Doctors Nova Scotia welcomes new President and celebrates physicians
Dartmouth, NS – Halifax-based anaesthetist, Dr. David Milne, was installed as President of Doctors Nova Scotia at the association’s annual conference on Saturday, June 6 in Membertou, Cape Breton.
Dr. Milne graduated from Dalhousie Medical School in 1989 and began clinical practice in family medicine in rural Nova Scotia and in Ontario. He went on to pursue his specialty and a career in the military.
His military career includes Deputy Commanding Officer of a Forward Surgical Unit in the former Yugoslavia, NATO peacekeeping and squadron medical officer on the HMCS Protecteur.
He received his fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in anaesthesia from the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Hospital in 1998 and in the same year he received his clinical fellowship in thoracic anaesthesia. Over the next four years, while posted to Ottawa, he practised as a staff anaesthetist.
Since 2002, he has been a staff anaesthetist at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Centre in Halifax in the area of thoracic and transplant anaesthesia and assistant professor at Dalhousie University.
Dr. Milne has received extensive leadership training – through the military and through the Canadian Medical Association’s physician leadership institute.
In addition to welcoming Dr. Milne as President, Acadian family physician, Dr. Michelle Dow, was endorsed as the association’s President-Elect for 2015-16. Dr. Dow is from Meteghan and served on the association’s Board of Directors from 2010-14 and she participates on numerous committees.
The association’s annual Strive Award, which includes a $10,000 grant for a chosen health-promotion initiative, was awarded to Walk in Our Shoes. Walk in Our Shoes (WiOS) is a foot-care clinic for the homeless and disadvantaged in Halifax. Established in 2008, it operates in conjunction with St. Andrew’s church’s weekly community supper. Walk in Our Shoes distributes hundreds of pairs of socks and shoes each month, as well as providing foot care and screening for diabetes and hypertension – common health issues in the homeless that also contribute to foot disease. Dr. Colin Van Zoost, president of WiOS accepted the award and said, “With the support of the Strive Award we plan on developing a mobile unit that will go to other shelters and soup kitchens to provide foot care for people who cannot make it to Sunday Suppers.”
Six physicians were recognized for outstanding service.
Dr. Mandat Maharaj, Sydney, was honoured with Distinguished Service Award, the association’s most prestigious award, which is given to a physician who has made an outstanding contribution to the medical profession and as a result, has helped many by raising the standards of the medical practice.
Dr. Robert Sers, Antigonish, was honoured with Rural Physician of the Year Award. The award is presented to a rural physician who has made an outstanding contribution to the health of individuals, to various community groups and/or to non-profit organizations in rural communities of Nova Scotia.
Dr. Leisha Hawker, Halifax, was honoured with Dr. William Grigor Award, presented to a physician under the age of 50 who has made an outstanding contribution benefiting the health of Nova Scotians.
Dr. Peter Green, Halifax, was honoured with Physician Health Promotion Award for outstanding contribution to health promotion, safety and preventative care among Nova Scotians.
Dr. Ormille Aubrey Hayne, Halifax, received the Doctors Nova Scotia Senior Membership Award, which is presented to a physician who in addition to practicing for many years, is also widely respected and held in high regard by his or her fellow physicians throughout the medical community and the province.
Dr. R. Allan Purdy, Halifax, received the CMA Honorary Membership Award, which is presented to a physician who has established themselves in their medical careers by making significant contributions to their profession and wider community.
About Doctors Nova Scotia
Doctors Nova Scotia is the professional association representing all doctors in the province. It is the oldest medical association in Canada. The association represents about 2,500 physicians serving patients across the province, and 700 medical students and residents.