After touching the lives of so many . . . SAYING GOODBYE WITH A SMILE WITH A SMILE WITH A SMILE Job satisfaction is certainly not unknown in modern work life. But a palpable sense of making an impact – consciously recogniz- ing the value of your daily efforts – now, that’s considerably rarer. As he contemplates his imminent May 9th retirement, Dr. John Stewart reflects fondly on nearly a half-century of medical practice, the vast majority spent in Port Perry. Without a trace of ego, he points proudly to the impact he feels he’s made over that lengthy stretch of time. “Some patients I’ve seen for over 30 or 40 years,” he says. “And it’s gratifying to know you’ve made a difference in someone else’s life. I’ve had that feeling as I’ve been saying goodbye to my patients.” But no single incident, he ponders, stands out as the foundation for the satifac- tion he feels. “It’s an accumulation of little things that’s made the difference. Give you an ex- ample: just recently, among my goodbyes, I had a hug from a highly autistic child who normally doesn’t like to be touched.” And that fulfilling career almost didn’t happen. But ultimately, fate – and prob- ably bloodlines – had their way. “I was born into a family of medical pro- fessionals,” he recalls. “Both of my parents, grandfather, aunts, uncles, and cousins.” .... Please turn to page 4 PHOTOS BY MARYANN FLEMING FOCUS - MAY 2018 3