Wayne Kelly, MD, longtime Family and Emergency Medicine physician at Winona Health, is retiring after 43 years of caring for the Winona community.
To honor and thank him for his service and celebrate his well-earned retirement, Winona Health invites community members to an open house Sunday, June 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Winona Health’s Robinson Healing Garden located between the Lakeside Café (hospital cafeteria) and Lake Winona Manor on the Winona Health campus at 855 Mankato Avenue in Winona.
“Dr. Kelly’s career reflects the very best of community-based healthcare,” said Rachelle Schultz, Winona Health president and CEO. “For more than four decades, he has cared for generations of families while building lasting relationships. His commitment to caring for others — through family medicine, emergency care and countless community roles — has left a lasting mark on Winona.”
Dr. Kelly joined Winona Health in 1983 after completing his residency training through the Blackhawk Area Medical Education Foundation Iowa Family Practice Residency associated with the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis and is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
“I came to Winona in 1983 and immediately knew this was where I wanted to live,” Dr. Kelly said. “The relationships with patients, fellow caregivers and the community are what kept me here all these years. While healthcare has changed tremendously over time, the doctor-patient relationship really has not changed — and that’s what keeps you going each day.”
Wayne Kelly, MD, longtime Family and Emergency Medicine physician at Winona Health, is retiring after 43 years of caring for the Winona community.
Retirement open house Sunday, June 7: Winona Health invites community members to a retirement open house honoring Dr. Kelly on Sunday, June 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Winona Health’s Robinson Healing Garden located between the Lakeside Café (hospital cafeteria) and Lake Winona Manor on the Winona Health campus at 855 Mankato Avenue in Winona.
Throughout his career, Dr. Kelly served in numerous community leadership roles in addition to caring for patients at Winona Health. He served for more than 25 years as Medical Director for Winona State University Student Health Services, more than 20 years as Medical Director for the Winona Fire Department, and also provided medical leadership and care for several area nursing homes and community organizations.
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Kelly said some of the most meaningful moments included helping families welcome new life into the world, supporting patients through illness and loss, and building long-term relationships with generations of local families.
“I’m very grateful to Winona Health and to the Winona community for supporting me throughout what I consider a very rewarding career,” Dr. Kelly said.
In appreciation of his years of service, Winona Health will make a gift to the Winona Health Foundation in Dr. Kelly’s honor.
Those wishing to send a retirement message to Dr. Kelly online may do so through the Winona Health website: winonahealth.org/thanks.