ELMSDALE: A well-known, well-liked family physician based out of Elmsdale has announced he is retiring as of Jan. 27, 2023.
Dr. George Burden said in a post on his Facebook page that injuries he sustained after being hit weeks ago by a vehicle in a crosswalk, have made his and the tasks he has to do physically difficult. It also gave him a wake-up call as to his own mortality.
“After over 43 years in practice in Elmsdale I must inform you, though with a heavy heart, that I will be retiring on January 27, 2023,” said Dr. Burden in the post. “This was a hard decision to make.”
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Dr. Burden was just 23 when he finished his internship and began working in Elmsdale. At first, he thought he would spend a few years here and then go back to do a specialty.
“However, those few years turned into decades as I discovered how immensely rewarding family practice was,” said Dr. Burden. “In some cases, I was looking after five generations of the same family.
“Most of you feel more like good friends or even family, rather than just patients, and I am immensely grateful for that.”
The doctor is getting into his late 60s, he thinks it’s time to take some time for himself and his family, and to look after his own health.
He told his patients, which are in the thousands, they have not yet found a replacement, but they are hopeful.
“We understand that some of you may want to look for a new family physician outside of our practice,” Dr. Burden said in the post. “Please be assured that the director of clinical operations of Elmsdale Medical Centre is actively recruiting for a replacement physician in partnership with the Nova Scotia Health Authority.
“All active patients will be notified when a replacement physician is found.”
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Dr. Burden encouraged his patients to be proactive and recommended they begin looking for a new physician as well registering them and their family members on the need a family physician registry by visiting this link: https://needafamilypractice.nshealth.ca/
He said in the post that patients medical records will be kept confidential and protected according to appropriate privacy guidelines and will be available should they choose to transfer to a new physician.
If transferring outside of the Elmsdale clinic, patients will need to sign an authorization form before the clinic can release their medical records. By law they cannot share their medical information without their written consent. Patients may sign this form at the Elmsdale Medical Clinic office.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to look after you all over the past 43 years,” Dr. Burden concluded in the post. “I’m proud to have been called your family doctor.”
