Volunteer Alan Howard said it’s been a “challenging year” at the Kinmount and District Health Centre (KDHS), culminating in the loss of one of its two family physicians, Dr. Mimi Van der Leden, last month.
Van der Leden, a Canadian national, left her position May 15. She joined KDHC in February 2025 after years of practicing in
the United States.
“Her reasons for leaving the centre were personal,” said new KDHC chair Chris Weerdenburg. Howard added, “it was not what anybody wanted, but that’s just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.”
Van der Leden had rostered approximately 500 patients during her time with the clinic, with Weerdenburg saying some of those have been taken on Dr. Lesslie Ponraja and others by a family doctor in Bobcaygeon.
Howard said the KDHC team has been actively recruiting for a replacement for Van der Leden, though told members at a June 8 annual general meeting that the process would now be handled by Cindy Snider, physician recruitment lead for the City of Kawartha Lakes. Previously, volunteer board members had sought out candidates, conducted interviews and arranged community visits.
“Cindy has been very involved in helping us for many years, now we’re just stepping up her involvement. She will become the
primary point person for all candidates,” Howard said.
Speaking at the meeting, Snider said she was working on several leads. “Here’s hoping we can recruit another physician or two to your medical centre,” Snider said, though no timeframe was given. Weerdenburg said Ponraja will also play a key role in hiring, with the board
available for consultation.
Speaking to fundraising, Kim Restivo Galea noted it has been a successful year for the KDHS volunteer foundation. The
2025 journey for health event raised close to $17,000, with the Christmas appeal bringing in just over $13,800. In total, the
organization brought in $84,309 in its 2025 26 fiscal year, with all funds reinvested back into the clinic, located at 5100 County
Rd. 503.
As well as primary care, the space also boasts a physiotherapy clinic, foot care clinic, pharmacy, dental hygienist and specimen collection room.
There will be a major change to this year’s journey for health fundraiser, Restivo Galea said. While the event has traditionally been held on the second Sunday in August, organizers are pivoting to the third Saturday in September.
“Hopefully that will get us away from the extreme weather and lead to a greater turnout,” she said.
There was some turnover at boardroom level, with Yvette Braurer, Lee Ann Hobson, Lois Jackson and Jim Scott stepping down
after service ranging from 18 months to nine years. There are three new faces joining – Jenna Brown, Marina Hodson and
Holly Lougheed.
