National Physicians Day – Dr. Mary Mitchell

May 1 is National Physicians Day, a time to recognize the exceptional physicians who choose to serve in the profession of medicine.

This year, as part of how we’re marking this important day, we’re profiling a number of physicians from across Lakeridge Health to showcase the incredibly talented team we have at our organization. Meet Dr. Mary Mitchell, Paediatrician/Neonatologist in the Women’s and Children’s Program.

What inspired you to become a physician?

I had always wanted to be a physician, and particularly a Paediatrician since I was about 12 years old. Medicine provides intellectual challenge in combination with the caring aspect of looking after people. Every patient and family are unique and makes the work so rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about being a Paediatrician?

I love my patients, particularly the toddlers. They are so much fun and impressionable. As I’ve grown in my career, some of my former patients are now parents, so my role in supporting families has also evolved.

What are your most memorable moments as a physician at Lakeridge Health?

Working with an amazing team within my program, as well as functioning in my former leadership roles – Program Chief and Medical Staff Association Executive/Board Member – has been so rewarding. I belong to a larger family at Lakeridge Health. There are many memorable moments, including seeing the Oshawa General Hospital become part of Lakeridge Health. I also sat on functional planning meetings for the development of the Durham Regional Cancer Centre tower. In addition, I participated and helped steer the organization out of the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) crisis.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

This would be partnering with Queen’s University to lay the groundwork for medical undergraduate and post-graduate training in Paediatrics at Lakeridge Health. This reshaped the clinical program delivery in Paediatrics. In addition, I also set up the Paediatric Acute Referral Clinic (PARC) and moved the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) into a Regional Program in collaboration with the Child Health Network.

How long have you been a privileged staff member with the organization?

I started off at what was then the Ajax Pickering General Hospital in 1993 and moved to the Oshawa General