Dr. Eisener Shares His ‘Vocational’ Story
Posted by John Borst
on Jul 16, 2014
Carl Eisener was born in Chandler, Quebec in 1953 Interestingly, he and Rtn. Norm Bush crossed paths when he had been on this earth for about a week and Norm was about one year of age.
Most of Eisener’s primary schooling occurred in Dryden as did all of his high school education.
Two memorable parts of high school were being part of the MUNA team and being on the Reach for the Top team both of which were coached by Rtn. Brian Kenney.
Carl continued his education at the University of Manitoba where after 2 years he was accepted in the Medical program. He graduated as a Doctor of Medicine in 1978.Eisener started at Dingwall Clinic in 1979 and planned to stay two years after which he would go back and do a residency. However after two years...and a new car, stereo, boat, motor cycle....plans changed!
One of Carl’s duties was the teaching of the occasional medical student who came to Dryden. One of those students was Rtn. Patty Vann. Of course Patty became his wife and they have now been married to “for 26 years, 7 months, and 14 days”.
Carl and Patty lived through the rural medicine crisis of the 80s and 90s where no new Dr wanted to come to a place where the nearest specialist was 4 hours away and you worked 70 - 80 hours a week.
Out of the crisis, the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada was formed. Both Carl and Patty were founding members.
In 2004, he and Patty retired from the clinic and gave up hospital privileges. However, they both returned to work as locums doing much of their practice out of the Sioux Lookout hospital and in the Northern Reserves of North Western Ontario.
Full retirement began in January 2014 allowing them time to travel, fish, hunt, sail, and most recently take up golf.
In addition to becoming active members of Dryden Rotary, they have become active in Dryden Area Anti-racism Network (DAARN).
Carl has a brother who resides in Red Rock and a sister in Edmonton.