Doctor Cares For Four Generations Of Family Gary Knox Counts Self Fortunate To Develop Role Spanning Years

At a few minutes before 5 p.m. a few months ago, Darby Evans thought it wise to stick an Oatie-O up her nose.

Once the piece of cereal was firmly lodged, the 2-year-old ran to her mom for help.

Frantic and more than a little embarrassed, Patty Evans called the family doctor. He’s just walking out the door, the nurse said. But bring her in. He’ll wait.

With the growing trend of managed health care, family doctors are becoming somewhat of a rarity. But Gary Knox, a South Side doctor, cares for four generations of one Garden Springs family.

A family practitioner, he treats Great-grandma Mary Knight and her daughter, Mary Anne Marciel. He also treats Mary Anne’s daughter, Patty, and Patty’s daughter, Darby, who live on the North Side.

Knox has seen them and their spouses through near-death, a birth and every cough and sneeze between.

“‘We are so lucky to have him,” said Mary Anne. “So often in this business, doctors can’t hear you.”

Knox moved to Spokane from Moses Lake 10 years ago, taking over a colleague’s practice. He immediately began seeing the family.

“I know it’s pretty unusual to treat four generations,” he said. “I’m lucky to have that chance.”

Mary Knight came to live with her daughter six years ago, when persisting health problems made it impossible for her to live on her own. The 78-year-old woman suffers from emphysema and dealt with a broken pelvis and arm from a fall.

The family immediately signed her on with Knox.

“I don’t know what I’d do without him,” said Knight. “He’s a good listener. I trust him.”

Trust also played a role four years ago, when Patty’s husband, Rhys, became seriously ill with strep B pneumonia. When he took a turn for the worse, it was Knox who admitted him to the hospital and checked in twice a day until Rhys improved.

Knox’s relationship with the family was cemented two years ago with the birth of Darby.

“We never thought of having anyone deliver but Dr. Knox,” said Patty. “When he got there, I relaxed.

“It had been such a long day, and he was so calm.”

The bustling delivery room was filled with sisters and the grandmothers-to-be. And, of course, Dr. Knox.

“He was so naturally a part of it,” said Marciel. So natural, in fact, the nurses assumed he was Rhys’ brother.

“I’ve really enjoyed seeing Darby develop,” he said. “She’s so bright and so verbal.

“To know that whole family and to be there when a new generation was started … I feel privileged.”

Knox said he worries future doctors may not have that same opportunity.

“I think down the road, there may not be doctors who see and come to know four generations,” he said.

“Insurance companies dictate health care so much that there isn’t that flexibility.”

Knox himself grew up in a small Oregon town and watched the local doctor at work. It was what made him want to be a family practitioner.

“It suits my personality,” he said. “I would be less happy in any other speciality.”

Knox delivers around 30 babies a year. He’s delivered five babies for one family.

“That’s the essence of family practice,” he said.

Still, he has another goal in mind. One of the practice’s partners is now delivering babies for people he delivered.

“It makes us feel old, of course,” Knox said with a laugh. “But I’m looking forward to that day.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo