Bismarck Sanford Doctor Retires to Teach in Africa
For Dr. Kent Martin, after 20 years at Bismarck Sanford as a physician much beloved by his patients, retirement is not an ending, but a new beginning -- the chance to do even more good in the world.
As his career with Sanford ends, another will begin half a world away in Tanzania, where Dr. Martin will teach 1,200 medical students at a hospital in Moshi, a small town situated in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Meanwhile, wife Peggy will go to work for an orphanage in Moshi, running a child care program.
Dr. Martin states his mission with simple eloquence:
Our goal is to produce, at best, individuals who will be leaders of their country. And with the least expectation, just good citizens.
This is not a first for Dr. and Mrs. Martin. Before the doctor came to work for Sanford in Bismarck, the Martins lived and worked in Africa, learning Swahili and adopting African cultures in earnest, something both consider very important in their respective jobs.
The Martins hope to remain in Moshi for seven to ten years.
Then, and only then, will they consider packing it in. Maybe.