Friends, family, and community members all gathered on Wednesday, Oct 15, as Dr. Olivier Drouin received the Medal of Good Citizenship from Minister of Finance Brenda Bailey in recognition of his leadership in advanced medicine and holistic healing across northern British Columbia.
The event was held at the Terrace Seventh Day Adventist Church gardens and greenhouse- a place close to his heart, as the garden has grown to become synonymous with Drouin’s community-driven approach to healthcare and wellness.
The Medal of Good Citizenship is the second-highest honor in the province, recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions in their communities through exceptional community service, and Drouin is one of 18 recipients from across British Columbia.
For Drouin, the recognition reflects not only his personal commitment but also the increasing appreciation for holistic healthcare in the region.
“I feel it’s pretty cool to see that something that’s been a passion and a love for us for a long time is also something we can see that the whole province and the people of our community are also passionate about,” he said. “It’s actually a very big need to have that selfless service, to have a holistic approach to medical care, and that’s something that’s becoming very desired in the whole community and at the provincial level too.”
As a general internal medicine physician, Drouin works to heal his patients through not only medical care but also through nutrition, exercise, and connection with the community. Much of his work bleeds into local projects, such as the church garden in which the ceremony was held, providing fresh produce for residents and patients alike.
His interest in health is quite close to home. Growing up, Drouin was surrounded by hard work, kindness, and a sense of giving back. Those values stuck with him through the years. He says his parents played a big role in guiding him toward a career in medicine.
“Definitely my family, and my dad, I’d say,” he said. “He was a nurse at the hospital, after being a logger, and he very much encouraged us to go into the healthcare field.”
While Drouin was the one receiving the medal, he sees it as a reflection of his entire community’s efforts. His compassion, dedication, and belief in holistic healing continue to make a lasting impact across northern B.C.
