Dr. Steve Steinberg is retiring this July from his practice at the Bonfield Medical Centre at 105 Landon Street, Bonfield. The town wishes him the best on his new chapter – he’s been at the Centre for three years – but his departure will most likely create a gap in medical service for local patients.
As of now, there is nobody set to replace him. However, the Township’s recruitment process has already begun, so now the wait begins.
“We’re looking for a full-time doctor to come and stay in Bonfield and look after our residents,” explained Bonfield’s Chief Administrative Officer, Nicky Kunkel. She’s well-aware the town is “competing with all the other communities” for doctors but remains optimistic Bonfield will be someone’s top spot to practice.
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The Township has also put out a call for locum physicians who can step in on a temporary basis to see to the needs of the community.
“We know that this is a critical service that our community needs,” Kunkel emphasized. “Ideally, we have a quick turnover for another full-time doctor, but a locum will certainly help offset some of the stress that the residents are going to have without having a full-time physician here.”
So far, there have been no responses to the Township’s calls, but the recruitment process is less than a month old, and there’s almost a month before Dr. Steinberg hangs up his stethoscope.
Bonfield’s Medical Centre is located above the town’s pharmacy, so the medical services are central. The Centre is fully accessible, and patients are greeted by a full-time receptionist. There are two exam rooms, plus the doctor’s office.
“It’s fully equipped, a turn-key operation.” Physicians are welcome to that key.
Dr. Steve Steinberg will be missed. Although his time was short in town, his 50 years of experience was well-appreciated. Word is, he tried to retire at least once before, but medicine always lured him back to practicing. At 75, he’s making it official.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Bonfield residents” said Dr. Steve Steinberg in a recent release. He plans to enjoy time with family, his photography projects, and travelling.
“Dr. Steinberg has certainly contributed to keeping our community healthy by providing top-notch professional service to his patients,” said Bonfield’s mayor, Narry Paquette. “He will be missed, and it will be hard to fill his shoes. We thank him for his leadership and dedication to Bonfield.”
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
