Ojars Dr. Podins

Dr. Ojars Podins, a family practice physician for over fifty years, died in Sylvania, Ohio on January 17, 2010. He was born in Riga, Latvia on July 31, 1911 to Karlis and Benita Podins and was the oldest of their three sons. He graduated from Riga University with a degree in medicine and had planned a career in medical education research when World War II began and changed his plans. Dr. Podins served as a member in the Latvian Army. He married Milda Anzaks early in the war. Dr. Podins was an old fashioned physician who was greatly devoted to his patients. Dr. Podins and his wife escaped the Red Army and settled in a displaced persons camp in western Germany after the war. He worked as a doctor for several years in Munich before immigrating to the United States in 1949. He was employed briefly in Chicago and Paris, Kentucky before coming to Toledo and working at the William Roche TB hospital. During this time he proudly became a citizen of the United States. Dr. Podins began practice in 1955 with his office located on Lagrange Street in an area that was at the time a heavily Polish speaking area. When he started his practice he worked alone without any assistants or receptionist, and did everything including answering the phone and keeping records. He never worked by appointment, his patients would come to his waiting room and wait their turn. It was not unusual for the phone to ring during the night, and he would be off on a house call, to the hospital or deliver a baby. Many of his patients would bring him homemade kielbasa at Easter and Christmas. One of his patients told his that he doctored with his heart and soul. He practiced at Flower, St. Vincent, St. Lukes, Mercy and St. Charles Hospitals. He retired on March 30, 1989. Dr. Podins was an avid world traveler, visiting Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. During his travels, he rode a camel in Egypt, climbed the Great Wall of China, fished for piranha in lake flooded by the Amazon River, canoed on the Caronii River, and camped in the jungle on the way to Angel Falls in Venezuela. He was a member of St. Pauls Lutheran Church for over 55 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and two brothers. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Fred Doering. Visitation and funeral services will be private. Arrangements by the Walker Funeral Home. The family would like to especially thank the staff of the Goerlich Center at Flower Hospital for their dedicated and loving care during the time Dr. Podins was a resident. Those wishing to make a contribution in Dr. Podins memory may consider the Goerlich Center, 5320 Harroun Rd. Sylvania, OH 43560.