May 27 2009 Beeld journalist Erika Gibson reports that Dr Werner Oberholzer, a former South African military doctor with the 7th Medical Batallion group in Centurion during the 1980/90s, has received the Physician of the Year award in the remote Canadian frontier province of Saskatchewan. This picture published with permission from Sasknews Now email: rstar@sasktel.net shows Dr Oberholzer and wife Dr Nelleke Helms with the Physician of the Year 2009 award.
Dr Werner Oberholzer 's 5,600 patients in the town of Radville, and surroundings, where's he's been practicing medicine for the past ten years with his physician-wife Nelleke, describe them as 'a blessing'. The patients’ nickname for him is Dr O.
- He and Nelleke also provide medical services to the neighbouring communities of the Bengough/Pangman/Ogema region who are without a physician at the moment.
7th Medical Batallion SpesForce SADF:
Gibson writes that Dr Oberholzer ‘s military parachute training has clearly served him well to prepare him for his present, extraordinarily strenuous job: “the 7-Med Batallion in Centurion, was one of the most formidable medical teams in the SA Defence Force at that time,' writes Gibson.
“They underwent rigorous parabat training, jumping with their medical instruments and medication into military 'hot spots' at the height of the border war, to treat injured and sick soldiers under the most harrowing mil
itary operations. They had to carry out emergency surgery in such tough field conditions. They were known as the SpesForces (‘Spesmagte’ in Afrikaans) and these close-knit ex-comrades all still keep in close touch with one another through the SpesMagte Bond (SpesForces League)”.
"Oberholzer and the other 7-Med doctors were some of the best-trained trauma doctors in the world, and this training has obviously contributed to his present accomplishments.' said Chris Greyling, the chairman of the SpesForces League. "His exposure to the tough demands which were made of the SpesForces formed the foundation of his present success.'
Nelleke and I are a team
Gibson writes that Oberholzer is much more reticent about the award. He says he and his wife, Dr Nelleke Helms, 'together form a formidable team in a region where it at times takes a week to get the results of a blood test.'
- "We are on duty 24 hours of the day, seven days a week in situations where we at times are very grateful to make telephone contact to obtain a specialist's opinion,' he said.
The Saskatchewan Medical Association selected him based on the recommendations from his patients and colleagues, also from Radville's emergency service, and which is mainly run by volunteers. Dr. Oberholzer received the award on May 8 2009 at a special dinner from the Saskatchewan Medical Association . (picture from Beeld).
"Dr. Oberholzer is driven to provide the best possible patient care in sometimes challenging circumstances," said Dr. George Miller, the newly elected president of the medical association. "He is respected and admired both as a community member and as a medical professional."
The statement from the Saskatchewan Medical Association said the Physician of the Year award is granted annually to a physician who demonstrates a significant contribution to the medical profession or his/her community."
"To qualify for this prestigious award a physician must be nominated by two colleagues, one of them being a member of the SMA. The nomination must be accompanied by a summary of the nominee’s contributions to the medical profession, the community and the practice of medicine in Saskatchewan as well as letters of support from two colleagues , nominators, patients or other community leaders.”
Below are excerpts taken from the submission that accompanied the nomination form.
- “There are without a doubt many doctors throughout the province who would qualify for Physician of the Year.
"What sets Dr. Oberholzer apart from the others is not only his dynamic personality, but his leadership qualities throughout the entire health system including specialists, nursing, management, support staff, EMS, pharmacists and many others.
"Werner’s outstanding contribution to exceptional patient care includes his perseverance to achieve the best outcome for each and every patient; his courage to face adversity, regardless of the outcome; his drive and ambition to make everyone at the local, provincial and national level aware of the rural physicians’ plight;
and last but not least, to balance these qualities with his dedication to his wife and family.
"Dr. Werner Oberholzer arrived in Radville in November 1999 along with his family. From the moment he opened his practice, along with his wife, Nelleke, the town knew they had an exemplary Physician.
- "They offer 24 hours – 7 days a week care, many nights traveling numerous times back to the hospital. Weekends often reflect the week day, with ER patients lining up for care...but it is all taken in stride. He is aware that this is the life of a rural physician and they cope with the interruptions admirably.
A “Patient’s advocate”:
“Werner has excelled in his professional knowledge. His passion and understanding of medicine is unparalleled. He has made it his mission to keep up to date on the latest clinical practice guidelines, research and standard of care. He spends hours researching medical conditions, utilizing the medical libraries as well as published articles he has found through his own research. His knowledge of rare conditions/diseases is astounding. He is a high achiever, who has been described by the nursing staff as “Brilliant”.
"Dr. Oberholzer is truly a patient advocate. He takes a pro-active approach towards each and every one of the 5600 patients who are currently under his care.
"Nothing deters him from achieving the best possible care in a timely manner for his patients. Whether it be advanced medical tests/specialist referrals or out of province care required, he tirelessly works until the goal is achieved.
"He respects his patients, whether young or old and explains medical conditions in a very clear, simple language, always ensuring the patient understands his/her condition and treatment options, but at the same time preserving their dignity.
"He truly believes that everyone is entitled to “quality of life”, especially those who are elderly or terminally ill and will go to great lengths to ensure that the system helps them achieve it.
