Honouring a rural healthcare advocate
RhPAP would like to remember Dr. Peter K. Lindsay for his heartfelt dedication to rural health and the contributions he made as an exemplary board member. Dr. Lindsay was Chair of the RhPAP Board when he passed away suddenly on December 17, 2013.
In the RPAP Annual Report for 2013-2014, David Kay, RPAP Executive Director, acknowledged Dr. Lindsay for his contributions as a valued physician, respected medical leader, and a passionate advocate for patients and families.
“Peter will also be remembered for his passion for rural medicine and rural medical education, and especially his advocacy for GPs with additional competencies. He was an exemplary RPAP board member and board chair. His time with RPAP spanned many years over two appointments. I shall personally miss his wise counsel as board chair and as a friend.”
A rural practitioner with vision
Dr. Lindsay practised obstetrics and family medicine in Grande Prairie and travelled to Fairview to perform surgery once a week. A steadfast advocate for rural health, he consistently sought ways to improve healthcare in rural communities. As a preceptor for medical students, he encouraged many to consider careers in rural practice.
A pioneer of primary care networks in Alberta
In 2003, Dr. Lindsay set up the College and Community Health Centre in Grande Prairie, offering medical care to individuals without a family doctor. With that model successfully in place, he was selected as an advisor for the creation of primary care networks (PCNs) in Alberta.
In 2005, the first PCN opened in Edmonton, followed by the Grande Prairie PCN in 2011, where Dr. Lindsay served as the lead physician and cut the ribbon for the official grand opening. “We’re going to be providing better primary care to more people at the right time,” he said at the time.
Dr. Lindsay later joined Alberta Health Services as Medical Director, North Community and Rural, and also served as Medical Director for North Aboriginal Health.
A legacy of excellence
Dr. Lindsay’s career was marked by numerous milestones and recognitions, including:
- 1992-1998: Certificate of Merit as Physician Consultant, Emergency Health Services and Medical Director of Alberta Air Ambulance Dispatch.
- 1996: Premier’s Award of Excellence to Emergency Health Services Branch.
- 1998-2001: Director of the Alberta Medical Association.
- 1998-2001: Chair of the coordinating committee of RPAP.
- 2008: Member Emeritus of the Alberta Medical Association
- 2009: Honorary Membership in the Canadian Medical Association.
A lasting impact
RhPAP would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Lindsay for his extraordinary contributions to rural health care in Alberta. His legacy of leadership, advocacy, and care continues to inspire, and his contributions are not forgotten.