“If you want something done, ask a busy person.” This adage certainly rings true for two busy Sault Area Hospital (SAH) physicians. During the pandemic, when both Dr. Graham Elder and Dr. Pat Zehr found themselves with some extra time in their schedule, they put pen to paper and published their first books. Now these physicians-turned-authors are combining their efforts to give back to the hospital through a fundraiser.
On Wednesday, November 9 join us for a special event at The Loft that showcases Dr. Pat Zehr and Dr. Graham Elder “In Conversation” discussing their new books.
Dr. Zehr, a retired obstetrician/gynecologist has just published her memoir “The Beatles, Babies and Broken Bodies”. Sharing her story, her book touches on pressing socio-economic issues, including disparities in healthcare and the ongoing havoc of COVID-19. She shares the challenges of being a frontline worker, advocate, and patient.
In contrast, orthapaedic surgeon Dr. Elder completed a trilogy of medical fictional novels. His books, “A Covid Odyssey”, “Second Wave” and “Variant Reset” follow the adventures of Dr. Mark Spencer – a physician in a small Northern Ontario Town. These page-turners are full of recognizable local spots and give a physician's unique perspective (through a fiction lens) on a global pandemic.
The evening will be moderated by local arts aficionado and owner of Stone’s Office Supply, Marnie Stone and will include a reading by each author, a Q & A discussion and a book signing.
The major driver for the event was a desire from both doctors to support the local hospital and medical community. “We have to protect front-line workers and stop trying to do more with less,” said Dr. Zehr in a recent interview. “The whole reason we do what we do is for the patient. I hope we can build back the system and improve the way things are done.”
Funds raised at this event will support the purchase of medical equipment for Sault Area Hospital. This equipment is key to supporting care – helping attract and retain new medical talent, making the work of existing medical staff easier or safer, and making outstanding care possible for patients and care providers.
“After a long hiatus, we’re excited to organize an in-person event, and especially to have the opportunity to work with authors from our physician community,” said Teresa Martone, Executive Director, Sault Area Hospital Foundation. “Our community is recognizing, more and more, the stress facing our healthcare system and we’re grateful for any support they are willing to lend. Donations and events supporting Sault Area Hospital Foundation are helping us attract new talent and deliver outstanding care, with millions of dollars in necessary new equipment for our hospital.”
Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at www.sahfoundation.com/author. The event begins at 7:30 pm at The Loft, located in the Algoma Conservatory Building in the Canal District. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation.
