Niverville doctors honoured

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This article was published 24/05/2021 (1452 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Two Niverville physicians have been awarded a medal of excellence by Doctors Manitoba for their work in bringing healthcare to rural Manitobans despite a rocky road which led them to where they are today.

Drs. Chris and Mairi Burnett, a medical couple hailing from Scotland, received the accolade from the association for bringing their expertise in medicine to the rural community.

“We were surprised, yet delighted,” said Dr. Mairi Burnett about being nominated and receiving the subsequent award.

“There are so many doctors that deserve this award that singling us out doesn’t seem really appropriate, but we’re very honored.”

Doctors Manitoba, an organization which advocates for and connects physicians in the province to resources, honors medical professionals with awards each year. Physician of the year was awarded to Dr. Brent Roussin, the man at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 in the province.

For the Burnetts, it was the calling of God that ultimately led them to Manitoba to work, and later settle in Niverville in 2005. The couple worked in the U.K. and Africa for years before crossing the ocean to Canada.

Mairi said while they may operate Open Health Niverville, it’s the team they work with day-to-day which attributes to the health and success of the business.

“There’s just a great team base here and so we’re just part of that team,” she said. “And I think patients benefit from that because we do work well together.”

The success of the clinic was tested in 2019 when Mairi became ill and was later diagnosed with cancer. Unable to work, Chris took over operating and managing the approximately 6,000 patients registered at the clinic.

One less doctor meant one less stream of income to keep the building afloat and the Burnetts nearly lost the space. After working with council, the Town took over financial responsibilities in a partnership with the clinic to keep it open.

Offering services from beginning to end of life, the medical centre has become a staple for healthcare in Niverville and the surrounding communities.

Dr. Kristjan Thompson, president of Doctors Manitoba, said in a statement the awards seek to celebrate those in the medical field and it’s especially important to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In this pandemic year, we are celebrating doctors who have helped protect us from COVID-19, and others who have continued to care for their patients despite the disruptions and uncertainty the pandemic has caused,” he said.

“Drs. Chris and Mairi Burnett are pillars in the rural medical community, and beloved by their patients across southeastern Manitoba. We are delighted to celebrate their accomplishments with the Doctors Manitoba Medal of Excellence.”

While the Mairi said her and her husband are uncomfortable with the idea of awards, they graciously accept the recognition on behalf of the whole clinic.

“Since we came here in 2005, we joined the team that was already here, and we’ve been privileged to be able to move forward with that team.”