Dr. Todd Young
Medical Director/ CEO - Health Care
Dr. Todd Kevin Young, a 54-year-old physician from Springdale, Newfoundland, has significantly contributed to healthcare in his local community and across the province. While Springdale is a small town with a population of around 3,000, his work has had an outsized impact. He has held roles ranging from family doctor and emergency physician to educator and healthcare leader. Currently, he serves as the Medical Director of Main Street Medical Clinic and the CEO of MEDICURO Virtual Health Inc., both of which he founded and continues to lead.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Springdale, Dr. Young's journey in healthcare began after high school when he chose to pursue nursing. In 2001, he earned a Diploma in Nursing from the Western Memorial Regional Hospital School of Nursing. Following his initial training, he worked as a registered nurse in several locations, including as an outpost nurse in Indigenous communities in northern Ontario. This role was particularly formative, exposing him to various healthcare challenges, including the need for better access to medical services in remote areas.
Dr. Young's desire to deepen his understanding of healthcare led him to Lakehead University, where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2000 and became a Nurse Practitioner. With his growing interest in medicine, he decided to pursue a medical degree. In 2004, he graduated from McMaster University, where he later completed his residency in rural family medicine. His focus during his residency was on providing healthcare to underserved communities, and in 2006, he completed the program. Over the years, he has continued his education, earning qualifications such as an Executive MBA in Occupational Health and Safety. He is also in the process of completing a Diploma in Dermatology from Cardiff University.
Career in Health Care
Dr. Young began his medical career as a rural family and emergency physician, taking on roles in various communities throughout Ontario and Newfoundland. One of his most notable positions was as the physician lead at the Green Bay Health Center in Springdale, Newfoundland. In this role, he oversaw all medical services at the center, ensuring patients received high-quality care. This role required him to manage resources carefully, as rural health centers often face challenges such as limited staffing and facilities.
In addition to his work at the Green Bay Health Center, Dr. Young served as the Medical Director for Valley Vista Seniors Home, where he worked to improve the quality of life for elderly residents. His role as a Medical Examiner also saw him investigating causes of death, ensuring that families had accurate information when dealing with such sensitive matters.
Building Better Health Care
In 2016, Dr. Young took a significant step in transforming healthcare in Newfoundland and Labrador by founding the Main Street Medical Clinic in Springdale. The clinic quickly became a model for rural healthcare delivery, blending traditional in-person medical services with telemedicine. This integration allowed patients, particularly those in remote areas, to consult with doctors and specialists remotely, reducing the need for lengthy and often tricky travel to access healthcare.
At around the same time, Dr. Young founded MEDICURO Virtual Health Inc., which provides virtual health services to individuals across the province. Through MEDICURO, patients could consult with doctors, receive prescriptions, and access health information from their homes, improving accessibility and convenience. The success of this venture demonstrated the power of technology in overcoming barriers to healthcare, especially in underserved areas.
Innovations in Addiction Care and Occupational Health
Dr. Young's most impactful innovation came from Newfoundland and Labrador's first rapid access addictions program. Recognizing the need for immediate care for individuals struggling with addiction, he developed a program that provides quick and practical support. The program includes satellite offices in cities such as Pasadena, Stephenville, Grand Falls-Windsor, Gander, Marystown, Clarenville, Bay Roberts, and St.
John's, allowing individuals across the province to access vital care quickly. The program has been widely praised for its success and continues to serve as a lifeline for many people affected by addiction.
In addition to his work in addiction care, Dr. Young developed a distributed occupational health and safety (OHS) model. This system provides workplace health services across Newfoundland and Labrador, ensuring employees can access preventive care and wellness programs. The OHS model has been instrumental in reducing workplace injuries and promoting overall health.
Teaching and Mentoring
Dr. Young has dedicated significant time to educating and mentoring future healthcare professionals throughout his career. He was a professor at Memorial University in Newfoundland and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In these roles, he trained students in family medicine, rural health, and emergency care, providing them with the skills to serve needy communities.
Beyond teaching, Dr. Young contributed to improving medical education. He participated in committees that developed training programs for doctors and reviewed educational materials to ensure that they met high standards of quality and relevance.
Awards and Honors
Over the years, Dr. Young's contributions to medicine and his community have earned him numerous accolades. Among these is a nomination for the Human Rights Award in 2020, recognizing his work in creating programs to address addiction and mental health. He also received a Fellowship in Rural and Remote Health from the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada, a Fellowship in Family Medicine from the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and the Central Health Safety Award in 2012 for promoting workplace health and safety.
Giving Back to the Community
Dr. Young has always believed in giving back to his community. He sponsors local hockey teams, providing jerseys and equipment to young athletes, helping to foster a sense of community and opportunity for youth in Springdale. He also donates annually to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and contributes to The Gathering Place, a homeless shelter in Newfoundland. Through these efforts, he demonstrates his commitment to improving the lives of those around him through healthcare and support for local initiatives.
Personal Life
Dr. Young was born and raised in Springdale, NL. Despite his many professional commitments, he remains deeply connected to his hometown and takes pride in improving healthcare for its residents. His personal and professional lives are intertwined, and he focuses on serving the community that shaped him.
In summary, Dr. Young's career has been defined by his commitment to improving healthcare in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through his innovative approaches to rural healthcare, addiction care, and occupational health, as well as his contributions to education and community service, he has had a lasting impact. He continues to lead efforts to make healthcare more accessible and practical, always focusing on the needs of those he serves.
Dr. Todd Young's dedication to healthcare and his community has left a legacy that will continue to benefit the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for many years.
Portfolio: http://drtoddyoung.com/
