DAVENPORT, Iowa — A Quad City man is hanging up his scrubs after being the heartbeat of countless lives.
Benjamin Van Raalte, 66, is retiring from Genesis Plastic Surgery after 35 years of service.
“I didn’t want to be one of those that people said, ‘why is he still around,’” Van Raalte said.
He was the youngest in his medical school class and the first Iowan to become a member of The Aesthetic Society.
"I tell people, as the plastic surgeon, it's like being captain of the ship," Van Raalte said. "If they have faith in me, I will get them to shore, I will get them through."
Moline resident Kaylie Rowe is one of the patients he's cared for during his career.
“He’s definitely a one-of-a-kind doctor," Rowe said. “He’s direct, he’s kind and thoughtful.”
Rowe said Van Raalte helped her several times with cosmetic work, including reconstruction after her battle with cancer. She did not need chemotherapy.
“The mental portion is more than half the battle," Rowe said. "You have to believe that you’re going to be well and believe that you’re going to overcome this, and part of that is looking healthy.”
Van Raalte said he's been through a lot of experiences over the years.
“I’ve seen everything from, corn-picker injuries in hands over the years to fireworks explosions in the face,” Van Raalte said.
He said there has been a shift surrounding the stigma of plastic surgery in his time.
“It’s definitely more accepted," Van Raalte said. "30 years ago, it was definitely more hush, hush, considered vain; now people, especially the younger generation is reaching out."
He reflected on the human element of the industry.
"A lot of patients, things didn't go as smoothly as you'd like, and I don't think patients ever realize how traumatic that is on the surgeon as well," Van Raalte said.
Rowe is grateful for Van Raalte's support and guidance through important decisions she's made in her life.
“It was an experience, though tough to go through," Rowe said. “I trusted the process because you said to."
Van Raalte officially retired Dec. 22.
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