What six decades of health care at Essentia looks like

At 86 years young, Pat Luostari of Maple, Wisconsin, has had her share of visits to the doctor’s office.

“I’ve made hundreds of trips to Essentia Health for care and I’ve never had a negative experience,” she said.

For about 60 years — through four pregnancies, two battles with cancer and countless routine visits — Luostari has trusted her well-being to Essentia. It’s a health care journey that transcends time.

“Essentia has always had people willing to take care of me, help me, and they always do it with a smile,” Luostari said.

About 20 years ago, she survived breast cancer with the help of experts at Essentia, and earlier this year she was treated for and overcame skin cancer.

“It always feels so easygoing,” Luostari said. “I never get tense or scared about going. Everyone is going to be kind, sensitive and polite. I never feel rushed, and I always feel like people are there to take care of me.”

For the past 10 years, she has trusted Dr. Michael Kassing, an OB-GYN at Essentia, with her health care needs.

“He’s a really nice person, he’s not invasive and he’s always ready to figure things out and ask the right questions,” she said.

“Pat is a fantastic patient because she takes an active role in her care,” Dr. Kassing said. “She is always asking questions and is engaged in her treatment plans. She listens to all treatment options and is thoughtful in choosing the one that is right for her.”

Luostari would like to remind people to always take care of their health.

“Pay attention. If something feels off, go get it checked out and don’t be afraid to ask questions,” she said. “That’s how I caught both of my cancers, and we were able to take care of each one.”

With so much experience receiving health care, she has a few words of advice for people who put it off, especially when something doesn’t feel right.

“If something is making you nervous, or you’re afraid, it’s often nothing, or easy to take care of,” she said. “And if it is something serious, the sooner you catch it, the better chance you have to beat it. Regardless of age, just pay attention and don’t be afraid to get your body taken care of. You only have one.”

She’s not the only one in her family who is a patient at Essentia. Luostari’s husband of 64 years, Larry, also is a patient and they brought all their children to Essentia while they were raising them.

“Our treatment has always been caring and sensitive,” Pat said. “We’ve received sound medical advice, and I just couldn’t be more grateful for the care we’ve received.”