By Ed Waggener

"Absolutely nothing is out of reach, if you work hard enough at it. That's the advice my parents gave me," Dr. Robert R. Goodin told the 1998 Founders' Day attendees in Cranmer Dining Center at Lindsey Wilson.

Surprising words from the man with the healing, happy disposition who always made it look so easy to be the best in so many endeavors, from Adair County High School baseball, to an outstanding high school, college, university and medical school career, and who now heads Cardiology Associates, a group of 20 heart specialists in Louisville.

Dr. Goodin gave credit for his accomplishments to the start he received in Millerfield with two wonderful parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Goodin. Neither parent had graduated from high school but both achieved a self-education far above the high school level. "They made it very clear," Dr. Goodin said, "that a college degree was not only desired, but expected."

Dr. Goodin, who attended Lindsey Wilson from 1957-59, remembered the impact that Lindsey has had on his life. "I want to thank this school," he said, adding, "You know, a lot of kids in this area would never have gone to college at all without Lindsey Wilson. For that, I'm thankful."

Dr. Goodin gave a brief talk on healthcare delivery and the difficulty now faced by physicians who are often placed in the position, by HMOs and other employers, of having to choose between care and cost.

Still he said, he has never regretted his choice of profession. "I'm happy that two of my three children have followed me in medicine," he said.

He had been introduced by Dr. Walter Reuling, Lindsey Wilson President, who said, "I want you to know four important things about Dr. Goodin: First, he is a Lindsey graduate. Second, he is a Lindsey trustee. Third, he is my personal cardiologist. And fourth, he is Hunter's (Durham's) brother-in-law."

Old friends, patients and former patients, and well-wishers lined up for the better part of an hour following the talk for a chance to visit Dr. and Mrs. Goodin.