Dr. Carlyle Chow

Cape Breton University is pleased to recognize and honour Dr. Carlyle Chow for his enormous contributions to the field of medicine. As a family practitioner, teacher and community activist, Dr. Chow’s impact is both far-reaching and close to home. For more than 49 years, Dr. Chow practiced medicine, primarily in the Baddeck area. Through those years, he focused on care, compassion and his community. He served as Chief of Staff at the Victoria Hospital in Baddeck for 40 years and was instrumental in raising the $1.5 million needed for the new building that still functions today.

In 1991, the Department of Family Medicine at Dalhousie University designated Dr. Chow as a clinical teacher in family medicine. Dr. Chow was not only a teacher and mentor, but he and Vera welcomed more than 25 medical students into their home over the years. These students learned how to practice medicine while becoming an important part of the Chow’s family life.

In 2009, Doctors Nova Scotia recognized Dr. Chow with a Senior Membership Award for the high regard and respect in which he is held by the medical community. In 2010, former CEO of the Cape Breton District Health Authority, John Malcolm, and fellow honoree, Dr. Mahmood Naqvi, came to Baddeck to personally bestow the outstanding professional of the year award to Dr. Chow. The Alumni Association of Dalhousie University honoured Dr. Chow as the family physician of the year in 2016.

Most recently, Dr. Chow was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his exceptional qualities and outstanding service in the field of healthcare. When Dr. Chow wasn’t busy caring for his patients, he was finding other ways to care for his community. He was instrumental in raising the funds needed to build a new curling rink, which is enjoyed by the community to this day. He also served as the Chair of the Boy Scouts Committee.

He retired in 2017 and enjoys life in Baddeck with his wife, Vera. He loves to curl, play golf and spend time with his children, Trevor, Carl Jr and Natasha, as well as their seven grandchildren.

Cape Breton University is proud to honour Dr. Carlyle Chow with an inaugural Healthcare Award of Distinction. We thank him sincerely for his tremendous efforts in improving the health of Nova Scotians.