Dr. Douglas Dale McCarthy
March 6, 1931 – April 26, 2007

OMOD mourns the passing of Dr. Dale McCarthy, Physician, teacher, mentor, and friend, retired from the University of Toronto Department of Medicine and Toronto General Hospital; and was a pioneering member of OMOD’s Northern Medical Clinics Program.

He passed peacefully at home with his loving family by his side, in his 77th year, following a five-year struggle with cancer and a short illness at home. 

He is survived by his four children: Beth, Megan, Sean and Kirsten.

For the past 30-plus years, whenever and wherever OMOD staff arrived to prepare for an impending Rheumatology clinic, the first question encountered was invariably, “Will Dr. McCarthy be here?” From Kirkland Lake District Hospital to Notre Dame Hospital in Hearst, Dale was beloved by his patients, our local volunteer nurses, hospital staff, and area referring physicians. His devotion to his patients was absolute; his “bedside manner” left them feeling cared for by a loving friend who just happened to be a brilliant clinician. OMOD staff who had the privilege of working with him adored him, and continued to be enthralled by his knowledge and compassion.

As noted, Dale was a paramount proponent of OMOD and especially of our Northern Clinics Program. A prime example of his complete support surfaced when the clinic co-ordinator was explaining the logistics of our inaugural Hearst clinic, including the fact that we would have to fly out of that remote town at 4:30 a.m. “Oh well”, he stated, “I guess we might as well just spend the night in the bar!” There was never any question about whether or not he was willing to make such a sacrifice. This was his legacy, and although our Program continues to thrive and expand, there will always be a missing element – a laughing voice quietly whispering, “Did you schedule my smoke breaks?”

He also served on a variety of boards and committees including Hart House, University of Toronto and the Gay Counselling Centre of Toronto.  He was an advisor to the Workers’ Compensation Board Tribunal as well as a founding member of the AIDS Committee Toronto (ACT).

We will miss you, dear friend.