Doctors thanked by Trent Lakes council
One doctor has retired from the Buckhorn Regional Medical Centre and is practicing palliative care in the area. Another doctor continues his practice at the centre where he has been for 16 years — since the centre opened.
The next doctor is brand new to Buckhorn and the medical centre and is being warmly received. All three doctors, Jonathan Mallory, Scott Ferrier and Enow Enow were welcomed and thanked at a recent Trent Lakes Municipal Council meeting.
Dr. Enow is newest to the centre and completes the full complement of general practitioners. When he was told how lucky we are to have him he replied that he is lucky to be here. There is a little seven-month old girl behind the scenes that influenced his move to Buckhorn. When working at his previous assignment in Courtice, Enow had to drive one hour and 20 minutes one way to get to work just when this young lady was getting ready for the day and again at night arriving home when the young miss was turning in. A 24-minute drive to his home in Douro Dummer is much better. Fortunate for Buckhorn!
Of course, there were other options. Dr. Enow believes that while doctors are needed in many areas, access to medical services is most important. He felt he was enhancing medical access to the people of this area in a rural environment with more of a challenge in obtaining services. He is impressed with the diversity of the people coming from various areas. He believes diversity builds strength in the community.
Enow’s birth country is Cameroon. Remembering that education systems across the world differ, Enow left Cameroon at the age of 16 and attended medical school in Italy. After seven years he went back to Cameroon to practice. He found access to that medical system limited to people with money. He looked at the medical systems of the U.S. and Canada and strongly believes that Canada provides the best access. He took exams in the U.S. but felt that the Canadian system was better. He then did a residency at the University of Northern Ontario in Sault Ste. Marie. Cardiovascular medicine was his original interest but as a primary doctor he has the privilege of getting to know people in the most intimate way. He values that privilege and believes the Canadian system enables the ability to do that. He compares his job description to a GPS providing the direction while the patient is the driver that makes the decision as to which way to go.
Enow took on new patients upon his arrival in Buckhorn bringing some of his patients from Courtice with him. A card from one of his former patients, five-year-old Avery, hangs in his office. With the spelling of a five-year-old she says he is the best doctor and will miss him. Courtice’s loss is Buckhorn’s gain.
Heritage Day
The Buckhorn District Lions Club is hosting a Heritage Day. One and all are invited to display your heritage, your flag and hand out a sample of your traditional foods. We are interested in first, second or third generations. Diversity is the spice of life and we have it all: 13 different nationalities were represented at a previous Heritage Day. It is anticipated there are more now. Come enjoy the Lindsay fur harvesters, the Greater Harvey Historical Society, Community Care, music, foods, conversation and a BBQ. See you atthe BCC sports pad Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Talk with your neighbours and discover the journey they went through to get here. Place a pin on your tiny spot in the world. Join the day. Call Janet 705-657-2225 or email janetclarkson@bell.net.