He excelled in academics, loving both language arts and the sciences. Initially, he considered studying law, but felt the most challenged by math.
He earned his associate degree from Grand Rapids Junior College—now Grand Rapids Community College—and transferred to Hope College in pre-med. From there, he graduated from the University of Michigan’s Medical School.
Why family medicine? David mentions the personal touch that family medicine allows in his application to medical school. “The human interaction is the most attractive aspect of medicine. A prominent family physician indicated to me that often the best medicine is a reassuring arm about a patient’s shoulder, showing that you care.”
David also realized that his faith would be best served by family practice, as he indicates in his application: “Christ commanded us to love one another. I take that command very seriously. One of the best ways that I can demonstrate love for my neighbor is through a competent and caring practice of medicine.”
And his rotation with a family practitioner in Manchester sealed the deal. “He had a great small-town practice. He delivered babies. He admitted to the Chelsea Hospital. He made rounds and did some house calls. I realized this is a great gig and what I wanted to do.”
He met his wife, anesthesiologist Dr. Paula (Boigegrain) Schriemer, during his second year of medical school, and they married before they began residency at University of Virginia Hospitals. Both were exceptional students and leaders, and both were selected chief resident in their respective program.
After graduation, Paula looked for a position first, deciding Kalamazoo Anesthesiology was a good fit for her. Then David started looking. He visited two large area practices which didn’t appeal to him. His recruiter took him to meet Dr. Lloyd Appell whom David shadowed for an afternoon. David was impressed by Lloyd’s “understanding of his patients” and his willingness to learn and consider another opinion. “He was really on top of things and was so comfortable in his own skin.”
David stresses how Lloyd helped him build credibility in the practice. “He was careful to support my plans and medical decisions.”
Lloyd says they were “a perfect match. He and I were lucky. We have the same values and approach to patients. One of the best things I ever did was bringing David to Vicksburg. He was made for family medicine.”
During David’s 35 years, he built deep and lasting relationships with generations of families and was “uniquely positioned to make a difference.” These years and connections allowed him to encourage during difficult times.
Pam Stuck Rhoades LPN, who worked beside David for 22 years, says “Dr. Schriemer always made time for every patient, he never had his hand on the door, always sat and listened. Patients were not only patients but friend and family.” That’s part of the joy and sometimes the sorrow of small town family practice. Pam says, “I have watched him break not so good news to a patient and family. He is always respectful and compassionate. He takes the time and answers all the questions. At least in that moment, it was not the end. You felt like you had someone fighting for you.”
Four generations of Andrea Littlefield’s family have been David’s patients since he joined the practice. Andrea and her extended family provided David with many unique cases, including her husband’s diagnosis of leukemia. “I will never forget the phone call from him telling me that my husband’s blood tests results were back and that I needed to get him to the hospital that evening. He was calm, he had a plan and he helped us to navigate a really difficult situation. When my husband was at the University of Michigan Hospital for 87 days having a stem cell transplant, Dr. Schriemer answered all my worried emails and phone calls. He comforted me, reassured me, and gave me hope. I have always felt that if Dr. Schriemer didn’t have the answer he would search until he found it. I can only imagine how many hours he spent researching answers for his patients.”
Many patients and community members have similar sentiments.
The practice changed over the last 35 years. When David began, he and Lloyd were on call every other weekend and several nights during the week. They made rounds at Bronson Vicksburg Hospital and admitted patients. Eventually, the hospital closed, Lloyd retired, and other physicians joined the team. And in 2017, Bronson bought the practice which allowed services to continue in the area because of Bronson’s ability to attract and hire physicians.
As the interview closed, David marveled at the uniqueness of his career and life in this small town where he has not only practiced but lived for 35 years. He recognized the richness of his life and “how wonderfully it all worked out.”
He also appreciates and acknowledges the importance of his marriage to Paula. “Paula has been integral to the Vicksburg practice. She’s always been very supportive and valued what I do locally. She’s also made me a better physician. I endeared myself to the hospital staff in Vicksburg when I had an elderly patient who was not thinking straight, and I was worried about meningitis. I wanted to get a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). I attempted to get it and was unable because of her arthritis. I told the staff that I needed to go home and watch the kids so that Dr. Schriemer could come and attempt a lumbar puncture. Dr. Paula Schriemer did come to the hospital and did successfully get the lumbar puncture.”
In his retirement, David and Paula plan to travel more to see their children who are all pursuing advanced degrees and their granddaughter. He also will continue serving on the Vicksburg Community School Board and The Vicksburg Foundation. “I will miss my interactions with patients,” David says, “but I look forward to the next part of my life journey.”
His patients will miss him, too, but know he will continue to find ways to “love thy neighbor” as a familiar, beloved member of the community.
His family is holding an open house in his honor at R & R, 343 West Prairie Street, Vicksburg, Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 2-5 p.m. with remarks at 3 p.m. No gifts, please, but bring your most memorable written story about Dr. Schriemer’s time in Vicksburg to add to his memory book.
To attend, please RSVP to Paula at schriemerpaula@gmail.com by April 20.
