Hanging up the ‘black bag’
South shore community says goodbye to county doctor Henk Visser
From performing house calls and unplanned baby deliveries to always having an open door for even a minor illness, it was clear that to many of his patients, Dr. Henk Visser was a true “country doctor.” Hundreds gathered at the Crapaud Community Hall on Sunday to thank Dr. Visser and congratulate him on retiring from his general practice after providing care to thousands of patients during his more than 32 years in the community.
Dr. Visser reflected on his career, which originally began in Africa before he and his wife Catherine returned to open a practice in his hometown.
“It’s been a great journey. As I think about it though, I’m both proud and humbled. Proud that I could be a country doctor with a black bag and still make house calls and yes, even a couple of home deliveries, (which were) not planned mind you,” said Dr. Visser, who received some warm laughs from the crowd. “And meanwhile, embracing the latest technology. (We were) one of the first in the nation to computerize our medical records.”
Many in the crowd shared their stories of Dr. Visser’s care and also thanked his staff and Catherine, who was the clinic’s bookkeeper.
Robyn Arsenault, who helped organize the event, said her first home was next door to Dr. Visser.
“On one of the scariest nights of my life, my husband went over and knocked on (Dr. Visser’s door) and he was over within two minutes,” said Arsenault. “He was a true family doctor and I couldn’t say anything that would really express the gratitude that he deserves.” Many also thanked Dr. Visser for not leaving his practice without ensuring continued health care in the community.
Before his retirement, Dr. Visser set up a succession plan and for the past number of months has worked with Dr. Joey Giordani, who has now taken over the practice.
“I wouldn’t have taken on another position if there hadn’t been a succession plan,” said Dr. Visser, who will now take on the role of medical advisor for the Workers Compensation Board of P.E.I. “I get the privilege of now of serving you in that capacity so I’m thrilled I get to do what I love.”
He described his time in the community as an incredible journey.
“It has not been tedious, we’ve loved it and we owe a big debt of gratitude to the love of you as a community,” said Dr. Visser, who also thanked his church community and staff. “Without the support of you it wouldn’t have been possible to carry on all these years. But truly, it’s been a privilege to serve you.”