HURON SHORES FAMILY HEALTH TEAM

BLIND RIVER

Dr. Chris Barnes
Dr. Chris Barnes is chief of staff and medical liaison for Cameco Corporation. When not practicing medicine Dr. Barnes can be found on the golf course on a near by lake fishing or hunting as the seasons dictate. Dr. Barnes lives on the North Channel and enjoys the seclusion that this vista provides while being just 10 minutes from the hospital.

Dr. Mary Shamas
Dr. Mary Shamas is an original Blindriverite! After completing her medical degree at University of Toronto, Mary returned home to practice family medicine. Mary also runs an Art of Medicine Aesthetics Clinic on Woodward Avenue. In her spare time, you will find Mary either at the golf course, cross country skiing or the curling rink as these are three of her life’s passions!

Dr. Marc Bradford
In addition to his family practice, Dr. Bradford is one of two coroners for the North Shore area. Marc is a graduate of McGill University and chose to open his practice 20 years ago in Blind River and has no reason to leave! Marc and Cynthia have raised their two children in the community. Marc enjoys hiking, kayaking, cross country skiing, reading and “playing with his iPad” while enjoying the view that the North Channel of Lake Huron provides.

Dr. Mark Fowler
Dr. Fowler is the newest addition to the family of physicians in Blind River. He was born in Saskatchewan and has practiced there, other places in Ontario and the North. Coming to Blind River has been the best decision ever. Dr. Fowler received his medical education at the University of Saskatchewan, furthering his studies at the Universities of Regina and Western Ontario. He is one of the two coroners for the area, here in Ontario, and is a coroner in Saskatchewan, a civil aviation medical examiner in Saskatchewan, a general practice surgeon and anesthetist. Mark and Bonnie have six children between them. Mark has many hobbies, aviation, and farming to name a couple. In his spare time, he loves to eat popcorn, talk on the ham radio and visit with family and friends and can often be found doing just that around one of the two farms.

THESSALON HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE, THESSALON

Dr Heather Blois
Dr. Blois completed her medical degree at the University of Ottawa. She then did a rotating internship at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Heather met her husband on a locum in Thessalon, and has been there since 1996. Heather enjoys a varied medical practice including ER work and is currently developing a special interest in dermatology. She has one son who arrived in 2010. In her spare time she enjoys travel, cooking and enjoying family time at her camp in beautiful Algoma.

Dr. Nigel Ogston
Dr Ogston graduated from University of Toronto in 1979. Never a city type, he and his wife Marianne have lived for many years in Muskoka, and love the North Shore area which is very similar in some respects. His children are all grown and scattered across Canada and beyond. Interests include acupuncture and Oriental Medicine which have been a major focus of ongoing study for many years."

Dr. Frances Keating
Dr. Frances Keating moved to be closer to home in taking a position with Thessalon Community Health Services. She grew up in Sault Ste Marie, one of 10 children. Dr. Keating graduated from Dalhousie Medical School and worked in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, followed by Isle Madame, Nova Scotia then Ottawa, Ontario and finally working in Vanceburg Kentucky. She brings to the area a variety of expertise and experience.

CENTRAL ALGOMA HEALTH CENTRE, BRUCE MINES

Dr. Eric Haappala
Dr. Eric Haapala is a native of the Algoma area, having been raised in Sault Ste Marie. Eric graduated from McMaster University and completed his residency in Newfoundland and Labrador. After spending some time in remote communities, Eric and Corinne decided to move the heart of Huron North! Eric says its great to live and work close to nature and water. Eric now practices family medicine at the Central Algoma Medical Clinic in Bruce Mines and the Thessalon hospital. Eric enjoys music (listening, playing and singing) and is a proud supporter of the local live music and arts scene. Eric and Corinne have two young children with another coming soon!

Dr. Janet McLeod
Dr. Janet McLeod graduated from McMaster University Medical School and Family Medicine Residency Program. Janet and her husband Steve, an ER doctor, moved to the area with their two sons in 1997 to be closer to Janet's family and to set up a commercial Maple Syrup operation. Janet lives on St. Joseph Island where she initially practiced, but now practice-shares out of the Bruce Mines Clinic. Janet and Steve opened a cross country ski system on their property and row, kayak, and bike with other enthusiasts in the area. AND she has chickens, horses and a fish pond!

Matthews Memorial Hospital & St. Joseph Medical Clinic

Dr. Karen Booth
A native of Southern Ontario with strong summertime cottage roots to St. Joseph Island, Karen completed her medical school training at the University of Toronto. She completed the Family Medicine Residency Program in Ottawa (UofO) and completed the PGY-3 CCFP EM year in Sudbury via the UofO/NOSM program. After a year of' locuming' and working back in Ottawa, she and her spouse moved to Sault Ste Marie and joined the Sault Area Hospital Emergency Medicine Department. After a few more years and a wonderful addition, their daughter, they moved to St. Joseph Island to take on a position at Matthews Memorial Hospital and the St. Joseph Island Medical Clinic and are happily 'living out the dream' of living and working at our 'cottage'!

Dr. Ian MacKay
Dr. Ian MacKay is the newest member of the Huron North Physicians Network! Ian graduated from Dalhousie in ’04 specializing in family medicine and the care of the elderly. Hobbies include camping, hiking, kayaking and running. Ian chose to come to Huron North “because the physicians in the area made me feel extremely welcome and have offered assistance to help me as I settle in a financially rewarding practice. The community has been very helpful in the acquisition of a place to live, aiding my spouse in her job search and being genuinely interested in ensuring I am happy with my work/life balance.”