Council Award
100th Council
Award given
to GP from
Carleton Place
Dr. Martin White
photo: D.W. Dorken
I
n September, the College presented its 100th
Council Award. The deserving recipient was
Dr. Martin White, a general practitioner from
Carleto n Place, Ontario.
Dr. White has practised medicine in Carleton Place
for over 40 years, and whether he is treating patients
in his private practice, working as the hospital chief
of staff, supporting colleagues in the operating theatre
or investigating deaths as the local coroner, Dr. White
serves his rural community with compassion, humour, sincerity and dependability.
Dr. White received his medical training at the
University of Ottawa and settled in Carleton Place,
just outside of Ottawa, not long after completion of
his training. Over the past 40 years, much has changed
in how health care is delivered in Carleton Place, and
in the neighboring town of Almonte, due in no small
measure to Dr. White’s efforts. He was instrumental
in the development of a partnership between Carleton
Place and Almonte that saw the communities combine
resources and expertise, and improve clinical services
in chronic care. He led the joint steering committee to
improve regional wait times and adopt new provincial
standards for access to care. He has also led, supported
or guided numerous quality improvement and research
initiatives with a view to ensuring any initiative measured up to providing the best care for patients and
added value to patient care in the rural environment.
As Chief of Staff at the Carleton Place and District
Memorial Hospital, Dr. White was commended for his
focus and passion for physician education, coaching and
mentoring which enhanced a learning culture among
the medical staff.
When treating patients in his own private practice,
at the hospital or at the local chronic care facility, Dr.
White delights his patients with his larger than life
presence and a huge laugh that settles jittery nerves. To
the children in the community, he is the doctor who
heals their teddy; to parents and elderly patients, he is
the physician who holds their hands, treats them with
respect and dignity, and explains complex medical situations in simple, easy to understand terms.
“His honesty, integrity, caring and provision of excellent medical care in over 40 years of his medical career
is and has been an inspiration to all his colleagues,” said
Dr. Roger Drake. “He is regarded by those who work
with him with much love and affection. He has managed to balance family life, a busy family practice and
many night calls as the local coroner with incredible
skill. He is a wonderful teacher and mentor not only
to medical students and residents but also to colleagues
Issue 3, 2016 Dialogue
25