Frontier Doctor: Observations on Central Oregon and the Changing West

by Urling C. Coe

Coe's memoir of a young physician's extraordinary experiences in frontier Oregon offers a vivid account of town and ranch life on the high desert in the early 1900s.

264 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1996

Reviews

[Carmen Meeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible story about a young doctor caring for people in and around Bend, Oregon starting in 1905. So much beauty, adventure, challenge, courage, commitment and humanity are expressed in these pages. And though it reaches back more than 100 years, the challenges are timeless. I loved this book!

[Amber Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delight to read. An honest look at practicing medicine in "the wild west." This book is full of colorful stories and offers a unique perspective on how the railroad and modern technology changed a new Western town into a city of industry and opportunity.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. So much history about central Oregon. I had no idea Redmond was actually the boom city at one time. Having worked in the health community for several years, it was very interesting to read about the way things were back in the wild west from a physician's point of view. No wonder many physicians of the frontier never married - they didn't even have time to sleep, much less time to woo a woman! I would purchase this book, I enjoyed it so very much.

[Marty Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

For residents of central Oregon, those interested in history of the West and anyone with an interest in turn of the century medicine this is a don't miss. Excellent introduction and fascinating picture of life and medicine in Bend, OR in 1905. Unfortunately, Dr. Coe, an engaging writer, quickly glosses over the years 1906-11. He lived in Bend until 1918 and it would have been great to read about the changes in medicine and life in that period that included WWI. So, 4 not 5 stars.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read for any Central Oregonian. Brings to focus that this area really was one of the last frontiers in the lower 48. Great narrative of the area as it once was and interesting to watch it grow and modernize in the few years the book's history spans and to realize what exists here today. Fascinating read.

[Patrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting book written by a doctor who lived and worked in Bend, OR around the turn of the century. good history about the area. I recognized a lot of names in the book that are now historic names in the city - ie street names, building names, etc.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting autobiography of a 23 year old who begins his medical practice in Bend, Oregon in 1905. Medicine was a limited knowledge practice and Bend was a spot in the road. It was fun to compare it to today.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book that should be read by everyone who lives in and around Bend. I absolutely loved reading about the lifestyle and adventures that the doc had. An interesting environmental perspective, too, Urling Coe adds bits of all kinds of information about Bend in the early 1900s.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by Jon Abernathy re beer in Central Oregon and travel of goods, etc.
Requested via Summit 31 March 2015

One of the best books I have and probably will read this year. Am intending to write a review.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very engaging memoir! Having grown up in Central Oregon, it was great fun to read Coe's take on Central Oregon at the turn of the century. I couldn't put it down.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real treat. A historical glimpse of central Oregon during its early days, viewed through the eyes of one of Bend's earliest MD's.

[John Peoples · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read! For anybody practicing medicine in Central Oregon, this book is a must.