Chair's Report

Medical profession gives back - It just takes a little will

Dr. Henry Haddad got his start in medicine at an unusual place-he was 18 years old, and working in the men's clothing department at Eaton's in downtown Montréal. But his father, a clothing store owner and hardworking entrepreneur, saw something in young Henry. He came into the store one day and gently suggested a career change, saying, "There is more you can do with your life."

"It was then I got serious." says Dr. Haddad. "I got accepted at medical school, became class valedictorian and gold medallist. I taught at the University of Sherbrooke. I have had an amazing career. I owe a lot of my success to my parents.

"Medicine is a great profession," he says. "It is a profession that gives back. The greatest ‘give back' to me is knowing that I helped someone every day."

As a former president of both the Québec Medical Association and the Canadian Medical Association, Dr. Haddad has been "giving back" for many years.

Now, as Chair of the Canadian Medical Foundation, he is at it again, naming the Foundation as beneficiary in his will. "It's payback. It's a small gesture to show what this profession has done for me."

As one of the architects of growth at the Canadian Medical Foundation, Dr. Haddad speaks with authority about the need for a strong Foundation. "The Canadian Medical Foundation has broadened our raison d'être. We initially focused on medical student bursaries; from there we have moved into physician health and well-being and now, medical outreach.

"I would encourage all Canadian physicians to consider the Canadian Medical Foundation as one of their top four charities. I give to my church, my alma mater, my hospital and, of course, the Canadian Medical Foundation," says Dr. Haddad. "If I can leave something and it doesn't take away from my children and my wife, why wouldn't I?"

Dr. Haddad encourages all physicians to get involved with the Foundation in a meaningful way. "Our goal is to build a $10 million endowment fund over the next 10 years."

Help maintain excellence in physician care, education, well-being and outreach by creating your own personal legacy gift at the Canadian Medical Foundation. With many options to choose from, including gifts of life insurance, bequests and charitable remainder trusts, your legacy will live forever.

Henry Haddad, MD

Chair