STORIES

Doctor Knox Was My Doctor - Keith Simpson, former resident

I'm Keith G. Simpson born Dec. 10, 1943 and was raised in El Cajon, Ca. at 551 South Johnson Street next to where the Church of Christ stands. My grandfather Lorn H. Robertson built the house about the time I was born. I grew up with my grandparents and my mom and dad.
At the age of approximately eight years old I came down with a new disease to San Diego County called "Scarlet Fever". The nurses from all the neighboring schools came to our home to take notes firsthand about this new disease and kept a follow up on my condition. Dr. Knox was my physician.
I owe my life to Dr. Knox, not only was he my doctor but he was my friend. Back then the doctors took time to get to know their patients, age didn't matter.
I'm very glad I had a doctor that kept up to date with all the new technology and science that was available at that time. There was a new vaccine that had just come out and he decided to try this vaccine on me. This vaccine was called "penicillin".
Dr. Knox after my inoculation told me I would be out of school for three months. First month, complete rest (bed ridden). Second month, getting out of bed only to eat, then back to bed again. Third month I could be up and around doing nothing strenuous and if I got the least bit tired I was to lie down.
All during this time Dr. Knox quite often came to my home to check my condition. I got to know the nurses from the neighboring schools very well for they too came to see me often.
The penicillin since then has become very useful for treating so many other illnesses.
I praise Dr. Knox and other doctors like him that have taken sucn an interest in their patients, for it means so much, their good deeds will never be forgotten. They have left us a true legacy.