Well, if they did, it was likely they were being called to some "continuing ed" with the Great Physician. Do you think his son was Dr. Ben Casey? I remember our doc's name also...Ralph Ritzman, and what he looked like, especially his bushy eyebrows. He and his wife, Mary, were friends of my parents and always had us over for a summer picnic . Homemade ice cream was ALWAYS on the menu. And yes, he treated every ailment with hardly ever a referral. Since I was sent for allergy testing in Chicago, I know he did, though, on occasion.
I can identify with those regular tummy aches, too. Mine seemed to come on days when a new math concept was to be introduced. The teacher always told us the day before, which gave me all the information I needed to plan ahead - lol.