The doctor has left the building.
Dr. Heidi Schroter has worked more than two and a half decades at the Stoney Health Centre working closely with families and children as a regularly visiting pediatrician, and she has just retired.
The Stoney Health Centre administration threw a retirement party for the doctor at the centre on Jan. 27, inviting residents from Morley and surrounding communities. Schroter worked as a visiting specialist in the clinic for 25 years, while also creating a list of health programs for the families during her years at the centre.
By 2:30 p.m., the centre was packed with staff and community members patiently waiting to give the doctor gifts or wish her a sincere farewell.
“She has done so much for the children and families of Morley and Eden Valley – we all love her and we are sad that she has retired,” said Dulcie Webb, manager of administrative services at the centre.
The retirement party began with a prayer from a Stoney Nakoda elder, and followed with organizers inviting Schroter’s “children” from the community to sing the doctor and her family a farewell song. The room fell silent as the children sang a mix of English and traditional song.
After serving in the community for more than two decades, organizers explained that Schroter had “third-generation” patients.
“She is unfailing in her attachment and dedication when a child needs her – she is a phenomenal woman,” Webb said.
The party continued with the Eya Hey Nakoda drummers, traditional dancers and, of course, cake.
In between all the activities, Schroter was humbly accepting gifts from community members, businesses and the centre staff.
“It is so overwhelming and so beautiful,” the doctor said during a short break.
“I think I have been very blessed to work in this community – it has been an amazing experience all the way and a lot of learning in this rich culture.”
Schroter’s husband and daughter were in attendance, standing beaming by the doctor’s side.
“I am very proud of her! She’s done so much work out here and the people are very fond of her for what she has done for the children and for the mothers over the years – a lot of love comes from her heart,” said Nick Finn, the doctor’s husband.
When asking the Schroters’ daughter, Beth Finn, what she thought of her mother’s accomplishments, Beth began to tear up.
“She is amazing – I am so proud,” Beth said.
During her 25 years working in the community, Dr. Schroter also brought in other specialists, while also creating health programs that never existed in Morley before.
“She worked tirelessly for children with special needs… and because of her we got pediatric cardiology that comes here regularly, child development teams that come here regularly, child asthma specialists, along with a lot of programs that she has liaised with,” Webb explained.
Schroter also helped choose her replacement before officially retiring from the health centre.
“She hasn’t retired from life by any means,” Webb said with a laugh. “She is now working with Syrian refuges and other various pursuits.”
While Schroter said she does not know what her next step is, she is grateful for her experience on the Nation.
“I am very thankful that the families put trust in me, that they trusted me to be a doctor to their children – we’ve become great friends and it will be hard. I will miss them lots,” Schroter said.
