The passing of Dr. Chiu-Shang Tsai on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 at the wise age of 77 has impacted those in our community who had the pleasure of receiving his care as well as those who worked alongside him.
Dr. Tsai had been in the medical field for more than 52 years. Over 40 of those years were spent here at Cordell serving this small community with his knowledge, compassion and expertise. His is a life that will never be replaced and he will be missed by many.
Many of his former patients and colleagues took to social media to share memories of Dr. Tsai.
“When he found three large duck-egg sized lumps in my right breast, he said I didn’t need to have further testing done. Because of their size, he didn’t want to wait. The very next day he removed them. Afterwards, he told me why he had made such a hasty decision. With tears in his eyes he said his sister just passed away from breast cancer within two weeks of being diagnosed. Thankfully, the lumps turned out to be benign,” said former patient Debra Walters. “He was always genuinely interested in each of his patients. He always had a smile. There will never be another doctor like him in my lifetime. He was special.”
Dr. Tsai received his medical doctor’s degree from Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan in 1970. Dr. Tsai began an internship in Taiwan in 1969. He completed three years of surgical training from 1970 to 1973. Dr. Tsai and his family moved to the States in the year of 1973.
“I met Dr. Tsai when I moved to Cordell as a new graduate nurse. I became a student of his wisdom and amazing ability to diagnose. I will always treasure those times and be grateful for his teaching,” said Stephanie Sanders.
After passing the American Medical Association Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates examination, Dr. Tsai completed another rotating internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Philadelphia where he worked under supervision in several departments or services in succession.
“Dr. Tsai and I were good friends. He was my doctor and my friend in the classroom during teacher/parent conferences. I loved his kids, who were excellent students, and I admired him and his medical knowledge. My sympathy to his family,” said retired Cordell educator Brenda Bonham.
Immediately after Dr. Tsai completed his internship he continued on to his residency training for general practice from 1974 to 1976. Following his residency, Dr. Tsai completed a substantial amount of training in internal medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Warren, OH.
“I will always remember Dr. Tsai saying you will be alright. He was a good man and a great doctor. He took good care of our family,” said former patient Kelly Turnway.
After his completed training in Ohio, Dr. Tsai and his family moved to Fairfax, OK where he operated a private practice from July 17, 1977 until his advancement to Cordell.
Upon his arrival to Fairfax, Dr. Tsai had already completed eight years of medical training before continuing his journey into private practice.
Dr. Tsai and his family moved to Cordell from Fairfax in 1978. On the memorable summer day of July 1, 1978, Dr. Tsai opened his office in the Cordell Doctor’s Clinic, now named Cordell Medical Family Clinic.
“I enjoyed working for him. He served Cordell and the hospital for many years. He and Becky and the kids were well thought of,” said Patsy Hileman.
On Tuesday, Aug. 4, 1981 Dr. Tsai and his family received their Certificate of Naturalization in Jackson County District Court in Altus.
During his remarkable time in Cordell, Dr. Tsai was Chief of Staff at Cordell Memorial Hospital, the Medical Director of Washita County Health Services and Cordell Nursing and Rehab, previously known as Cordell Christian Home.
Current Cordell Nursing and Rehab Administrator Gail Wilcox expressed what Dr. Tsai meant to residents and staff at their facility.
“The Cordell Nursing and Rehab staff was saddened by Dr. Tsai’s death. Dr. Tsai was a friend, leader, physician and mentor for many years to the staff and residents who reside within. He had a passion about serving residents. Dr. Tsai’s death leaves a void in many many hearts. Thank you Dr. Tsai for leading us for many years. The staff of Cordell Nursing Home send heartfelt condolences to the family.”
“Great man and doctor. He took good care of my mother, and he always had compassion. After she passed he would always talk kindly of her. He will be missed,” said Cordell resident Mike Weixel.
“He and his family lived across the street from me for awhile. I had a couple of his kids in my first grade class,” said Aleta Jorgenson. “He was a great doctor, and took such wonderful care of my family. He will be missed!”
Dr. Tsai officially retired in 2018; however, he still continued to serve our community and make a difference and lasting impression in many lives. His memory will be cherished throughout our community and his impact will stretch far beyond.
To his loved ones, Becky, George, Patricia and Gary, we offer our condolences and thank you for sharing such an incredible soul.