He's 75, but this family doctor keeps postponing retirement
CBC
He's been talking about retirement for years, but now one of the oldest practising family doctors in Nova Scotia says he's more worried about staffing at his community's hospital than himself.
"Yes, retirement is very much on the mind, but I want to feel good when I leave," said Dr. Ken Murray, now one of 31 family doctors over the age of 75, according to Doctors Nova Scotia.
That number has increased by 10 in the last three years.
Murray initially signed up for a two-year stint in Neils Harbour, a village in northern Cape Breton.
But he became so charmed by the area, he's been there for 49 years.
He isn't just working at the community clinic. Murray still does his share of on-call shifts at the emergency department at Buchanan Memorial Hospital, which last 48 hours a turn.
"Days can be busy — they can be quite busy — days can be quiet," he said, brushing aside the long hours.
"I sleep at home. You don't have to stay in the hospital."
Over the past two years, the community was successful in recruiting two young doctors who bought homes and have committed to staying for the long haul.
Murray said it would take one more doctor before he could be assured that Neils Harbour will have the help it needs.
"I could sit home and not feel good, knowing that there's not medical coverage, even for me."
There's also a baby boom at the medical clinic.
Both of his physician colleagues will be on maternity leave this winter. A third physician, Dr. Genevieve Rochon-Terry, is also pregnant.
She's been working in Neils Harbour for a year, and is moving back to Ontario to raise her children close to her family.
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