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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2015-08-19, Page 3Wednesday, August 19, 2015 • News Record 3 Clinton says goodbye to one doctor, welcomes another Laura Broadley Clinton News Record Thirty years and thousands of patients later, Dr. Keith Hay is leaving the Clinton Family Health Team. At a reception held last Wednes- day, members of the community were able to say their goodbyes to Dr. Hay. Nurse Irene Bromley has worked with Dr. Hay for 25 years. "I was so fortunate to work with him for these many years. He always challenged me but he taught me so much, including patience, tolerance and compas- sion for those who have less," Bromley said during a speech last Wednesday. "When he first spoke with me about his future plans, he reas- sured me that our practice, our patients and I would be fine." In the mid -80s Dr. Hay and his wife Susan were looking for a place to settle down. They knew they wanted to live in a small com- munity with a hospital. They took out a map with blue "H" marking where the hospitals were located. They sent 25 letters to chiefs of staff and municipal clerks in southwestern Ontario and received only three responses. It was a time when there wasn't as high of a demand for family physi- cians as there is now, Dr. Hay explained. Clinton was the last stop on their three town tour. "They welcomed us, even though at the time they really didn't need another doctor," recalls Dr. Hay. "It's kind of a cool story how we ended up in Clinton." "I've had no regrets at all for the decision we made then to choose Clinton over the other two com- munities we visited," said Dr. Hay. A family physician gets to treat patients with many different dis- eases and conditions, they get to take on many roles, especially in a smaller community where there aren't a lot of specialists, explained Dr. Hay. Dr. Hay also had a significant role to play at the Clinton Public Hospital, including the emergency room and surgery. "The dedication of the staff at the Clinton Public Hospital has been inspiring," he said. One of Dr. Hay's accomplish- ments for which he is most proud is the evolution of the Clinton Family Health Team, which he Laura Broadley Clinton News Record A meet and greet reception was held last Wednesday to say goodbye to Dr. Keith Hay and to welcome Dr. Irram Sumar at the Central Huron Community Complex. Pictured here, from left, Dr. Irram Sumar, Susan Hay and Dr. Keith Hay. had a key role in creating. Dr. Irram Sumar, who is taking over for Dr. Hay, first came to Clin- ton in 2011 as a doctor in training. She did part of her training with the Clinton Family Health Team under the mentorship of Dr. Hay. After graduating from Univer- sity of Western Ontario's family medicine residency program in 2013, Dr. Sumar decided that Clin- ton was the place to start her career. Over the last few years she has worked as a fill-in physician and then eventually began a job - share with Dr. Hay. A number of factors lead Dr. Sumar to pick this small town but she said it was the warmth of the community, support from the other physicians and Dr. Hay's mentorship. "Throughout my training I've come across one strong, interested mentor. He impressed me with his advocacy for any and all the patients in his care, whether they belonged to his family practice or walked into the ER while he was covering or were at the nursing home where he was medical director," said Dr. Sumar, during her speech. Dr. Hay is leaving the Clinton Family Health Team to pursue a position as medical advisor with the College of Physicians and Sur- geons of Ontario. The people and the relation- ships that he's built with them over decades is something that Dr. Hay will miss most. In his speech, Dr. Hay thanked the patients and staff he had worked with over his Clinton career. "I want to thank the thousands of patients in this community I've had the honour to serve. To watch a newborn take its first breath, to alleviate pain in the emergency department, to assist a very ill inpatient and then fol- low them as they improve in the office, to provide comfort to patients will terminal disease, to support those with mental ill- ness or chronic disease, to reas- sure, to cajole, to advocate, to lis- ten, to laugh and to cry; these are the moments I will cherish." ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! DEADLINES Our Weekly Deadlines are as follows: ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL Friday @ 2:00 pm Views Record 53 Albert St. S, Clinton PH: 519-482-3443 www.clintonnewsrecord.com OFFICE HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9am - 5pm CLOSED TUESDAYS "Every year an incredible group of driver's come together to support our chosen charity" states Marketing Manager Jessica Carnochan, "it doesn't matter what it is, they are here and that means a lot to us, and the groups we help fund raise for." This year the talented group of drivers,Trevor Henry, Ryan Holliday, Phil Hudon, Mario Baillargeon, Jody Jamieson, James MacDonald, Doug McNair and Mike Saftic drove to support the Royal Canadian Legion Legion and the Clinton, Brussels and Seaforth Branches by donating their fee's for the day. "I'm always happy to win" states three time champion Henry, "but the real winner here is the veterans, and the local legions that are working to support them, I know we're all happy to come out and drive to support them". Including the driver fees, the chicken bbq after the races, 50/50 and silent auction the local branches were able to raise over $6000. Fan's were also treated to a miniature exhibition horse race between the ninth and tenth races, with Doug McNair driving Coors to victory in the 1/4 mile race. Just three Sunday's remain for the summer meet at Clinton Raceway, the annual Kids Day event takes place next Sunday August 23, with an all Memorial Race day on August 30 and the meet wrapping up with the ever popular Legends Day on Sunday September 6. All events can be found at www.clintonraceway.com Life IAcAtow �- RACIIIG SUNDAY AUG as 'KICK ��rtia li S3JOi4' I CLINTON� " RIDES 7_U MBA . 1414 1A7SL 519.482.1 67B CIintwuracRuas+!.rorn