MINDEMOYA—Dr. Dale Scott has received the prestigious Golden Life Membership award from the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA).
As his colleague Dr. Sherri Rea says, “Dale embodies what I have always felt was a special combination of traits that have made many veterinarians some of the most incredible individuals to encounter. He shows a desire to problem solve, search for answers to medical mysteries, aid in diagnostic and treatment of pets and food industry animals and he can effortlessly blend these talents with a sincere, empathetic kindness and interest in the lives of everyone he meets.”
“It was quite a surprise when I was told I had been nominated for this award by one of my good friends and colleagues,” Dr. Scott told The Expositor. “It was very humbling to be selected for this award,” he said, noting, “the award is presented for service in the veterinary profession over the years.”
“Dr. Dale Scott graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1976, and started his mixed animal practice in Mindemoya which is where he worked until 2016 when he retired,” said Dr. Matthew Richardson, incoming president elect of OVMA who presented Dr. Scott with the award. “Over his 40-year career, Dr. Scott held many leadership roles, including president of OVMA, president of the Designated Area Veterinary Association, president of the Northern Ontario Veterinary Association (NOVA), president of the Farley Foundation, chair of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario Discipline and Registration Committee and chair of OVMA’s Large Animal Issues Committee. He’s currently serving in municipal politics as a councillor for Central Manitoulin.”
“Dr. Scott’s devotion and commitment to the Ride for Farley is one of the highlights of his contributions to the veterinary profession,” continued Dr. Richardson. “He began the charity bike ride as a fundraiser for different animal causes many years ago when he initially developed his passion for cycling. He would leave his home in Mindemoya every September on bicycle to the NOVA conference, wherever the location was in the north, hundreds of kilometres away. When the Farley Foundation was established in 2002, Dr. Scott devoted his ride to raise funds for the foundation and the Ride for Farley was born in 2004. He is still a devoted participant and fundraiser.”
The Farley Foundation assists people in need by subsidizing the cost of veterinary care, thanks to donations from the veterinary community in Ontario, corporate sponsors and pet owners. Dr. Scott helped to organize the Ride for Farley, an annual event that sees Ontario veterinarians cycle to raise funds for the charity.
Dr. Scott was named president of the OVMA in 2012, the voice of the large majority of the province’s veterinarians. He is a long-time member of the Central Manitoulin Lions club, and has also raised money for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program.
Dr. Scott also organizes the annual Tour de Meldrum cycling event from Mindemoya to Meldrum Bay and return which raises funds for the Manitoulin Health Centre. Since the first year, the ride has raised well over $100,000 towards the Mindemoya Hospital Auxiliary.
Dr. Scott, who is originally from Woodstock, graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College (part of the University of Guelph) in 1976, and spent his entire career on Manitoulin Island. “That was my first placement, in the fall of 1976,” said Dr. Scott. He explained, “there were lots of vets and a lot of competition; everyone wanted to work with large animals. This posting came up with Dr. (Ken) Tipper advertising a position for a veterinarian. I interviewed with him and began in September 1976. I was taken with the beauty of the Island, with its beautiful lakes and scenery, compared to the south. And Dr. Tipper was a grand fellow to work with.”
Dr. Scott retired in 2016. “At first, no, I didn’t expect to stay for 40 years. But I got settled on the Island and Holly and I had four daughters on the Island so it was pretty natural just to stay and make our home here.”
“Oh yes, the veterinarian profession has changed a lot over the years,” continued Dr. Scott. “Medicine is very technology driven now, with computerization it is amazing, like human medicine. Everything is digital. When I started record keeping, for instance, this involved written file cards. Now everything is on the computer.”
