THANK YOU DR. SALAMOUN

Happy retirement to Dr. Wassim Salamoun who retired after 28 years as an otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon), ears, nose and throat specialist and four years as medical director of P.E.I. West.

He also served as the medical director for Prince County Hospital (PCH) from 2005-15.

Dr. Salamoun, born in Lebanon, completed his medical training in Bordeaux, France, in 1978. There he met his future wife Marie, a Nova Scotian who was studying French. They moved to Canada and he pursued a residency in otolaryngology at Dalhousie University, and then a head and neck oncology fellowship in Pittsburgh, Penn.

In 1989, he was recruited as one of two Island ENT surgeons, and the only in Summerside. He quickly established a reputation as a hardworking, reliable and trustworthy surgeon, and an excellent colleague. He was busy: this was an era in which specialists were called to the emergency department for any problem related to their speciality. For example, this meant Dr. Salamoun was called to the ER for any patient with a nosebleed (now, emergency room specialists are trained and manage a vast range of medical problems). Physicians were not paid for being on call, and there were no regulations in place to prevent physicians from being on call 24-7. He didn’t complain, and his patients were grateful. He’s received many accolades and awards and is highly respected across Canada. He and Marie raised two boys, Cedric and Andrew.

Beyond the surgical care is the leadership and kindness that Dr. Salamoun exhibited. As the ENT specialist who took over his practice, the most consistent comment I hear from his patients is: ‘What a nice man’. My generation of physicians should aspire to that level of excellence and humility.

Dr. Salamoun, thank you for your hard work and dedication for 32 years. While we will miss your presence and contribution, we hope you enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

Dr. Kristian Macdonald, Charlottetown