Why Brantford?

“It came down to Barrie or Brantford.”

Dr. Asim Salim, a paediatrician with a special interest in paediatric gastroenterology, spoke about how he relocated his practice from Nova Scotia.

“Dr. Emer Alagic, a family physician, and I, both practiced in Glace Bay/ Sydney Nova Scotia,” Dr. Salim said. “When he announced he was coming to Brantford he began to tell me all about your community.”     

I recall the day we met Dr. Alagic, his wife and children- December 19, 2006- the same day the Ministry of Health announced that Brantford was to receive a MRI. We invited Dr. Alagic and his family to join Dave Levac, Mayor Hancock and members of the Rizzo family for the good news; make that- great news! Right then and there the Alagic family saw the very best of Brantford- our community spirit, camaraderie and commitment to healthcare. Six months later, in June 2007, Dr. Alagic arrived in Brantford and within another six months Dr. Asim and his family were here!   

Dr. Salim listened to his friend but also toured other communities in Ontario before deciding where to relocate his medical practice. “There was no specific reason for leaving Sydney other than the closest university was 4 hours away. We were settled there, the people were nice and the scenery was beautiful. I was considering Barrie very seriously. Dr. Richard Johnson, Chief of Staff and everyone at the Brant Community Healthcare System were so inviting and the hospital staff was so friendly so I changed my mind and came to Brantford.”

A few months into his new practice what does Dr. Salim think now about his decision to relocate to our community?

“There is certainly more traffic in Brantford compared to Sydney and the backyard is larger,” Dr. Salim said. “It is always difficult to move and the kids are just starting to get into their activities like skating, and they enjoy swimming. My wife and three children love it here. The Brantford General is wonderful with good access to health records and the paediatric nurses I work with are very friendly. However, I have to say it is easier to practice the business of medicine in Nova Scotia.” 

Dr. Salim followed his older sister into medicine and paediatrics; she practices in England.

“I grew up in Pakistan and went to Dow Medical College in Karachi,” Dr. Salim said. “From there it was on to paediatric training in Ohio and paediatric gastroenterology in New York. In Brooklyn I acquired proficiency in various gastrointestinal procedures. As a gastroenterologist I study diseases of the stomach and abdomen in children. I have become more procedure- oriented and have developed a refined way of dealing with both simple and complex problems.”

Dr. Salim has already built up his medical practice but he still enjoys his passions away from work. “I am a computer nerd and a ferocious reader, particularly science fiction,” he said. “I have a huge collection of over 4,000 audio books.”

It is no coincidence that Dr. Salim chose to settle in Brantford. Initially, it was the work of Dr. Alagic; and we know that began with the announcement of MRI for Brantford. Perhaps this will be the start of more good news.

Gary Chalk is senior executive director- public affairs & development for the Brant Community Healthcare System. Brantford General is a regional health centre providing primary, emergency and specialized services. The Willett, Paris is a multi- service health centre providing urgent care, primary and community outreach programs.