No helicopters, Cat scans or seat belt enforcement in 1974

Since Dr. E.G. Cline saw his first patient in La Follette 50 years ago, a lot has changed

By Jim Freeman

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – “The biggest difference over these 50 years? I’d have to say that vaccines and immunizations have probably saved and prolonged thousands of lives. Lots of diseases like measles, meningitis, chicken pox are now scarce,” said Dr. E.G. Cline

Cat scans, MRIs and the like are pretty impressive stuff added Cline. “We now have helicopters to transport patients. Oh, and CPAP machines have saved and extended lives,” said the doctor.

“A week didn’t go by when I was sewing someone up after their face hit a windshield in a wreck. Seat belt usage, and enforcement, have saved lives and lots of folks from injury,” said Cline.

Cline has spent his share of time over the years in the emergency room (ER). “ER is a young man’s game. Yes, there was even a time when the ER at La Follette Medical Center did not have a full-time doctor. That’s changed, too, over the years,” said Dr. Cline.

In his younger days at the ER, Cline recalls a couple of comments that’ve stayed with him all these years. “I was treating a man in his 60s or 70s, and afterwards, he told me I was the best doctor to have ever dealt with him. Two patients later, a man in his 20s told me I was the worst excuse for a doctor he’d ever seen,” said Cline. That was all in the same hour, laughed Cline.

“I’ve heard every doctor complimented and criticized plus all the hospitals in the region. It’s sort of like being a referee,” said Cline.

Cline describes it as a good comradery within the medical staff and nurses. It’s been a good experience.

“It’s unique to have what we have here. To have access to La Follette Medical Center’s ER and hospital medical care is phenomenal,” said Cline. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/12/2024-6AM)