SUDBURY - Family physicians in northern Ontario are being honoured for their service to patients across the region.
It is part of a campaign by the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) to recognize the doctors for their commitment to their patients in small and remote communities, said a news release.
The OCFP said the campaign highlights the essential role of family physicians. The OCFP said patients across the province were surveyed with one inquiry: “Tell us how your family doctor has gone above and beyond for you.”
OCFP said the response was overwhelming as patients offered formal recognition of more than 750 family doctors across Ontario.
Patients from across northern Ontario expressed gratitude for their family doctors, who played a crucial role in managing complex illnesses like dementia and heart conditions, offered compassionate palliative and gender-affirming care to their loved ones, and even saved their life. said a news release from OCFP.
The college provided several examples of individuals across the North nominating their local physicians. The news release said family doctors from Sioux Lookout to Temiskaming Shores were thanked for their contributions.
Brenda Holley offered recognition of her family care provider, Dr. Adrianna Schamp of the Group Health Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, for essential care provided to Holley, her sister and her late mother, said the release.
Dianne Bradley recognized her family physician, Dr. James Ross of the Cochrane Family Health Team, for his continuing care to patients at the clinic and at the local hospital.
Kathy Swan was pleased to speak up for Dr. Glenn Corneil of the Great Northern Family Health Team in Temiskaming Shores, where he has served the community for more than 20 years, providing care and guidance to patients.
Joe Connell spoke for Dr. Deanna Hagan of the Huron Shores Family Health Team in Blind River, where he said Dr. Hagan performed urgent life-saving procedures and then guided his patient to additional care at a larger hospital.
Janice Brunet recognized Dr. Chelsea Pretty of the Haileybury Family Health Team for providing care to a patient who was not only a cancer survivor, but also had a heart condition and osteoporosis.
She was thanked for listening to her patient and providing crucial information to help the patient understand their situation better.
The OCFP said it also heard from a significant number of Ontario residents who still do not have a family doctor. The college is urging government and healthcare leaders to continue taking steps to prioritize patient care by increasing access to family doctors.