NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO COLLEGE OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS
**********************************
Family doctors in Simcoe County are being recognized by patients and the Ontario College of Family Physicians for the outstanding care they provide and their dedication to the community.
Dr. Michelle Van Walraven, of the Barrie and Community Family Health Team, is among those being recognized. One of her patients, Irene Goodman, credits her with tirelessly investigating symptoms and advocating on her behalf.
Ms. Goodman says: “Dr. Van Walraven takes the time to listen and is caring and nurturing. When I was hospitalized, she took the time to come and see me before she started her busy day in her practice. She was amazing in persevering and getting me into Women’s College Hospital to treat my migraines. She is the best and deserving of so much.”
Ms. Goodman nominated Dr. Van Walraven to be recognized as part of a campaign to highlight the essential role of family physicians. The Ontario College of Family Physicians asked Ontarians a simple question: "Tell us how your family doctor has gone above and beyond for you."
The response was overwhelming and heartfelt, resulting in more than 750 family physicians, including 39 in Simcoe County, being honoured.
“What we heard from patients in all corners of the province, including in the Simcoe County area, is that family physicians are there for patients, providing care when they need it most,” said Dr. Jobin Varughese, president, Ontario College of Family Physicians. “We are thankful for the dedication and care that family physicians show to patients.”
Patients in Orillia, Collingwood and Angus share how their family doctors support them when they need it most:
- Dawn Duncan is recognizing her family doctor, Dr. Heather Laakso, of the First Medical Group Orillia. She says: “I am so very thankful for the outstanding compassion and care I have received from Dr. Laakso. In 2020, I became very ill with a multitude of unexplained symptoms. I was sent for many diagnostic tests and was seen by several specialists, but no diagnosis was found. During this time, not once did Dr. Laakso ever doubt what I was telling her, and she remained determined to find the cause for my symptoms, and she did. I cannot fully express how thankful I am to have such a dedicated doctor. She is the absolute best!”
- Kelly Beram is recognizing Dr. Matthew Weisbrod, of Shipyards Family Medicine in Collingwood. She says: “My family and I have been patients of Dr. Weisbrod’s for a very long time. He listens to all our health concerns and has never hesitated to guide us in the right direction. After my mom had a heart attack, Dr. Weisbrod treated my mom in the emergency department at the local Collingwood hospital. Dr. Weisbrod was very kind and patient when explaining the care she would need. Dr. Weisbrod was not my mother’s family doctor, however my mom took notice of his professionalism and kind bedside manner during her hospital stay. In addition, my husband has many serious health issues and Dr. Weisbrod has helped us both understand the mental, physical and emotional limitations he has. He has been a great family doctor, and we are privileged to have him.”
- Angela Vos is recognizing her family doctor, Dr. Shannon Reid, of Angus Family Medical. She says: “I am so thankful to have met Dr. Reid after many years of suffering with pelvic pain. She was able to help me and guide me in the process of navigating an ongoing health-care condition at a time when I was in the depths of grief from losing my son. She showed the upmost compassion, and understanding of what I was going through.”
- Frances Pritchard is recognizing her family doctor, Dr. Ryan Mitchell, of the Couchiching Family Health Team in Orillia. She says: “Dr. Mitchell is very caring and understands and listens to your circumstances. When my mother was aging, he and his wife Dr. Aguilai, came to my mother’s house to visit her. When my mother became very ill, Dr. Mitchell attended to her every day in her retirement home. When my husband was ill Dr. Mitchell was there for us at all hours. I could not ask for a better doctor.”
The Ontario College of Family Physicians also heard from Ontarians who do not have a family doctor – and want one. There are 2.5 million Ontarians without access to a family doctor.
“Family physicians are the foundation of our health-care system, and every Ontarian should have access to one,” said Deepy Sur, CEO, Ontario College of Family Physicians. “We can get there by ensuring family physicians have the right supports in the right place to allow them to continue to provide patient care.”
The Ontario College of Family Physicians is calling for every Ontarian to have access to a family doctor working with a team, enabled by the right technology. By ensuring family doctors have the right supports to stay focused on patients, Ontario can retain the family doctors we have now and recruit for the future. Visit LifeWithADoctor.ca to learn more.
**********************************