A long-time Dresden physician is set to retire after 39 years of service.
Dr. John Payne will work his final day at the Dresden Community Healthcare Centre today (April 30.)
The outpouring of support and thanks was evident on social media as the news of Payne’s retirement was made official.
“For all your years of dedication and compassionate care to my family and I we can’t thank you enough,” said Christine Stevenson-Aitken on Facebook. “We will miss you Dr. Payne. Enjoy every moment of your retirement.”
“Thank you Dr Payne for bringing me into this world and for taking care of me and my family all these years. Congratulations and enjoy,” said Karla Jackson on Facebook.
“Thank you, Dr. Payne for your many years of excellent medical care, patience, genuine interest and time. Enjoy every moment, every day You so deserve it,” said Lotti Meier-Meyer on Facebook.
Dr. Payne was raised in Dresden and he followed in the footsteps of his father, who was a family physician in Dresden for 38 years.
Dr. Payne obtained a BA in Zoology in 1969 at the University of Western Ontario and then went on to obtain his residency in 1974 and graduated from the Victoria Family Medical Centre in 1976.
He moved back to Dresden that year to work in private practice.
Dr. Payne was an Assistant Professor at the University of Western Ontario, Department of Family Medicine.
He also obtained a Masters of Clinical Science in 1992 at the University of Western Ontario and had two publications in the Ontario Medical Review.
He delivered babies for 10 years in Chatham, and since 2010 he has been an Adjunct Professor, at the Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine.
“John reported that he was ready refocus on the ‘honey-do–list’ around his home and less on his ‘patient list.'” officials with the Chatham-Kent Family Health Team stated.
The Dresden Community Healthcare Foundation announced that all of Dr. Payne’s patients will have their care transferred to Dr. Ibriham or Dr. Providence in Dresden as of Friday, May 1.
Everyone should have received a letter in the mail notifying them of their new Doctor, Dresden Community Healthcare Foundation officials said.
Photo credit: Chatham-Kent Family Health Team