"Werner has many passions, but the one which holds his greatest interest is the Ambulance and EMS staff (He employs two EMT’s as his personal assistants as well)...
"He is a mentor teacher, advocate and team member. He shows the utmost respect for each team member as well as EMS protocols and guidelines. He travels on a regular basis with EMS, offering advanced life support not only to the Radville crew, but outlying ambulance services as well.
Radville Emergency Services Team
“Through his guidance, leadership and encouragement, the Radville EMS team has attained a great deal of knowledge outside their realm of practice... allowing them to better treat and expedite patient care in their area of expertise.
He willingly and enthusiastically participates in the fund-raising for needed equipment and community events.
“He previously sat on the Economic Development Committee, promoting business and growth in a small town of Saskatchewan; the RMHC board; and continues to be involved in the Long Creek Rodeo (a community fundraiser) with the yearly “cook-off”.
- “He along with his family attend and financially support all fundraising projects and also participates as volunteers at the rink, ball park and many others.
“Over the past couple years, Dr. Oberholzer has become a popular speaker at several functions. He has given informative and often entertaining, elaborate power point presentations to several groups.
He has also had several articles published in the Canadian Journal of Diagnosis.
“Dr. Oberholzer recently was named an Associate Professor – Department of Medicine USASK. This entails teaching undergraduate or post graduate students in Family Medicine. Werner excels in this position- as he is an enthusiastic teacher, who enjoys sharing his knowledge and expertise with those willing to learn. He keeps an open mind to new ideas and challenges – encouraging the students to perform their own assessments/conclusions, with feedback from each other on various procedures/practices.
Two long-term facilities at Bengough/Pangman/Ogema area:
“As if all of this is not enough, the physician from the Bengough/Pangman/Ogema area left to begin a new practice in Ontario six months ago. Finding themselves without a physician was devastating enough, but those areas also contain two long term care facilities... and he was afraid that if much time passed and no physician was hired in those areas, the homes would be closed.
- " He was also concerned for the health and welfare of the long term residents as well as the general population of those areas. After much discussion with his partner in practice and in life, Dr. Nelleke Helms, he decided to open his practice to all those communities as well as take over the care of the long term residents in the two facilities.
"One of the most important responsibilities that he has is not that as a Doctor, but a father and husband. The couple has four children: Aleida, 16, Gouws, 14, Evert , 12, and Mia, 7.
“They are all very involved in the community, thus involving their parents. Between the hockey, dance, karate, ball, piano, soccer, figure skating as well as school and Sunday School, a very hectic schedule is implemented. But, as with everything else they cope admirably.
"They are able to get away for family holidays a couple times a year and an odd weekend when a locum is available, giving them a welcome reprieve from the every day stress and responsibility which comes with being a rural Physician.
“He has another unusual form of relaxation, which he states takes him away from all the stressors of life – skydiving!
"He avidly supports the sport, and loves nothing better than to travel to Moose Jaw, where he completes sometimes up to eleven jumps a day! Over the past several years, he has logged several hundred jumps and continues to update his skills and expertise in this area as well.
“Yes, Dr. Werner Oberholzer is a very complex man. He is an extraordinary doctor who has earned the respect of thousands of patients, colleagues, co-workers, pharmacists, radiologists and staff.
"His calm disposition and strong convictions instill confidence in everyone he comes into contact with. His perseverance and dedication to humanity is remarkable; his ability to balance being a doctor, a co-worker, a team member, a husband and a father is notable.
"But most important is his caring, compassionated demeanor which has given hope and encouragement to those young and old; sick and dying. These highlights give everyone a true indication of the compassion and dedication of the man we affectionately refer to as Dr. O. The communities and patients he serves are truly fortunate and blessed to have the services of such a doctor." http://www.sasknewsnow.com/index.cfm?sid=252489&sc=428
The award was presented during a two-day meeting of the medical association's representative assembly, attended by about 80 doctors from throughout Saskatchewan.
Dr Oberholzer told Beeld newspaper that he has great admiration for Radville's emergency volunteers, who also maintain the ambulances during their off-duty hours and collect funds for new equipment. “In some areas where ambulances cannot reach patients, a sled attached to a snow mobile is used to transport patients to hospital. “
Oberholzer says things can get pretty hectic at home too, with their busy family of four children, aged 7 to 16. He says he and his wife are the parents “who usually have to slip away in the middle of a hockey game or school concert to attend to an emergency.”
‘What makes him go on at such a fast pace each day? ‘ Gibson asked him.
- "The little gifts and letters from grateful patients - and the little note from my son Evert on my office door: ' Dad, I hope you save many lives today. From Evert,' " he replied. http://jv.news24.com/Beeld/Wereld/0,,3-71_2523066,00.html
sources:
http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=41ce5012-b823-447a-aa30-984f41ac2e09
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Health/Radville+doctor+named+physician+year/1579362/story.html
http://www.sasknewsnow.com/index.cfm?sid=252489&sc=428 rstar@sasktel.net
http://www.usask.ca/medicine/medicine/
Obituaries for Radville, Saskatchewan: http://www.sasknewsnow.com/index.cfm?oid=4785&pid=3718
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