title: [Dr. Torgesen--family practitioner who won our hearts].
abstract: Born in 1896 at Nøtterøy in southern Norway, Dr Oddmund Torgersen arrived fresh out of medical school as district medical officer of Stranda, a big and difficult district on the west coast, which was severely hit by tuberculosis. Dr Torgersen systematically fought the disease and managed to contain it. He was considered a master of diagnosis, a professionally very able, compassionate and emphatic doctor who never spared any effort for his patients. His wife and her sister were always by his side. The three of them won the hearts of the people in the community from day one. In 1959, Dr Torgersen was awarded the royal gold medal for meritorious service. He was an honorary member of the local young People's Cultural Association and sports clubs; with his great eloquence he was an inspirational force in the community. After forty years of service, Dr Torgersen retired and returned to his native Nøtterøy where he died in 1972, 75 years old. He was buried in Stranda and a memorial was set up in his honour in Stranda's commercial centre.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Engeset
mesh_terms: D005194:Family Practice / Q000266:history*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009664:Norway; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000266:history*; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000266:history*