Retirement would be too boring for someone like Dr. Robert Wetzler. His career covered chiropractic care, Ob-gyn and general practice. Not to mention being the backstage doctor at Alpine Valley and having opened his home to his famous “patients” like the Grateful Dead. Helping to put a group together to open the Riverwest Clinic, 826 E. Center St., was a logical step. It’s a family affair. Wife Jill Wetzler, R.N. advises patients, helps with patient intake and screening, and generally helps out as she’s done for the last 20 years. Daughter Dr. Kim Wetzler, N.D. is a naturopathic doctor and has office hours on Tuesdays. Office Manager Jamie Walters is a trained social worker, bringing crisis intervention, patient advocacy and psycho-social evaluation skills to the mix. Other “friends of the family” help out by taking care of computers, answering the phone, managing appointments and anything else that needs to be done. The clinic accepts Medicaid, Medicare and cash customers, and they adjust their fees depending on the care provided. They are generally supportive of uninsured and underinsured patients. They offer free counseling sessions, helping potential patients determine whether they qualify for a variety of public health care programs. In addition to naturopathic medicine, Riverwest Clinic offers nutritional and herbal treatments, pain management resources, spinal manipulation, cranio sacral therapy, and more. Complete medical exams are available, as well as blood sugar testing, cholesterol screening and other basic diagnostic work. The staff is available for questions, recommendations and referrals. “Treating the whole person. Respecting individual needs.” That’s the motto of the Riverwest Clinic staff. “It’s a family feeling here,” explained Jamie Walters. “People care about each other.” The Clinic’s Grand Opening was held January 19. The long afternoon saw a steady stream of visitors, an abundance of food and music ranging from folk to opera. Dr. Bob was talking and laughing with a few long-time patients lingering in the waiting room, watching the winter twilight descend on Center Street. “There are a lot of people who need care in this neighborhood,” he said reflectively. “It’s a good thing we’re here.” Appointments are available Mondays through Saturdays. Call 372-5553 to schedule. Se Habla Espanol.