April 2026
There’s a safe in our boardroom that has been here longer than most of us.
It belonged to John Catlin, MD, who opened Buffalo’s first hospital above a downtown drugstore in 1914. Every time we pass it, we are reminded of where we started and why we are still here.
In April 1951, 75 years ago this month, that legacy took a new shape when Theodore Catlin, MD, (John Catlin’s son) and R.M. Sandeen, MD, transformed the Catlin Hospital into the first Buffalo Clinic – an independent, locally owned practice dedicated to you. From these humble beginnings, we remain independent today and committed to providing care from clinicians who live here and understand you.
A Foundation Built in 1914
In 1914, Dr. John Catlin opened Catlin Hospital above Earl Schmidt’s Drugstore in downtown Buffalo, now the location of Forget Me Not Cafe. The private hospital had 12 rooms and six beds. It was modest by today’s standards, but it represented something powerful. It was local, accessible care led by a physician who knew his patients personally.
Although 1951 marks the official beginning of our clinic history, Dr. Catlin’s work laid the foundation. His original safe still sits in our boardroom today, a reminder of the trust patients placed in their local doctor more than a century ago.
1951: The First Buffalo Clinic
When Dr. John Catlin retired in 1951, Drs. Theodore Catlin and R.M. Sandeen stepped in and converted the private hospital into the first Buffalo Clinic. It included a laboratory, X-ray services, a library, physical therapy, and storage. It represented a shift toward comprehensive outpatient care and reflected a growing community with expanding needs.
Growing with the Community
As Buffalo expanded, so did the clinic.
1963: Dr. R.M. Sandeen and Dr. Theodore Catlin built a new location at 210 1st Street South in Buffalo to accommodate more patients and another physician.
1972: The clinic expanded again to serve increasing demand.
1979: A new facility was built on Highway 25 in Buffalo, where the clinic stands today. This location included an onsite pharmacy, improving convenience and access for patients.
Each expansion reflected something simple. The community needed more care, and the clinic responded.
Monticello’s Story
While Buffalo was growing, Monticello was building its own strong foundation.
1963: William Hart, MD, and Donald Maus,MD, co-owned the original Monticello Clinic located downtown on Broadway Street.
1981: The clinic relocated to its current location on Hart Boulevard.
In 1995, the Monticello and Buffalo Clinics merged to form a single medical group with two locations. That partnership strengthened both communities and expanded access to care across the region.
Innovation and Expansion
2003: The Buffalo Clinic was expanded, remodeled and connected directly to the hospital. At that time, the clinic included 20 providers, 59 exam rooms, and 9 special procedure rooms.
The Medical Skin Care Center opened to help address the shortage of dermatology services in the area.
2007: A new location opened in Albertville-St. Michael, further expanding care close to home.
2016: The organization officially changed its name to Stellis Health, clearly uniting all locations under one independent medical group.
The name changed. The facilities evolved. Technology advanced. The mission remained the same.
Local care. Local leaders. Local decisions. 75 Years Strong.
“We’re your neighbors and it’s been our privilege to care for families across generations,” says Frank Anderson, MD, family medicine physician and president of Stellis Health. “Without the complexity of a large health system, we focus on what matters most—personal care from providers who truly know you.”
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate 75 years, we are focused on the future.
We continue to expand specialty services so you do not have to travel far for expert care. We are making scheduling easier with same-day and next-day appointments available across many services. We are improving technology to make managing your care simpler and more convenient.
Getting care should be straightforward. At Stellis Health, it is.
Comprehensive, high-quality care close to home is not just a tagline. It is our promise.
For 75 years, families in Buffalo, Monticello, and Albertville-St. Michael have trusted Stellis Health for personal, relationship-based care delivered by providers who know them.
We are proud to remain independent, local, and focused on you.
Schedule Now or call 763-682-1313 to get care today.
Thank you for being part of our story.
Stellis Health
The right care, right here in our community.
