Gardnerville dentist Dr. Michael Fischer has left his practice to serve as Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs.
"I've been dentist 31 years. I had wonderful practice with wonderful patients," Fischer said. "But at this point in my life, it's time to turn the page and do something else.
"This ís a job that will become a labor of love for me, something I've looked forward to doing my entire life," he said.
Fischer's love of history started when he was 10 and his parents took him to visit the Nevada ghost towns. They also encouraged him to read about the sites, he said.
"That was 48 years ago," Fischer said. "There was lots of history just laying around."
History is not just a childhood avocation for Fischer, who is a member of the Douglas County Historical Society and the H.F. Dangberg Home Ranch State Park Steering Committee for master planning and building restoration.
He is a member of the Western Folk Life Center and the Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering, serving 10 years on the board of directors and four as chairman.
A Chatauquan, he portrays both H.F. Dangberg Sr. and Gov. John Sparks at local events.
"I have been preparing for this for a long time," he said. "Now my avocation is my vocation."
Gov. Jim Gibbons announced the appointment Monday. Fischer will replace outgoing Director Scott K. Sisco.
"Mike Fischer is well known and respected for his knowledge of our state and its unique history," Gibbons said. "I am confident his commitment to the preservation of our state's western heritage will provide the Department of Cultural Affairs with exceptional leadership."
Born and raised in Reno, Fisher graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno. He received is dental degree in 1975 from the University of Southern California.
He said he will miss his patients.
"They are very special to me," he said. "I had a very old-fashioned practice and what I'll miss the most, is the people."
Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.
