Dr. Bruce Money. (LRHC)
Fergus Falls, MN – Lake Region Healthcare is holding a retirement open house for Dr. Bruce Money to celebrate his 39-year career with the organization.
On September 30, Dr. Money will retire from his clinic practice, nursing home services and hospitalist work. While retirement marks the end of his full-time clinical practice, Dr. Money plans to remain involved with Lake Region Healthcare through part-time work in Lifestyle Medicine, a field that has become one of his deepest passions in recent years.
Lake Region Healthcare invites patients, colleagues, friends and community members to join in celebrating Dr. Money’s extraordinary career and lasting impact at an open house on Thursday, October 1, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Fergus Falls Clinic.
Guests are welcome to stop by, share memories, offer congratulations and thank Dr. Money for his 39 years of dedicated service to the people of west central Minnesota. Those wishing to leave a note of appreciation for Dr. Money can do so online at www.lrhc.org/Money.
For many in the community, Dr. Money has been much more than a physician. Since arriving in Fergus Falls in 1987 following service as a medical missionary in Cameroon, West Africa, he has cared for multiple generations of families, often guiding patients through decades of life’s milestones and challenges.
“It’s been a real privilege,” Dr. Money reflected during a recent Lake Region Healthcare podcast interview. “Having people trust me with their health over generations and passing that trust down has been very fulfilling.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Money has embodied a philosophy that healthcare is about relationships as much as medicine. He often speaks about the importance of listening to patients’ stories and viewing the physician-patient relationship as “a sacred encounter,” not simply a transaction.
That perspective shaped a career marked by extraordinary breadth. As an internist, hospitalist, hospice and palliative care physician, nursing home medical director and community health advocate, Dr. Money has remained committed to caring for the whole person. He frequently followed patients across every stage of care, from clinic visits to hospital stays and long-term care settings.
His professional accomplishments are extensive. Dr. Money is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Care, and Lifestyle Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor for the University of North Dakota School of Medicine, and held medical director roles with the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Center, Lutheran Brethren Hospice Care Services and the Lake Region Healthcare Hospitalist Program. He has also served as a FAA Aviation Medical Examiner.
Dr. Money’s bio as it appeared in a Medical Group directory in the year 2000. (LRHC)
Beyond patient care, Dr. Money played a significant role in physician leadership and governance. He served on the Lake Region Medical Group Board for many years, including 14 consecutive years through 2024, helping guide the organization through periods of growth, change and industry transformation.
Lake Region Medical Group President, Dr. Mark Vukonich, said of Dr. Money’s impact: “There is simply no way you can replace a physician like Dr. Money. The torch of excellence, dedication, and values he has brought to our local physician community/medical group will be carried by all those who were fortunate to work with and learn from him. He is and will continue to be a trusted friend and mentor for many who continue to deliver healthcare to our community.”
When asked what makes him most proud, Dr. Money pointed not to personal accomplishments but to the continued independence of Lake Region Healthcare. “The fact that we are independent,” he said. “We know how to take care of our patients the best and maintaining the local aspect of our organization’s structure to keep decision-making and control close to home focused on what’s best for our families and neighbors, that is one of the things I’m most proud of.”
Colleagues describe Dr. Money as a physician whose compassion has matched his clinical expertise. During the podcast interview, he said he hopes his legacy will be remembered simply: “That I was a compassionate physician and that I did my best to help people on their journey of health.”
In recent years, Dr. Money has become a leading advocate for Lifestyle Medicine, encouraging patients to focus on prevention, wellness and healthy living. He believes the future of healthcare depends on helping people prevent chronic disease and live healthier, fuller lives through evidence-based lifestyle choices.
Retirement will allow Dr. Money to spend more time with his wife, Sherri, their children and grandchildren, all while pursuing interests that include travel, reading, kayaking and continuing his work to advance wellness and Lifestyle Medicine in the community
Although he is looking forward to this next chapter, Dr. Money says he will miss the relationships he has built throughout his career.
“I’ll miss the stories and the relationships,” he said. “It’s been a great experience to be part of this team and this community.”
“Dr. Money’s career reflects his character and what is special about rural healthcare,” said Kent Mattson, LRH CEO. “For nearly four decades, he has cared for generations of families, built lasting relationships, garnered incredible respect and trust from patients & colleagues, and helped to shape a sustainable future for LRH. His commitment and dedication have made a profound difference, and he has set a high standard for the rest of us to carry on.”
As he begins retirement, one thing remains certain: the influence of Dr. Bruce Money’s compassion, leadership and commitment to community health will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Story courtesy of Lake Region Healthcare.
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