Doctors of Kenora

Earliest Doctors

The earliest "doctors" in the Kenora area were members of various First Nations who are often described by the English term "Medicine man" used to describe traditional healers and spiritual leaders. Other terms include "shaman," a specific term for a spiritual mediator. The primary function of these "medicine elders" was to secure the help of the spirit world for the benefit of the entire community. Sometimes the help sought was for the sake of healing disease, sometimes for the sake of healing the psyche, sometimes for promoting harmony between humans or between humans and nature. Herbal remedies were employed according to the knowledge acquired and passed from one such elder to another.

According to Marcel Dubroy in "A History of the General Practitioner 1879-1957", the first permanent Doctor in Kenora was Thomas Hansen in 1879 (believed to have been Doctor Thomas Hanson (1846-1913) .

Doctor Simmons Southmayd Stuart Scovil, arrived in the early in 1882. Other Doctors mentioned by Dubroy included Doctor W. J. Gunne (William James Gunne) in 1890 and later Doctors including his brother Robert Gunne, Doctor Edmison, his partner Doctor Laidlaw, Doctor Chapman, Doctor Mason and Doctor (James) Paton, Doctor Chambers, Gillespie and Doctor Ferguson.

Horan confirms dates for Hanson as 1879, S. Scovil 1882, indicates W.J. Gunne was 1879, F.W. Cane and A.S. Macdonnel around 1895 and also mentions W.J. Chapman, A. David, A.H. Edminson, A.H. Laudeau, Aylesworth,

Keewatin Doctors

Dr Daniel MacTavish Baker 1886 - 1956
Dr Irwin Baker 1850 - 1939 In Partnership with Dr. W.J. Beatty

Kenora Doctors

Dr. James Beveridge

Dr. Brian Bowerman

Dr. Samuel Martin Burris 1946-

F.W. Cane

Dr. Cynthia Czajka-Fedirchuck,

Daly, Dr. Bruce G., 524 1st Ave S Kenora Ontario P9N

Dr William Cameron

Dr. Chambers

Dr. William J. Chapman

Dr. Rhonda Diamond

Dr. Albert Henry Edmison (*1860-1934, )

Doctor A. D. Ferguson

Dr. Gillespie

John Robert Gunne 1870-1935

Dr. William James Gunne 1859 - 1950

Dr. David Halliwell 1922 -2007

Dr. Clayton Hammett 2007-

Dr. John Hammett 1989-

Dr Thomas Hanson 1846-1913

Dr. Peter Harland, 45 Wolsley St Kenora, Ontario P9N 3W7

Dr. Hristo Hristov

Credentials: M.D., FRCS(C) Specialty: General Surgery Medical Office: • Dr. Spielman & Dr. Hristov Address: 45 Wolsley Street Kenora, Ontario P9N 3W7, Year of Graduation: 1994 School(s): Medical University - Sofia, Queen's University - Kingston

Dr. Joel Kroeker Keewatin Medical Clinic - 904 Ottawa St.

Dr Albert A Laidlaw (Partner of Dr Edmison)

Dr. Rowena Lass

Credentials: MD, ChB Specialty: • Family Medicine • Kenora Coroner Medical Office: • Paterson Medical Clinic • 45 Wolsley Street Kenora, Ontario P9N 3W7, Other Communities/ Agencies Served: • Northwestern Unit • Sexual Health Clinic • Sioux Narrows Medical Office • Portage Youth Centre Kenora, Year of Graduation: 1973 School(s): University of Bristol, Bristol England, Other Information: Dr. Rowena Lass moved to Kenora in 1982 as she had always wanted to live in a rural community. Upon marrying her husband, was not able to move his business and they decided she had a more `portable' job. Her favourite thing about living in Kenora is summers on the lake and having been able to raise her now three adult children here, who love the lake as much as she and her husband do. She is an avid skier, however in the summer months you can almost always find her on a sailboat. Dr. Lass plans to travel more since her husband retired in 2009.

Doctor Laidlaw, Partner with Edmison

Doctor Mason

Dr. Laura Noack (Practice in Kenora 2009-2011)

Credentials: HBSc., M.D. Specialty: • Family Medicine • Obstetrics and C-Sections • Emergency Medicine at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Medical Office: • Paterson Medical Clinic • 45 Wolsley Street Kenora, Ontario P9N 3W7, Year of Graduation: 2006 School(s): • Trent University, University of Ottawa • McMaster University • Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Other Information: A graduate from the University of Ottawa, Dr. Laura Noack chose Kenora because she found it to be one of the few places that she could practice such a wide variety of medicine. Her favourite thing about Kenora is that she is able to ride her bike along the lake to get to work and when at home, is able to launch her canoe right out of her backyard. Her hobbies include cycling, canoeing, hiking, running, swimming, painting and travelling.

