"This is the first new core teaching site for the Department of Family Medicine in over 30 years. We are marking a milestone event that represents the culmination of a remarkable collaboration between the community of Ilderton, its physicians, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, the Department of Family Medicine, and the Government of Ontario,” says Dr. Tom Freeman, the Chair of the Department of Family Medicine. "Stimulated by the transformation agenda of the Ministry of Health and Long term Care and sustained by the determination of local community leaders, it has been possible to ensure excellent family medical and primary health care to Ilderton and surrounding area for the future.”
After receiving their MD from medical school, doctors must do a two-year family medicine residency to further their training before they’re allowed to set up their own practice. While some residents have trained in Ilderton over the years, this new clinic formalizes and expands its teaching role. "Our brand new facility has continuity and more room for the teaching of future physicians,” comments Dr. Ray Meredith who has been seeing patients in Ilderton since 1961. The other physicians at the new clinic are Drs. Lloyd Brubacher, Nancy Naylor and Chuck Hoch.
The clinic has been constructed using energy saving "green” designs, for instance, some of the roof is covered with a white membrane to reflect the sun, reducing mechanical cooling. The area over the windows and entrance is a green roof covered with perennial sedums planted in earth which improves insulation and reduces rain run-off. All areas within the building have natural daylight and ventilation. Exterior glass is tinted and has high R value which reduces cooling and heating costs. Many more energy design savings were incorporated into the building, which will reduce future operating expenses.
Media contact: Kathy Wallis, Media Relations Officer, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, 519-661-2111 ext. 81136,
Kathy.wallis@schulich.uwo.ca