Dr. Duncan Bull, a family physician in Erin for 33 years, was presented with the Council Award at the September meeting of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
A recent letter to Erin town council made it clear Bull appreciated the support of the local community in this achievement.
A release from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario noted it was town council that nominated Dr. Bull for the award recognizing his three decades of devoted service.
He has deep roots in the community, volunteering with the Optimist Club to raise funds for youth projects and spearheading local blood donor clinics.
Michelle Karker, executive director of the East Wellington Family Health Team, of which Dr. Bull is the lead physician, said Bull is particularly caring of palliative patients.
“He doesn’t think twice about making house calls, whether it’s in the middle of the day or the middle of the night,” Karker said.
The letter Bull sent to Erin council stated, “I want to sincerely thank you for thinking of putting my name forward.”
In the letter, he stated, “Since my wife Cecile and I moved to Erin 33 years ago we have felt very lucky to live and work in our community and raise our family here.”
Bull said everyone benefits from the many people in town who give their best at work or in many different volunteer activities to make life better for everyone.
“When I suddenly was ill in 1986 we felt great support from the Erin community and I was very glad I could resume work in 1989. With time several doctors retired and our community was severely short of family physicians.”
He said much recognition should be given to the community initiative including EWAG (now EWCS), which applied for a Family Health Team.
“With the East Wellington Family Health Team we now have a modern, well staffed team that provides a wide range of health programs and care to our community,” stated Bull.
“I feel very lucky to be working with the volunteer board of directors, the management team and all the staff of the EWFHT.
“Receiving the Council Award is indeed an honour for me. I look forward to continuing to live and work in our community.”
