Spring 2009 - St. Joseph's Health Care London

Dr. Tom Freeman, chiefof family medicine atSt. Joseph’s Health Care,LondonDr. Ian McWhinney,considered the “father” offamily medicine in CanadaGeneral practitioners ... are the doctorsclosest to people. They heal most of thebroken-hearted, repair more of the injuredand deprived, and live with the poor anddying who are without hope. Adaptation isthe juice of family medicine—the GP adaptsto the needs of people or closes up shop.– Dr. William Victor Johnston of Lucknow, OntarioFirst executive director of the College of FamilyPhysicians of Canada, 1956-1965What we’re most proud of is the high-qualitycare provided to the community of London, thecomprehensiveness of that care, and the sensethat it’s an integral part of the community.”Today, the Ontario government is fundinginterdisciplinary practice and the formation offamily health teams. The teams include physiciansand other providers such as nurse practitioners,nurses, social workers and dieticians, all workingtogether to see more patients and to keep themhealthy. It’s hoped these teams will ease the tremendousstrain on family physicians burdenedby too many patients with burgeoning needs.What won’t change, says Dr. Freeman, is thatfamily medicine begins with the patient. “Inany clinical encounter, there are two expertsin the room, the patient and the care provider.Together, they find common ground to solvethe problem.”Devoted London physicianamong best in OntarioDr. Caroline Despard has pink hair and wears jeans to work.“Otherwise, I try to avoid attracting attention,” the Londonfamily doctor says with a laugh. And that makes the standoutclinician a tad uncomfortable with her new title—SouthwestOntario’s family physician of the year for 2008.Chosen by her peers with the support of her patients, Dr.Despard and the five other regional honourees were selected fortheir commitment to their patients, community and profession.All are excellent clinicians who are well loved by their patients.With a large ethnic patient population, Dr. Despard is devotedto those who often have difficulty accessing appropriate primaryhealth care—the poor, the marginalizedand psychiatric patients.As for the jeans, “I dress like mypatients,” explains Dr. Despard,whose sense of humour no doubtalso puts her patients at ease.For 20 years, the single motherof four has practiced comprehensivefamily medicine, includingpalliative care and obstetrics,delivering about 50 babies a yearat St. Joseph’s Hospital. “She hasa penchant for finding those withthe most need and helping thoseDr. Caroline Despard, Southwestpatients to a richer, fuller life,” said Ontario’s family physician of theone nominator for Dr. Despard. year for 2008Did you know?• Dr. Ian McWhinney became the first chair of family medicine in Canadawhen he came to The University of Western Ontario in 1968.• There are 283 family physicians in London; 536 in the five counties ofOxford, Middlesex, Elgin, Huron and Perth; and 971 in the 10 countiesof Southwestern Ontario.• Many family physicians provide an array of specialty services, such asobstetrics, palliative care, emergency medicine, and sexual assault anddomestic violence treatment, in addition to their family medicine load.vim & vigour • spring 2009 7