A small gathering recognized a large milestone Monday outside Spencer House when Dr. David C. Collins was recognized for 50 years of medical practice.
The Toronto native used to visit Orillia in the winter months to ski. Soon after finishing his internship, he came to Orillia looking for a place to open up a practice.
Once he settled in, he ended up falling in love with the city and decided this is where he wanted to build his life and career.
Collins has done everything there is to do as a doctor in Orillia. He has conducted surgeries, worked in the emergency department at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital and served as the team doctor for two championship hockey teams: the Orillia Senior A Terriers who won the Allan Cup in 1973, and the Orillia Junior A Travelways who won the Centennial Cup in 1985.
So nice to see the smiles in the eyes the of those able to attend the celebration of an incredible doctor who has been practising in Orillia, and as Health Director at Spencer House for 50 years. We applaud you and thank you for your years of caring Dr. Collins, Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/eCbWykcQY4
— Jill Dunlop, MPP (@JillDunlop1) June 1, 2020
Collins has spent the last 17 years of his career working at Spencer House, providing care to long-term care patients at the facility in west Orillia.
“Please know how much you mean to everyone here," Bunny Cormack told Collins during Monday's celebration. The president of the residents; council, said: "Without you, we are lost.
"Keep up the excellent service you’ve given each day," said Cormack.
Also on hand for the celebration was Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop.
“Thank you for 50 years of service. You’ve touched many lives,” Dunlop said to Collins as the two abided by physical distancing requirements due to the coronavirus.
Collins was caught off guard by the surprise celebration.
“It’s an honour and unexpected. The people here have always been great to me. They treat me well and make my job really easy,” Collins said.
“I enjoy coming in every day to see the residents and staff. I think we have one of the better long-term care residences in the province," he said with pride.
Collins said he loves his job at Spencer House and his role in the community so much, that he doesn’t see himself retiring anytime soon.
“It’s a fun job, it gives me a reason to get up in the morning, and when I’m on holidays, after about five or six days, I want to get back to work,” he said.
