Timothy Tetzlaff, D.O., has practiced family medicine in Sault Ste. Marie for more than 40 years.
With countless families helped and as many stories preserved in his memory, he will retire at the end of May 2025.
It was a difficult decision to make, but Dr. Tetzlaff has great confidence that his patients, friends and neighbors will be well cared for in the future.
Dr. Tetzlaff knew from a young age that he wanted to be a physician having grown up in St. Thomas, Ontario. He was helped by a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine for spine issues and wanted to care for others in that same professional and compassionate way. After graduating from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, he completed his residency at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Madison Heights, Michigan.
“I remember being recruited to work in the Sault with several other family physicians because many of the busy family medicine doctors were retiring, much like what is happening currently,” he explained. “I thought Sault Ste. Marie would be a wonderful place to practice and build a life. I never left, and I don’t plan to leave after retiring.”
Dr. Tetzlaff was drawn to family practice and the idea of building lasting relationships with patients over time. He has done that, caring for generations of community members for their entire life spans. In that time he has seen many changes and advances that make him optimistic about the future of health care in his community.
“The advances in technology I’ve seen throughout my career have been amazing,” Dr. Tetzlaff shared. “We can offer patients such a deep menu of services now and have access to more specialists both locally and remotely. Sharing resources helps us better serve patients. And our Medical Center campus is so lovely, which helps promote healing.”
It is Dr. Tetzlaff’s hope that MyMichigan will continue its ongoing priority to bring young physicians to the Sault. In fact, three additional primary care physicians will be joining MyMichigan Medical Center Sault in the summer and fall of 2025. He and MyMichigan agree that finding the best quality care teams enables the community to continue receiving excellent care at their local hospital.
Dr. Tetzlaff shared a stand-out memory that speaks to the power of excellent, local care. It was a conversation he had with a patient bedside in the early 1990’s. The man, from Pickford, Michigan, was 102 years old. He was reminiscing about his time spent working to build the hospital, traveling 20 miles each way with horses and a wagon to deliver materials to the construction crew of what is now MyMichigan Medical Center Sault.
“This man was so proud to be comforted in the same hospital he helped to build all those years ago,” said Dr. Tetzlaff. “That has stuck with me, as do so many memories of my patients’ lives. It has been an honor and a privilege to get to know so many people and help guide them through tragedies and triumphs. I will miss the work but plan to remain local; there’s no place I’d rather be.”
Upon retirement, Dr. Tetzlaff looks forward to some downtime to enjoy the beauty of the Upper Peninsula. He is planning to take more frequent motorcycle trips, go fishing regularly and putz around his garage. He will also more spend time with his large family (five children and eight grandchildren, so far) and friends.
Dr. Tetzlaff is one the most important people I have ever met. He saved my life when I was 8 years old. I will forever be grateful for him. Thank you for your many years of service to this community. 🙏❤️🩹