Doctor James Paterson Paton 1912-1986

Dr. Sven Pedersen

Credentials: BSc., M.D, C.C.FP. Specialty: • Family Medicine • Obstetrics and Sports Medicine at the Lake of the Wood District Hospital Medical Office: • Paterson Medical Clinic • Sunset Country Family Health Team – Lead Physician Address: 45 Wolsley Street Kenora, Ontario P9N 3W7, Other Communities Served: Naotkamegwanning Anishinabe (Whitefish Bay First Nations) Year of Graduation: 1993 School(s): University of Manitoba, Other Information: A graduate from the University of Manitoba, Dr. Sven (aka 'Buzz') Pederson moved to Kenora so he was able to live near the water. He sees Kenora as an 'Adventure Sports Playground' and since one of his many hobbies is Adventure Racing – Kenora seemed like the perfect fit!

Dr. Roodal Ramchandar (Practice in Kenora ended 2010)

Dr. Jillie Retson 2009

Sas, Sandra M.D. Address: 45 Wolsley St, Kenora, Ontario Phone: 807-468-3021

Sawatzky V W M.D. Address: 45 Wolsley St, Kenora, Ontario

Scaife C R M.D. Address: 45 Wolsley St, Kenora, Ontario

Dr. Robert Scatliff Credentials: BSc., M.D. Specialty: General Practitioner Medical Office: • Paterson Medical Clinic • 45 Wolsley Street Kenora, Ontario P9N 3W7,

Dr. Simons Southmayd Stuart Scovil 1854-1927

Dr. Laural Snyder

Specialty: Emergency Medicine Webpage: Practice: Hospital: Emergency Medicine-related: car accidents, broken bones, unexpected injury, sudden illness

Dr. Jack Spielman

Credentials: M.D., FRCS(C), FACS Specialty: General Surgery Medical Office: • Dr Spielman & Dr. Hristov Address: 45 Wolsley Street Kenora, Ontario P9N 3W7, Year of Graduation: 1979 School(s): University of Wisconsin

Dr. Carol Spread M.D. Address: 45 Wolsley St, Kenora, Ontario

Dr. Michelle Thomas

Credentials: M.D, C.C.F.P. Specialty: Family Medicine Medical Office: • Paterson Medical Clinic • 45 Wolsley Street Kenora, Ontario P9N 3W7, Other Communities Served: Wabaseemoong (Whitedog) First Nations, Year of Graduation: 1996 School(s): • University of Manitoba (Medical School) • Queen's University (Family Medicine- Residing Program), Other Information: Born of British Columbia, Dr. Michelle Thomas chose to practice in Kenora as it was close enough to both her husband's family in Thunder Bay, Ontario and her own family in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She also found it to be a wonderful community in a beautiful setting with great supportive colleagues. In the summer, Dr. Thomas takes advantage of the lake by enjoying canoeing and kayaking, and in the winter enjoys skiing. Her hobbies include swimming and biking and figuring out a way to do all these activities with three young children in tow!

Dr. John Vaudry

Dr. John Vaudry Credentials: M.D Specialty: • Family Medicine • Anaesthesia at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Medical Office: • Paterson Medical Clinic • 45 Wolsley Street Kenora, Ontario P9N 3W7, Other Communities Served: Grassy Narrows First Nations Year of Graduation: 1982 School(s): •University of Calgary,

Vettergreen Frances M.D. Address: 45 Wolsley St, Kenora, Ontario Phone: 807-468-3021

Dr. Wehner Tim 904 Ottawa St, Kenora, Ontario Phone: 807-547-2818

Dr. Shannon Weibe

Dr. Murray Workman

Credentials: M.D. Specialty: Family Medicine, Anaesthesia at the Lake of the Wood District Hospital Medical Office: Paterson Medical Clinic, 45 Wolsley Street Kenora, Ontario P9N 3W7, Year of Graduation: 1980 School(s): University of Western Ontario, Other Information: Graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Dr. Murray Workman moved to Kenora for the endless outdoor activities and the exciting summer life. His favourite thing about Kenora is being able to wear shorts and sandals to the clinic with the boat waiting at the dock for him. He enjoys fishing and boating, but you can also find him at the golf course.