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Russell Summers spent 43 years working in medicine in Cannon County as a laboratory and X-ray technician.

In this final INTERVIEWSDAY offering of Season One, I sit down with my dad to preserve his firsthand memories of Good Samaritan Hospital, Stones River Hospital, and Woodbury Medical Center.

Born at Good Samaritan Hospital in 1946, Daddy later returned there to begin his career in the mid-1960s. He remained until the hospital closed in 1980, worked briefly at Stones River Hospital, and then spent nearly three decades at Woodbury Medical Center.

Our conversation explores the transformation of rural medicine during the second half of the twentieth century—from reusable steel needles, frog-based pregnancy tests, manually interpreted laboratory results, and hearse-style ambulances to automated equipment, federal regulation, outside laboratories, and modern medical technology.

We also remember the physicians, nurses, technicians, and patients who made Good Samaritan more than a hospital. This is not simply the story of one man’s career. It is an oral history of medicine in a small Tennessee community—and a record of experiences that might otherwise disappear.

🎙️ Guest

Russell Summers worked continuously in Cannon County medicine for 43 years. He served as a laboratory and X-ray technician at Good Samaritan Hospital, Stones River Hospital, and Woodbury Medical Center.

🎙️ Credits

Hosted by Big John Summers
Produced by Summers Media Enterprises
Music by Big John Summers

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