“It’s hard to believe it’s been this long,” Dr. Jane Hosdil said with a smile amid a large crowd of well-wishers at the Rockmosa Community Centre.
“I really look back on it fondly. It’s been great.”
Hosdil, who has served patients in Guelph-Eramosa for 43 years, was recognized with a retirement party on May 31 that attracted over 100 people, including family, friends, patients, colleagues and politicians.
“We wouldn’t be here initially without Jane Hosdil,” said Michelle Karker, executive director of the East Wellington Family Health Team (EWFHT).
Karker stressed Hosdil was a driving force in establishing the family health team, which serves patients in Guelph-Eramosa and Erin.
Guelph-Eramosa Mayor Chris White agreed.
“Her self sacrifice and hanging in was the difference,” said White.
He noted Hosdil was the only doctor in Rockwood for decades, with a roster that once numbered upwards of 2,200, but now there are four doctors at the village’s EWFHT clinic, which opened in 2010.
“She’s leaving a legacy that will be hard to match,” White told the crowd at the retirement party.
Fellow EWFHT physician Duncan Bull stressed Hosdil was always concerned about the long-term well-being of her patients.
“Very few doctors, unfortunately, care enough to make sure their patients are cared for after they retire,” said Bull. “Her patients are very well cared for and she’s very well respected.”
Barrie Dryden, a resident of former Eramosa Township who has been Hosdil’s patient for upwards of 40 years, can vouch for that.
“She’s a whole team,” said Dryden, now 86, adding he is sad to see Hosdil go.
He told the Advertiser he has recently battled cancer and he credits Hosdil’s treatment and her referral to the right oncologist for his success to date.
“The type of person she is really instills confidence in you,” said Dryden. “That has made her stay here worthwhile … and the community appreciates that.”
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott also congratulated Hosdil for her dedication.
“You have given generously of your time, skills and abilities during your 43 years of faithful service in the medical profession,” said Arnott. “In doing so, you have earned the esteem and admiration of your patients, fellow colleagues and the community.”
Hosdil, who last year received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of her efforts, said it has been “a special privilege” to live in Rockwood and become a part of the community.
“Over the years people have become friends as much as patients,” she said.
When it comes to what she’ll do now that she is retired, that’s easy.
“Relax,” Hosdil said with a laugh. She added she will also do some travelling, noting she has grandchildren in the U.S. she would like to see more often as they grow up.
Even in retirement, it seems, Hosdil continues to think of others first.
