Dr. Hilda Tremblett
Cape Breton University is proud to honour and recognize Dr. Hilda Tremblett for her amazing contributions to the field of medicine. Dr. Tremblett was born in Bonavista, Newfoundland. She was the daughter of a fisherman and, at 17 years-old, she was the only recipient from Newfoundland, which was not a province then, to receive a scholarship to attend McGill University in Montreal. Always a determined and dedicated individual, she later graduated cum laude in 1955.
Known for her can-do attitude and terrific sense of humour, Dr. Tremblett spent many years in general practice before becoming the only pathologist at the Northside General Hospital in 1964, where she stayed until her retirement in 1991. Dr. Tremblett believed in putting the patient first, even walking to house calls in Newfoundland because she didn’t have a car at the time. Her experiences in medicine provided the material for her recently published book, Courageous or Crazy. It provides a first-hand look at the compassion, commitment and sometimes unique experiences of a caring physician and humanitarian.
Dr. Trembett has always been focused on wellness. It is not surprising that a wellness centre in her native Bonavista bears her name. The Dr. Hilda Tremblett Wellness Centre offers a multitude of services for the community. It provides space for exercise, a community kitchen and primary health services designed to manage chronic disease, promote public health and treat mental health and addictions.
Forever grateful for the support she received as a young student, Dr. Tremblett continues to give back. She has established four scholarships for deserving students, two here at Cape Breton University and two at her high school in Newfoundland. Dr. Tremblett continues to focus on wellness and believes that laughter truly is the best medicine.
Cape Breton University is delighted to honour Dr. Hilda Tremblett with an inaugural Healthcare Award of Distinction. We sincerely thank her for her efforts to improve the health of Nova Scotians.