Well, tomorrow is my change of command and depart with dignity ceremonies. I hand the unit(s) into the more than capable hands of Jason English and draw the curtain on 27 years of my service to Her Majesty and the people of Canada. My biggest worry five years ago when I transitioned from full to part time service was connecting with the piece that fed my soul - contributing in a meaningful way to people in the community. I remain truly grateful for the opportunities offered me in the Cardiac Sciences Program by Dr. Alan Menkis and Sheila Bowles. For the past five years, I have been well supported in transitioning from a system focussed on occupational medicine and primary care to a tertiary care program that is the very definition of a complex system. I am better for the experience. In a few weeks, Hilary, Emma, and I will be relocating to London Ontario where we start a new chapter closer to family. We will enjoy a longer golfing/growing season by about a month - a welcome change, to be sure. The move is bittersweet as we leave a wonderful city and friends with whom we have become excruciatingly close. That will be the tough bit. A word of advice to my HSS peers - if you are hesitant about making the leap into civvie life, rest assured that your transferable skills are both valued and have the greatest potential to make a difference. The Canadian healthcare system needs the leadership chops that you have honed in the crucible of the Canadian Armed Forces. Have courage. Believe in yourself. Accept the challenge. Step out and make a difference across a provincial system. You have lots of support - Cynthia Martineau, Christine Wells, Derek Miller, Jonathan Mackey, and Dr. Tony Battad (to name a few) are scattered across the country (in Jons case, the world) and can offer their perspectives. 27 years of a good run. Thanks to Capt (N) Rebecca Patterson for all her support and promoting me (twice). I am looking forward to hanging out with Sandy Jalonen tomorrow who will preside over the proceedings. It has been an honour to have served in uniform. It continues to be an honour to serve out of uniform as well. I am eternally grateful for the support of my best friend, Hilary Oakman. Words cannot express how important you are to me. Emma, our daughter, continues to make me a better man and want to be a better man. I can see by the clock on the wall, that its time to bid you one and all...
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 00:42:32 +0000
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