Town of Roye

Five thousand and counting! This is the number of babies that Dr. Charmaine Roye, local obstetrician/ gynaecologist estimates that she has delivered at the Brantford General Hospital. That is enough to populate an entire town.

“Right from the beginning when I delivered my first baby 21-years ago I loved it,” the always-smiling physician said. “I still get a thrill with every birth.”

Dr. Roye attended McGill University in Montreal where she studied to become an obstetrician/ gynaeclogist. She was recruited to Brantford in 1989 by Dr. John Reason.

“My time in Brantford has been terrific,” Dr. Roye said. “I work with a great medical clinic and a very good hospital in a community that my husband and myself really enjoy. We have various interests and enjoy playing tennis, golf and squash whenever we can.”

A booster of our community, Dr. Roye commented that many in Brantford don't realize what a ‘jewel' we have here. Talking to her peers outside of Brantford, Dr. Roye says that they cannot say enough about the Brantford General. “I have also had the opportunity to talk with accreditation surveyors who assess hospitals and they speak extremely well about our hospital.”

Dr. Roye credits the Federation of Medical Women in Canada with encouraging her to step forward while she was a medical student. The problem of finding female physicians who are willing to take on leadership positions is part and parcel of society says Dr. Roye. “We are overworked and many women are additionally challenged by what we call role strain. Women are often the ones responsible for looking after children and the elderly. It doesn't leave a lot of time left over.”

The Federation of Medical Women has enjoyed Dr. Roye's enthusiasm and dedication. Since joining in 1992 she has served on their board and became president in 1998. She has also served with the Canadian Medical Association, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, the Ontario Medical Association, president of the Brant County Medical Association and president of the medical staff of the Brant Community Healthcare System. Dr. Roye is passionate in encouraging other physicians to step forward in leadership positions. She relates it all back to her desire to help patients, saying, “On a larger scale the policy we implement benefits patients.”

“In April the Canadian Society of Physician Executives called me to make sure I was attending their May meeting in Ottawa,” she recalls. “They said you might not want to miss this one. I should have known something was up.”

When Dr. Roye arrived she was surprised, and thrilled, to learn she had been selected to receive their highest recognition: the 2007 Excellence in Medical Leadership award. In announcing the award they talked about Dr. Roye in glowing terms, saying, “Working with Medical Women International to influence international policy to improve the health status of women and children in third world countries showcases her strong leadership skills. Her impact has been very broad and she has been able to bring a Canadian perspective to the international medical field.” They continued, “Dr. Roye brings enthusiasm and joy to her leadership work and a warm smile and laughter.” Those of us at Branford General see his every day from Dr. Roye.

Dr. Roye's describes her award as ‘another one of her children.' Her patients, the hospital and our entire community are fortunate that Dr. Roye considers us part of her family.

Gary Chalk is senior executive director- public affairs and 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.