The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) has once again recognized local Huntsville general surgeon Dr. Roy Kirkpatrick for his outstanding contributions to rural medicine in Canada.
He was recognized at the organization’s 32nd Annual Rural and Remote Medicine Conference—held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Friday, April 25, 2025. The presentation took place during the conference banquet and was hosted by SRPC President Dr. Gavin Parker and Dr. Gabe Woollam, Chair of the Nominations and Awards Committee.
“It is a true privilege to recognize this year’s award recipients. Across rural and remote communities, physicians continue to provide outstanding care, often in demanding and resource-limited environments. These awards honour individuals whose work reflects the core values of rural medicine—clinical excellence, leadership, mentorship, community involvement, and a deep commitment to service. Each year, we are inspired by their achievements and proud to share and celebrate their contributions,” said Dr. Gabe Woollam, Chair of the Nominations and Awards Committee.
Dr. Kirkpatrick was one of eleven rural physicians honoured this year with the Rural Service Award.
“I’ve very much enjoyed my membership in the SRPC, particularly for the opportunity to get to know and collaborate with a wonderful group of committed and highly motivated physicians from across Canada. I’m the 3rd doctor from Huntsville to receive this award – Dr. Nancy Bozek received it in 2006 and Dr. Dave McLinden received it in 2005. Dave also received the Fellowship of the SRPC in 2011 and the Rural Long Service Award in 2023,” stated Kirkpatrick.
About the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC)
Founded in 1992, the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) is the national voice and advocate for rural physicians across the country. Their mission is to champion rural generalist medical care through education, collaboration, advocacy, and research. The SRPC is deeply committed to addressing the critical challenges facing rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, including the ongoing shortage of rural physicians. They actively advocate for change through strategic policy development, public engagement, and the promotion of equitable healthcare for all Canadians, regardless of geography.
Learn more about their current advocacy efforts and policy priorities through their Championing Change for Rural Health initiative: Addressing the Rural Physician Shortage.
Additional details about this award criteria and the other areas can be found on the SRPC awards page. Please visit: srpc.ca/awards-categories
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Nice, Roy, and congratulations!
Bill & Marguerite Urban
Thanks Roy, for your wonderful dedication to the Huntsville community. Your compassion and professionalism has been a godsend for having you here. Congratulations, you are well deserving of this award. Thanks for everything you do
Eileen Mills
Congratulations Dr. Kirkpatrick
Thank you for everything you have given to our community.
You are generous, have a big heart and are a kind person.
Above all you are an awesome doctor who has always acted in a highly ethical manner.
Enjoy your retirement when it finally happens
Sincerely
Martina Schroer
Huntsville
Dr. Kirkpatrick is a beautiful soul with a special place in my heart. We are very lucky to have him ❤️
Thanks, Roy, for your care and expertise. You made difficult situations comfortable, and not difficult situations fun. Congratulations.
De. KIRKPATRIC IS THE GREATEST DR. HE DESERVES TO BE RECOGNIZED.
Congratulations Dr Kirkpatrick!!
Congratulations Roy. We are so lucky to have you in the medical world of Huntsville. Our family sings your praises so often. We have appreciated your knowledge, professionalism and friendship!
Congratulations on the honor you have received from the SRCP. A well deserved award. But, with you, care for your patients goes far beyond medicine. You have the gift of compassion. My husband was one of many who always felt better after talking to you. Even if the news you had to give them was bad, they came away feeling like they mattered to you. Even weeks, months later, if you saw them you always remembered their name and had time for a chat. That kind of medicine can’t be learned. Bless you.
Congratulations, Roy!
We have all benefitted from your outstanding skills and your kind care. This recognition is well deserved!
Christine and John Rivière-Anderson
A true community focused, selfless gentleman who has given so much to so many, not just in Huntsville, not just in rural communities but to needy areas around the globe. His only regret, I’m thinking, is that it may have stunted his promising professional hockey career!!
He now has to make do labouring with his ‘Senior Shinny Cohorts’ and remains one of the few guys who knows what his career goal scoring totals are.
Hey Roy,
What a privilege to know you and play senior hockey with you for the past few years!
CONGRATULATIONS my friend!
David Mallette 🏒
I echo all those that gave you their heart felt messages of appreciation. I myself have benefited from your skills. You’re a good man and a great doctor and friend. Blessings my friend. Congratulations
Congratulations Dr. Kirkpatrick! Well deserved recognition.
Thank you so much Dr. Kirkpatrick for your consistent and compassionate care through all these many years! We are very fortunate to have you here with us in Huntsville.
Congratulations Dr. Kirkpatrick: Huntsville is honoured by having you stay in Huntsville (I am sure there were many opportunities to move to “greener Fields) It is interesting to learn of all the Provincial and National contributions you have made to medicine. You continued to share it with the people of Muskoka by sharing your skills, hours of time and mentoring to many at Algonquin Hospitals. Both hospitals have been recipients of your great skill and talent. Many patients say thank you each day for giving them quality of life for many years and in many cases saving their lives. Thank you personally and I am sure many would agree. you are most appreciated by many people.(Including tourists who are amazed to find a compassionate, caring, skilled surgeon in Muskoka) May you continue to have good health and to mentor these young (well they all seem young to me) students, interns and newly graduate Doctors who come to Muskoka. Thank you