"A hero of the local community."
That's how Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain describes Dr. Raymond Anderson.
Anderson has been practicing medicine in the Lakeshore area since 1975.
Tuesday night, he was awarded the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario's 2018 Council Award; one of only four given out across the province each year.
Dozens of past and present patients packed the Lakeshore Council chamber to congratulate the doctor.
Anderson says he's done it all over his career, but one aspect stands out.
"Delivering the babies over the years has always been a highlight. I enjoyed the obstetrics. Just looking after all the patients over the years, just getting up and being able to go and see patients and look after them and help them. That's always a highlight."
Dr. Raymond Anderson's College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario's 2018 Council Award (Photo by AM800's Zander Broeckel)
He says house calls are still a part of his practice.
"I think that a lot of the art of medicine has been lost over the years. The new doctors, I think, are probably afraid to sort of get their feet wet as far as going out to see patients and, I mean, there's times that they can't get into the office and you go out and you see them."
Anderson says his key to success is always being available to his patients.
"The biggest thing, I think, is listening to the patients and getting to know the patients. The patients have been very supportive. As things have gone along, they've gotten used to the fact that if they had questions or if there were problems they could call and talk to me on the phone with things, if necessary."
During his more than 40 years in the community, Anderson estimates he's treated more than 20,000 patients.
Anderson works out of Comber and says, at this point, he has no plans to retire.
Big applause for Dr. Raymond Anderson at @TownofLakeshore Council. He's received the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario's 2018 Council Award #cklw pic.twitter.com/i9WWJtrrvZ
— Zander Broeckel (@zbroeckel800) February 20, 2018