"A Hospitalist is a relatively new opportunity in a Hospital for physicians," explains Dr. Ron Sears, Medical Chief of Staff, Ross Memorial Hospital. "Dr. Summers is a welcome addition to our medical staff here at the Ross. He is a very talented physician whose international experience is also a valuable asset."

Dr. Summers was born and raised in Scotland. He studied medicine at and graduated from Glasgow University in Scotland. He completed his medical internship in Glasgow, his surgical internship in Dumfries, and a one-year training in general practice in Edinburgh. In 1970, Dr. Summers came to Ontario and served as a clinical assistant in general practice at the Malton Medical Centre in Malton, Ontario and held active staff privileges at Peel Memorial Hospital in Brampton, Ontario. One year later, Dr. Summers began a solo family practice in Picton, while maintaining active staff privileges at Quinte Health Care/Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (QHC/PECMH). He continued with his practice and his privileges at QHC/PECMH until his recent appointment at Ross Memorial Hospital.

During his medical career at QHC/PECMH, Dr. Summers served on many medical committees, and held a number of positions including President of Medical Staff, Chief of Staff and President of Hastings-Prince Edward Medical Society. He also served as Medical Director of the Kentwood Park Nursing Home in Picton.

"I decided to come to Canada for the opportunities that are available in medicine," says Dr. Summers. "Practising medicine here has been both interesting and stimulating. As a family practitioner in Canada, physicians care for patients in their offices and in hospital, providing they have hospital privileges, whereas in Scotland, these are separate. In Scotland, a family doctor provides medical services in his/her office, however, if a patient needs to be admitted to hospital, another physician tends to their medical needs."

Ross Memorial has a very active physician recruitment program that has been successful in attracting physicians to the Hospital. "It is important, especially with the new expansion project underway, that we are able to meet the increasing needs of our patients. We have been fortunate in our ability to bring new physicians to our medical team," says Dr. Sears.

"I was impressed by Ross Memorial, even before I had visited the Hospital," says Dr. Summers. "The Ross seemed to have the most progressive recruitment initiatives and advertising, as well as some very interesting and innovative opportunities, especially with the expansion. I was looking for a change and decided to inquire about Ross Memorial's posting for a Hospitalist."

"Ross Memorial has wonderful facilities," continues Dr. Summers. "The CT scanner is definitely an asset to this Hospital and the fact that there are several services on site, including nuclear medicine with Parkway Nuclear. Everyone at the Ross has been very friendly and helpful, including the nursing staff, administration and other physicians. I have had opportunities to assist in the operating room and have been invited to participate in a number of programs."

Dr. Summers is married with three children and four grandchildren.