Medical Benevolent Society
What is it?
The Medical Benevolent Society is a registered charitable foundation established and directed jointly by the Saskatchewan Medical Association and the College of Physicians and Surgeons.
It is a fund set up to provide financial assistance to physicians, medical learners, their surviving spouses and/or dependent children when they experience an unanticipated, acute event that is beyond their control.
A physician, resident, medical student, or family member should not bankrupt themselves by selling property or depleting all savings to address the challenge they are facing. The support is intended to address the recipient’s basic needs and assist them through their financial challenge.
Accessing Support
Who is eligible for support?
Physicians, medical students, surviving spouses, dependent children who are in financial need.
How do I apply for assistance or make a donation?
To request financial assistance, or to make a donation to the Society, please contact:
Tracy Danylyshen-Laycock, PHD
Director, Physician Wellbeing and Support Programs
P: (306) 657-4571
E: tracy.danylyshen-laycock@sma.sk.ca
To make a donation by mail, please send to:
Medical Benevolent Society
C/O Saskatchewan Medical Association
201-2174 Airport Drive
Saskatoon, SK S7L 6M6
When and why was the society established?
On July 23, 1962, only a few hours after attending a meeting that paved the way for a settlement in the Medicare crisis, Drs. John Knox of Maple Creek and Robert Nixon of Estevan died in an airplane crash on their way home to their families.
The pair had conscientiously served their fellow doctors during the months of strain and anxiety which preceded the Saskatoon Agreement. The tragic accident saddened the whole province and the loss was deeply felt by members of the profession. Both doctors left behind wives and young children.
The Medical Benevolent Society was originally formed to provide financial support to the widows of Drs. Knox and Nixon, and to help pay for the future education of the children. When doctors throughout Saskatchewan and Canada were canvassed to make a donation to the Society, the response was overwhelming.
As time went by and these needs diminished, the Society increasingly turned its attention to assisting others in need both within and beyond the medical community.
