Sen. Ralph Kilzer, MD, an orthopedic surgeon who served as a North Dakota state Senator for 20 years, announced his retirement, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Here are five things to know:
1. Sen. Kilzer, a Republican, was first elected to the state house in 1996 and then the Senate two years later. He represents District 47, a traditionally Republican district.
2. Sen. Kilzer announced he will continue his term through November 2018, at which point he will retire. At least four individuals have expressed interest in running for his seat.
3. During his career as a clinician, Sen. Kilzer served as president of the 6th District Medical Association and a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
4. After earning his medical degree at Milwaukee-based Marquette University School of Medicine, Sen. Kilzer trained at the Medical College of Wisconsin, also in Milwaukee. He also spent time in the U.S. Army.