Manitoulin Health Centre has announced the upcoming retirement of Dr. Stephen Cooper, marking the conclusion of more than 30 years of exemplary service to the people of Manitoulin Island.
Centre CEO, President Paula Fields, says Dr. Cooper’s doctorship began at the Little Current clinic in 1992, where he introduced early interprofessional initiatives such as delegating Pap testing to nursing staff and establishing a prenatal clinic in Wikwemikong.
She says in 2000, he became President of the Professional Staff, helping to establish Manitoulin Island as a teaching community through its involvement with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and in 2007, he was appointed Chief of Staff serving over 16 years in that role.
And beyond the Manitoulin, Fields says he served as OMA Chair of the Section of Rural Practice, District 9 Chair, and Primary Care Regional Lead for Ontario Health Northeast.
She adds though retiring from full-time practice, he will continue contributing locally through ER shifts and as Director of the Wikwemikong Nursing Home and providing care at Centennial Manor.
