PG Surgeon Inducted Into Northern Medical Hall of Fame

By Michelle Cyr-Whiting

In May of last year, the city of Prince George lost one of its pioneering surgeons, Dr. Jack McGhee, to cancer.

At the 3rd Annual Dr. Bob Ewert Memorial Lecture, Dinner and Dance on Saturday evening, Dr. McGhee was one of three area physicians to be inducted, posthumously, into the Northern Medical Society Hall of Fame.  Dr. Frank Duffy of Quesnel and Dr. Hugh Stephen of Vanderhoof were also honoured.

During the induction ceremony, friend and former colleague, Dr. Donald MacRitchie, told the audience of 650 that, "Jack formed a dynamic and, now, legendary partnership with Dr. Bob Ewert [the city’s first surgeon]." 

 "Jack was a consummate trained surgeon, but he was very very much more as well."

"He exhibited an undaunting respect for his patients and an unparalleled professionalism.  He embraced his role as a mentor, even in the pre-UNBC Med School era."  Dr. MacRitchie said many surgical residents passing through the hospital decided to stay because, "they liked what they saw in Jack."

"These include: Dr. Bill Simpson, Dr. Jamie Appelby, Dr. Gil Wankling, Dr. Michelle Sutter -- the core of our general surgery department [now]."

In closing, Dr. MacRitchie said, "I’m reminded of one of Jack’s favourite expressions, summing up his approach to medicine, his distinguished medical career, and to life and that was: just do it."

" Jack more than ’did it’."

A special fund has been set up in Dr. McGhee’s memory with the Spirit of the North Health Care Foundation.

His wife, Dr. Carolyn McGhee, says it’s aim is to improve care for cancer patients in the north. 

She says, at present, it’s hoped the Jack McGhee Fund will be used to support further education and training for staff of the Cancer Care Centres in the north, which provide chemotherapy.

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