7 November 2025
Little Current — Manitoulin Health Centre proudly recognizes the upcoming retirement of Dr. Stephen Cooper, marking the conclusion of more than 30 years of exemplary service to the people of Manitoulin Island. Dr. Cooper has been an integral part of the region’s healthcare system since 1992, providing compassionate, high-quality care and leadership that have shaped local medicine for decades.
Dr. Cooper’s leadership journey began at the Little Current clinic, where he introduced innovative projects that improved access to care — including early interprofessional initiatives such as delegating Pap testing to nursing staff and establishing a prenatal clinic in Wikwemikong. His vision and collaboration led to the creation of the Northeastern Manitoulin Family Health Team, now recognized provincially as a model for integrated primary care.
Within the hospital, Dr. Cooper reintroduced Interprofessional Grand Rounds, fostering collaboration and continuous learning among clinical teams. In 2000, he became President of the Professional Staff, helping to establish Manitoulin Island as a teaching community through its involvement with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM).
In 2007, Dr. Cooper was appointed Chief of Staff (COS), serving alongside then-CEO Derek Graham. Over 16 years in this role, he was instrumental in advancing patient-centered and integrated care across Manitoulin and Northeastern Ontario. Under his leadership, MHC partnered with Health Sciences North to launch initiatives such as Virtual Critical Care, Life or Limb Protocol, Visiting Specialist Program, the Diabetic Education Clinic, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and NEJAC.
Dr. Cooper’s tenure also oversaw numerous hospital advancements — including the relocation of obstetrics to a more family-centered environment, the refocus of the operating room suite on endoscopy, and the development of both hospice services and MAID programs. He played a key role in implementing MediTech Expanse and championed quality improvement initiatives alongside RN Mary Lynn Wright, strengthening board engagement in clinical excellence.
Beyond MHC, Dr. Cooper’s leadership reached across Northern Ontario. He served as OMA Chair of the Section of Rural Practice, District 9 Chair, and Primary Care Regional Lead for Ontario Health Northeast, advocating tirelessly for rural and northern healthcare. His work with the NOSM Continuing Education and Professional Development (CEPD) program further supported the growth and leadership of physicians throughout the region.
Throughout his career, Dr. Cooper has been recognized for his professionalism, collaboration, and commitment to equitable, patient-centered care. Though retiring from full-time practice, he will continue contributing locally through ER shifts and as Director of the Wikwemikong Nursing Home, also providing care at Centennial Manor.
“Dr. Cooper’s leadership and compassion have made an enduring impact on healthcare across Manitoulin and beyond,” said Paula Fields, President and CEO of Manitoulin Health Centre. “His dedication to innovation, quality improvement, and mentorship has strengthened our hospital and inspired countless healthcare professionals. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him every happiness in his well-deserved retirement.”
Dennis McGregor, Chair of the Board of Directors, added, “On behalf of the Board, we extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Cooper for his decades of leadership and commitment. His steady presence and forward-thinking approach have helped shape the strength and stability of Manitoulin Health Centre today.”
Manitoulin Health Centre extends its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Stephen Cooper for his decades of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to improving rural healthcare. His legacy of care, innovation, and collaboration will continue to shape the future of healthcare on Manitoulin Island for generations to come.
