But with arthritis plaguing her hands and fingers, Olson decided that it’s time to step away from the delivery room and plans to retire at the end of this month.

“It was a really hard decision,” said Olson. “My husband’s been retired for a long time and he’s been asking me for at least six years, if not longer, to retire. I said I’d retire when I’m 62 and then 65 and then I said 66. I’ll be 68 in December. Now, it’s time.”

Olson has seen the OB/GYN field change throughout her career with incidence of C-sections increasing, while use of forceps and vacuums decreasing.

“Delivering a baby is still delivering a baby,” said Olson. “I love to get in there and do those deliveries. I love it when the dads cry. That just makes me so happy and it gives me this great feeling when everyone in the room is sobbing for the good news. I don’t like the bad stuff, but I love the good.”

Olson stepped away from the delivery room earlier this year because of the arthritis in her hands, but has continued to see patients in the office.

“I love the people and the interactions with people,” said Olson. “I really do enjoy the visits in the office and talking with people and teaching them about themselves. You’d be surprised at the number of women who really don’t know their own anatomy, know what causes their menstrual cycle. I like doing that teaching. I like the deliveries. I actually like surgery too. It’s like doing a puzzle.”

Throughout her 32 year career, Olson tried hard to remain mum with patients on whether or not they were having a boy or girl. Although she said she once concocted a grand plan to announce the baby by the name the parents had told her earlier in the pregnancy. She had practiced the announcement in her head, only to learn just before the birth that they’d changed the child’s name, thus changing her plans.

“I have many great memories and funny stories,” said Olson. “Well, you know, I’m short. A few years ago I went in to do a C-section. When I operate, I stand on a lift so that I can get up high enough. The dad came into the room after everything’s been prepped and draped. We were ready to make the incision and the dad was looking around and he said you’re not starting until I see Dr. Olson. That still makes me laugh.”

With retirement on the horizon, Olson is looking forward to not chasing an office and delivery schedule and the opportunity to spend more time with her family.

“I have a whole bunch of books that are waiting for me,” said Olson. “I probably have more books than I’ll be able to read. I have hobbies that have been waiting for me, but my children and grandchildren are scattered all over the world. I want to see them. That’s what I really want to do. I want to wake up in the morning and spend time with my husband.”

In retirement, Olson and her husband plan to return to North Dakota, where they are originally from, but will miss the relationships built in the decades spent in north central Iowa.

“When we moved here, people would always ask why I moved to Fort Dodge,” said Olson. “I think now the more important question is why did we stay. The people here are polite, they’re happy, they’re considerate. People will help you. I once had a flat tire and someone came and changed the tire for me while I was waiting for my husband. There’s art and music and literature here. There’s so much that a small town has to offer. It is and it has been a nice place to live. Fort Dodge really is a good community, and I’m going to miss it.”