On April 25, Dr. Habtu Demsas and Dr. Richard Roland Lindenschmidt were presented with the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority’s Physician Emeritus Award for exemplary service and expertise to their community.

Granted by physician colleagues who make up the regional Medical Advisory Committee, this award recognizes physicians who are retired or have reduced their practice in preparation for retirement and who demonstrate exemplary skills as recognized by their colleagues, community recognition and exemplification of the Interlake-Eastern RHA values: always with compassion, success in collaboration, accountability in everything we do, acting with integrity and respectful of each other.

Dr. Demsas has practised for almost 45 years. Originally from Eritrea, he is fluent in multiple languages and has a special interest in orthopedics. Nominated by physician colleagues, Dr. Demsas has served the community in Selkirk for 35 years and was instrumental in starting the cancer outreach program 30 years ago. In 2009 he was awarded the Jack Armstrong Humanitarian award by Doctors Manitoba for outstanding contributions in the service of humanity.

“I thank my colleagues at Selkirk Medical Centre, the hospital and the personal care homes for thinking of me. This is really huge for me, my family and my wife too as they have supported me throughout my work,” says Dr. Demsas. “Working in this area has been wonderful. I have been able to teach students, residents, all while serving the community and living and working rurally but close to the city centre.”

Dr. Demsas plans to retire in October.

Dr. Lindenschmidt has been practising in the community for more than 40 years. His colleagues who nominated him pointed out how dependable he is and his exemplary bedside manner and commitment to his patients.

“I feel really honoured that my colleagues thought of me. I think that was really thoughtful of them to nominate me for this award,” says Dr. Lindenschmidt. “The best part of serving Selkirk and surrounding areas has been that I’ve been able to help people and their families, and also getting to know people in the community has been definitely a benefit to living and working here.”

Dr. Lindenschmidt retired last week.

This award is the first in the Interlake-Eastern RHA and was presented to the doctors in front of 45 colleagues and their spouses at the Spring Physician Dinner on April 25 — the first dinner held since 2019.