A longtime Three Hills doctor has been honoured for decades of serving Central Alberta communities.
Dr. Martin Reedyk was selected recently for the 2012 Award of Distinction by the Alberta Rural Physician Action Plan.
Reedyk, 66, has been practising medicine since 1970 and has worked in Three Hills for the last 23 years.
He began his career there practising family medicine and as chief of surgery.
In 2004, he established a full-time psychotherapy practice, and in 2007, he accepted the role of assessment physician for the Physician and Family Support Program.
He is also currently serving as the community medical director for Kneehill and Starland Counties and the Special Areas rural municipality in southeastern Alberta.
Reedyk also travels to Nigeria regularly, where he serves as a consultant in rural primary care.
The Award of Distinction is presented annually to a rural family physician who demonstrates a superior commitment and contribution to the community through medical practice, teaching of other health professionals, conducting research and volunteering in the community.
“I really take it as a team effort,” said Reedyk of his honour.
“I can only do my job well because I’ve got a lot of people around me who do their jobs well.”
Reedyk said he and other health professionals rely on the support of husbands, wives and families.
He credited his wife Ann for her support and devotion to raising their three daughters during the many years he was on call and working long, and often unpredictable, hours.
Reedyk is to be honoured at a dinner and community open house at Keivers Lake, near Three Hills, on Saturday at 6 p.m.