A northern Ontario doctor who practices in New Liskeard has been recognized by his patients along with the Ontario College of Family Physicians for the outstanding care they provide and their dedication to the community.
Dr. Glenn Corneil of the Great Northern Family Health Team in Temiskaming Shores is among those being recognized. One of his patients, Kathy Swan, credits him with providing a safe and welcoming environment and supporting her child as they navigated through his patient's transition.
"I’ve known Dr. Corneil professionally for over 22 years, he has been our family physician for nearly 20 years, and our community is very fortunate to have him as one of our local doctors," said Kathy Swan.
"There hasn't been one instance where he wasn't willing to listen to our concerns and try to give as many options as possible for solutions. My child, Sol, who is non-binary, approached Dr. Corneil for guidance and avenues for transitioning.
"Without hesitation, Dr. Corneil listened to them, offered support and directed them to the proper channels for them to be safe and healthy on their journey.”
Ms. Swan nominated Dr. Corneil to be recognized as part of a campaign to highlight the essential role of family physicians.
The Ontario College of Family Physicians asked Ontarians a simple question: "Tell us how your family doctor has gone above and beyond for you."
The response was overwhelming and heartfelt, resulting in more than 750 family physicians, including 10 in North Bay and the surrounding area, being honoured.
“What we heard from patients in all corners of the province, including in North Bay and the surrounding area, is that family physicians are there for patients, providing care when they need it most,” said Dr. Jobin Varughese, President, Ontario College of Family Physicians in a release.
“We are thankful for the dedication and care that family physicians show to patients.”
Dr. Corneil is flattered by the nomination.
"None of us do this looking for recognition, of course, but it's human nature to to appreciate when people make extra efforts like this, to acknowledge the care you've provided," he said.
"But as a family doctor, when we work with people through so many different scenarios and situations, we know there's a lot of respect and a lot of appreciation of family doctors and doctors and patients in all of our practices. So it's just that, it's that relationship that you build with your patient. Positive feedback is always appreciated. But we know in the relationships and helping people through hard times, we know living those communication moments together, we know the positives, and it's part of why we do family medicine."
The Ontario College of Family Physicians also heard from Ontarians who do not have a family doctor – and want one. There are 2.5 million Ontarians without access to a family doctor.
“Family physicians are the foundation of our health care system, and every Ontarian should have access to one,” said Deepy Sur, CEO, Ontario College of Family Physicians.
“We can get there by ensuring family physicians have the right supports in the right place to allow them to continue to provide patient care.”
Dr. Corneil, who grew up in Toronto, admits he loves his job.
"Yeah, I've absolutely loved being a rural family doctor," he said.
"There's nothing else I wish I had done sort of career wise, I grew up in Toronto, married somebody from the north, and it was really that experience of getting up to the north and seeing rural communities that really opened my eyes."
The Ontario College of Family Physicians is calling on government and healthcare leaders to continue taking steps to prioritize patient care by increasing access to family doctors. By reducing unnecessary red tape and ensuring family doctors have the right supports to stay focused on patients, Ontario can retain the family doctors we have now and recruit for the future. Visit LifeWithADoctor.ca
