Dr. Todd Kevin Young is a 54-year-old medical professional born and raised in Springdale, Newfoundland, a small town with approximately 3,000 people. Despite his humble beginnings, he has significantly impacted his local community and the province. His contributions to healthcare have been vast, including his roles as a family doctor, emergency physician, teacher, and healthcare leader. He is currently 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.
After completing high school in Springdale, Dr. Young chose a path in healthcare, beginning his journey as a registered nurse. He earned his Diploma in Nursing from the Western Memorial Regional Hospital School of Nursing in 2001. Following his graduation, he worked in various settings, including as an outpost nurse in Indigenous communities in northern Ontario. His desire to further his career led him to Lakehead University, where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and became a Nurse Practitioner in 2000.
Over time, Dr. Young's interest in medicine deepened, prompting him to pursue a medical degree. He attended McMaster University, earning his medical degree in 2004. He then completed his residency in rural family medicine at McMaster, focusing on providing care to underserved communities, finishing his residency in 2006. He has prioritized further education and qualifications throughout his career, including an Executive MBA specializing in Occupational Health and Safety. He is currently completing a Diploma in Dermatology at Cardiff University.
Dr. Young's career in healthcare began as a rural family and emergency physician, providing medical services in communities throughout Ontario and Newfoundland. He took on a leadership role as the physician lead at the Green Bay Health Center in Springdale, NL. In this position, he was responsible for overseeing the medical care provided at the center and ensuring that patients received high-quality care. His role was akin to that of a Chief of Staff in a larger hospital but with the added challenge of managing resources in a rural setting.
In addition to his work at Green Bay Health Center, Dr. Young served as the Medical Director for Valley Vista Seniors Home, where he cared for elderly residents and worked to improve their quality of life. He also held the position of Medical Examiner, responsible for investigating and certifying the causes of death.
In 2016, Dr. Young founded the Main Street Medical Clinic in Springdale, which quickly became a model for rural healthcare delivery. The clinic offered traditional in-person care while incorporating modern telemedicine services, allowing patients in remote areas to access medical care without traveling long distances. This approach has been incredibly beneficial for individuals in rural and underserved communities, who often face challenges accessing healthcare.
At the same time, Dr. Young founded Medicuro Virtual Health Inc., a company dedicated to providing virtual healthcare services. Medicare enables patients to consult with doctors, receive prescriptions, and access health information from the comfort of their homes. The success of Medicare has demonstrated the potential of technology to bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas.
One of Dr. Young's most notable accomplishments is creating Newfoundland and Labrador's first rapid-access addiction program. This program offers immediate care and support for individuals dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. With satellite offices in various locations, including Pasadena, Stephenville, Grand Falls-Windsor, Gander, Marystown, Clarenville, Bay Roberts, and St. John's, the program has expanded access to addiction treatment across the province. Its effectiveness has been praised, and it has become an invaluable resource for individuals and families affected by addiction.
In addition to his work in addiction care, Dr. Young developed a distributed occupational health and safety (OHS) model that provides workplace health services to employees throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. This system is designed to prevent workplace injuries and promote overall employee wellness.
Dr. Young has also been deeply involved in medical education. As a professor at Memorial University in Newfoundland and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, he has taught and mentored future healthcare professionals. He has trained students in various fields, including family medicine, rural health, and emergency care. He has also contributed to medical education by working on committees that developed doctor training programs and reviewing medical education materials.
Dr. Young has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to medicine and his community. Some of the most notable include the Human Rights Award Nominee (2020) for his work in addressing addiction and mental health, a Fellowship in Rural and Remote Health from the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada, the Central Health Safety Award (2012) for his efforts in promoting workplace health and safety, and a Fellowship in Family Medicine from the College of Family Physicians of Canada.
Dr. Young believes strongly in giving back to his community. He sponsors local hockey teams, providing jerseys and equipment for young players. He also makes annual donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and supports The Gathering Place, a homeless shelter in Newfoundland. His commitment to his community extends beyond his professional responsibilities, as he remains connected to his hometown and works to improve healthcare for its residents.
Dr. Todd Young was born and raised in Springdale, Newfoundland. Despite his busy schedule and numerous responsibilities, he remains dedicated to the people of his hometown. He strives to positively impact the healthcare system for those living in rural and underserved areas. Through his work and leadership, Dr. Todd Young has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals in his community and beyond.
