Balancing A Young Family and a Multi-Faceted Medical Career
In 2006, when Dr. David Carr and his wife Dawn chose to move to Peterborough Ontario, the decision was based on identifying a community which would be a good fit for them as they looked to start their family with a manageable balance of lifestyle and career opportunities. They weren’t disappointed. Dawn is currently the acting Executive Director of the Canadian Parks Council, and Dave splits his time as a physician between Family Practice at the Medical Centre at 707 Charlotte Street and at PRHC’s Emergency Department. The two different environments offer their own opportunities for Dr. Carr to care for patients with very distinct needs. “Family Practice provides me with the opportunity to get to know patients and their families over time, offering a unique and privileged perspective on their lives,” said Dr. Carr. “I enjoy the challenge of viewing and interpreting medical issues that arise in this larger perspective. At the Medical Centre, we work in a team environment with nurse practitioners, registered nurses, mental health clinicians, registered dietitians, physician assistants, pharmacists and other allied health professionals. We have a broad spectrum of clinical expertise and interests in our group, as well as amazing support staff.” “At PRHC I really enjoy the collegiality and teamwork in the Emergency Department, working with my colleagues to provide acute medical care to our patients in a setting where there really is no control over what’s coming in the door next. The regular flow of residents and other learners through our Department, face-to-face interaction with my Emergency Department and specialist colleagues, an engaged and dedicated group of doctors, nurses and support staff make this a great environment for staying on top of the rapid changes in the medical field.” Dr. Carr graduated from Queen’s University Medical School in 2003. He completed his Family Medicine residency program at the University of Alberta in 2005 and further training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Alberta in 2006. His passion for continued learning had him involved with the Kawartha Family Medicine Program since its inception as a preceptor (clinical teacher/supervisor) in Family Medicine, and he generally has a resident working with his office once per week. “This is one of my favourite aspects of working at the Medical Centre - I really appreciate the tremendous enthusiasm, knowledge and skill that these residents have and it’s incredibly rewarding watching them grow and develop as clinicians over the two years they are in the program here in Peterborough.” Dr. Carr took on the role as Associate Lead for the Medical Centre Family Health Organization in the fall of 2016, which sees him playing a leadership and administrative role there. He also serves as one of two liasons for the group with the Peterborough Family Health Team. “I think what I have brought to this role is an emphasis on improving how we function as a team in providing care to our patients. I really enjoy feeling that I am contributing to some positive change in the provision of primary care. I have gained a tremendous appreciation for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure excellent ongoing medical care for our patients in both the Medical Centre Family Health Organization and the Peterborough Family Health Team.” With a young family at home, Maddie (11), and Wes (9), and family dog Atticus, even with his busy schedule Dr. Carr ensures he has the time to help with school work, music, sports and still have some time to just hang out as a family and enjoy the outdoors.