BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
Come mid-April there will be anything but a shortage of doctors in the city. Some 700 physicians will be in town from April 10 to 12 to participate in the annual Docs On Ice Doctors of Ontario Charity Hockey Tournament.
This is the 21st edition of the tournament and the event offers numerous benefits for the city of Sudbury.
 |
Â?It gives the community a chance to showcase our amenities and recruit physicians,Â? said Dennis Reich, chair of the 2003 Docs On Ice tournament. Â?We can show off the Northern Medical School and the new hospital that is coming.Â?
The event also helps local charities. This yearÂ?s designated charities include the Alzheimer Society, the Sudbury Regional Palliative Care Association and the local soup kitchen.
The tournament has raised more than $100,000 in the last three years. Organizers hope to raise $45,000 this year.
The event also helps the physicians get a break from their important work.
There is no other event; even a medical convention that brings together this many physicians.
Â?We can roll out the red carpet and really make this an opportunity to sell the community, and it is hoped some of them consider sticking around and setting up a practice here,Â? said Reich.
With so many physicians gathered in one place and the threat of the SARS outbreak still lingering, the event could possibly be cancelled.
Â?We will be making a decision on Monday, April 7 as to whether the tournament will proceed or be postponed until 2004,Â? said Reich. Â?The main reason is when you get 700 physicians together the risk of exposure is great and if even one physician shows signs that means you have to quarantine 700 doctors which would obviously not allow them to do the excellent frontline work they do presently.Â?
Reich said they are monitoring the situation closely with the Ontario Medical Association and Public Health Units.
Â?If it looks like itÂ?s contained then we will proceed.Â?
If the tournament is cancelled, the organizers will shuffle everything back one year. That means the tournament will be held in Sudbury in 2004 and next yearÂ?s host Sarnia will host the event in 2005 instead of 2004.
The tournament originated in Peterborough in 1983 as a tribute to the memory of Dr. Peter Howes, an avid hockey player. The first tournament, held in Peterborough had eight teams participate. This year there are more than 40 teams.
The games in Sudbury will take place April 11 and 12 from 7 am to 5 pm at Sudbury, Countryside, Walden, McLelland and Cambrian Arenas.
