Lakeridge Health Physician Cares for a “Whole Generation of Port Perry”

Throughout her medical career of over 25 years, Dr. Merrilee Brown has always been passionate about providing great care in Port Perry.

In addition to being a rural family physician who looks after a roster of over 1,500 patients, Dr. Brown also works in an urgent care clinic, treats palliative care patients at the Port Perry Hospital, in the community, and at a local hospice, takes care of long-term care patients in a retirement home, and works in inpatient care and assists in surgeries at the hospital.

“I’m a generalist at heart,” shared Dr. Brown. “I’m one of those people who likes to do lots of things, and Port Perry is a place where I can practice right to my full potential.”

Although she has also delivered babies since the start of her career, Dr. Brown has recently retired from obstetrics.

“The babies I delivered when I was first practicing are now young adults and having children of their own. It’s like a whole generation of Port Perry I’ve had the opportunity to care for,” she said admiringly.

When not seeing patients, Dr. Brown’s greatest role is mentoring her colleagues in the ED and teaching residents from various institutions, including Queen’s University, the University of Toronto, and elective students from across Canada and internationally.

“Teaching the next generation is very rewarding,” she highlighted. “A lot of the residents who come here are surprised with the scope of care we provide at Port Perry Hospital, but I think they all enjoy their experience here. I hope they can have the kind of career I’ve had – one that has been so broad and fulfilling.”

A Durham Region native, Dr. Brown was born and raised in Bowmanville – where both her father and grandmother were also born. However, she has a personal connection to Port Perry in addition to her medical practice. Her husband, Steve Gray, is CEO of the Medical Associates of Port Perry – a group of family physicians, general surgeons, and a cardiologist that work in collaboration with the North Durham Family Health Team. “He’s Gray, I’m Brown and together we are taupe,” Dr. Brown said with a laugh.

With a career that spans more than a quarter of a century, Dr. Brown has navigated many highs and lows at Lakeridge Health.

She reflects on the challenges of the fire on August 25, 2017 that closed the Port Perry Hospital. “I’ll always remember that day because it was my birthday,” Dr. Brown said. “I left my birthday dinner to help evacuate the hospital. It felt like going home when the hospital opened up again.”

Another fond memory for Dr. Brown occurred early in her career. “During a shift in the ED, I cared for a young boy who had injured himself. I was then called to deliver his sibling because his mom was in labour. Once the baby was born, I brought his grandfather who I had admitted for a heart problem over in a wheelchair to see his new grandchild. Three generations in one 24-hour period! That baby is now finishing grade 12!”

For Dr. Brown, what she loves most about family medicine and her job are the stories. “I love the stories of people’s lives, I love being part of their stories, and I find it very moving and motivating that I am very much involved in all my patients’ care journey and well-being,” she shared.