A journey shaped by a lifetime of lessons
Reflections from Simone Reitzes, Managing Director, Medicus Pension Plan
Since I was little, I’ve marveled at the way physicians take care of our communities. As I grew into adulthood, I also noticed the way physicians selflessly dedicate their time and energy to patients – often at the expense of their own wellbeing. As Medicus continues to grow and support more physicians across Canada, I find myself reflecting on the journey that’s brought me here. In many ways, it started with my grandfather, literally a lifetime ago…
My grandfather, Edwin, always wanted to be a physician, but encountered many challenges along the way. His father passed away when he was just a child, leaving him with no choice but to drop out of school and join the workforce. The difficulties he faced growing up left him with a fierce determination to make the world a better place, and what better way to help people than through practicing medicine. He eventually returned to his studies and finished high school by attending night classes, and after many years of hard work, he realized his dream of becoming a physician.
My grandfather had a long, impactful career. In addition to private practice, he spent his afternoons volunteering in underserved rural communities. He offered care without expectation of anything in return; “You can pay me next time,” he’d say. It was his compassionate way of caring for those in need while allowing them to maintain their dignity. This lesson of supporting others without judgment has been an anchor for me and continues to guide me in my career.
My grandfather lived a full life and used his gift as a physician to enrich others’ lives. It’s something I’ve always admired.
I didn’t exactly follow in his footsteps (I became an actuary), but there’s a meaningful connection between my journey and his. I like to think he’d be very proud of the way we’re building a path to enrich retirement for physicians and provide support for their families. At Medicus, it’s our mission to provide peace of mind and financial security for Canadian physicians so they can focus on what really matters, patient wellbeing, just as my grandfather did.
Medicus is available in Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon.
Medicus Pension PlanTM is a trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), used under licence. The Scotiabank and MD logo are trademarks of Scotiabank, used under licence. Scotiabank is the sponsor of the Medicus Pension Plan, which is a registered pension plan and is registered under the Pension Benefits Act (Ontario) and the Income Tax Act (Canada). To determine if the Medicus Pension Plan is appropriate for your retirement planning needs and retirement income objectives, please consult with a financial advisor.
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