Playing an important role in the community

In medicine and history, Dr. Peter Blackie stays busy

Peter Blackie grew up in Gander, near Banting Hospital, and considers Dr. Jim Payton an influential figure in his decision to pursue a career as a physician.

“(Payton) was an unusual but lovely and wonderful character,” said Blackie. “What he did for his patients in the community is a key factor in why I decided to become a doctor.”

When Blackie went to Memorial University in the late 1950s, there wasn’t a medical school available in the province. He obtained his degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax and now serves as an interviewer for the university. He said the process of becoming a doctor today is different from his experience, noting in his day a more scientific background was needed.

“It is still a similar process but now people can get in with a broader background,” he said. “Medical school training itself is four years and one of the bigger differences now is if you’re going into general practice you are required to do an internship of two years.”

Blackie adds the differences in the process are effective. They now focus more on physicality than anatomy and the content is updated to stay in touch with the science behind medicine.

Early in his career, Blackie logged many long hours as a hospital doctor. Through dedication and hard work, he and a colleague were presented with a great opportunity.

“Originally, I started with assisting surgeons in the operating room and keeping up on in-patients,” said Blackie. “My boss approached myself and Neil Harvey and told us that we would be taking over the pediatric floor. Back then there were 33 beds, so every morning we did rounds and over the years we took care of our department.”

After his time at the hospital, Blackie took on a job with the military as a civilian physician. He says although he was only on-ground, the experience was exhilarating.

“Our clinic looked after one of three search and rescue crews,” said Blackie. “I was there and gave my best support to the pilots and engineers. These guys do amazing stuff and being a part of that was astonishing.”

Blackie signed a contract for 35 years, and in 2017, received an award from the search and rescue squad for time served. His contract ended last March, and he now serves a new role in the community.

“Life today is quite different,” he said. “I no longer have to jump out of bed anymore for any reason. My work week now is a clinic in the late afternoon and one on Saturday as well. I can set my own pace, and to be honest, it is quite satisfactory.”

Along with duties at his daily clinics, Blackie also holds a seat on the Heritage Advisory Council. Having a major interest in the town's history, he joined to ensure historic moments are remembered.

“I grew up here, so I lived a lot of the history in the town,” said Blackie. “Our history is so unique. Arguably, Gander was the most important airport in WWII. The things this town has taken on must be remembered for years to come and I want to push that.”

Through his many years of service with the town in many different fields, Blackie has kept his patients as the top priority. His clinics give him a chance to reconnect with members of the community and get back to what he was meant to do.

“I want to help them as best as I can; this clinic is me giving back to them,” said Blackie. “I can really focus on the needs of my patients now and I want to provide the best care possible for them.”

Choosing a favorite memory during his long career is difficult, he said.

“To pick a favorite memory is hard because there were so many of them through my years. One thing that does stand out is when I served as chief of medical staff and director. That is one that will always be with me.”

At age 81, Blackie plans to continue helping the community with his medical skills for years to come. At this point in his life, he feels it is the best thing he can do to provide for the town, as it provided him a career like no other.