There will be a tribute evening at the Bell Center on Thursday evening. We are celebrating the 60th anniversary of Dr. David Mulder serving the Canadiens organization and Montreal General Hospital. As a bonus, we’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Habs’ last Stanley Cup win. It’s for a good cause. The event will be used to boost the coffers of the Cedar Avenue Hospital Foundation.
At 83, Doctor Mulder is still practicing his profession, but at his own pace. He receives patients in his practice and advises the resident doctors at the general hospital. He no longer performs surgical procedures.
“I still love what I do,” he explains.
“I prefer that to staying at home and doing nothing. I think my wife likes it too,” he adds humorously.
Doctor Mulder was touched when Serge Savard approached him six months ago to propose the idea for this evening. The former Canadiens defenseman and general manager knows a thing or two about fundraising.
The event will be held on the Bell Center floor to accommodate as many guests as possible.
“I’m overwhelmed by people’s reaction. It is extraordinary! », Reacts to the Diamond Jubilee.
Fee for an evening at the Forum: $10
The story of Doctor Mulder is that of a man from Saskatchewan who dreamed of following in the footsteps of Maurice Richard and Gordie Howe, also from this prairie province. As a center player, he is tall but frail. It is made clear to him that it would be better for him to continue his medical studies.
In 1963, at the age of 23, he came to Montreal to study medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. A specialist in traumatology, he completed his surgical internship at the General Hospital and studied at McGill University to obtain a master’s degree in science.
His salary is $130 per month.
He meets Doctor Douglas Kinnear, the Canadian’s official doctor, who needs a doctor to treat the Canadian youth players. On Sunday evening he took his place behind the junior team’s bench alongside Sam Pollock, Toe Blake, Ronald Caron, known as the Prof, and Doctor Kinnear.
No problem, the young doctor is in paradise.
Doctor David Mulder dreamed of playing in the NHL. He got there by a different route. MAXIME DELAND/AGENCE QMI
The influence of Jean Béliveau
Like all people who are successful in their work, Doctor Mulder was well supported in his career.
“A lot of people helped me in medicine,” he said.
“In hockey, Jean Béliveau taught me a lot about sports medicine and the mentality of hockey players. He told me to never forget that I am working for the welfare of the players and not to worry about what the team management, fans and media think.
“This is perhaps the most important lesson I have learned in sport. »
Two critical cases
Saku Koivu’s cancer is the most serious illness Canadian players have ever had to treat.
“Saku was in bad shape when he arrived from Finland for the training camp,” he remembers.
“At first glance I thought he had appendicitis. During an ultrasound scan, they discovered a tumor in his abdomen. We collected tissue that we planned to send to the US and London for biopsy.
“However, the planes were grounded due to the September 11th (2001) attacks.” »
During his treatments, Koivu was bombarded with aggressive treatments that saved his life.
Minus one for McCleary
Trent McCleary’s larynx fracture is a case that has left a mark on doctors when it comes to hockey injuries.
“His life was threatened because he was having difficulty breathing,” says Doctor Mulder.
“This is the case that caused me the most fear and concern. He had to be taken to the hospital as quickly as possible to perform a tracheostomy. »
He had minus one.
The concussions of Richard Zednik, victim of Kyle McLaren’s clothesline punch, and Max Pacioretty, severely beaten by Zdeno Chara, are other cases that Doctor Mulder had to treat.
Doctor Mulder was equally active in the Montreal community. He and his colleagues deserve our respect and thanks.
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CHRONICLE PAGE
Why wait for drama?
The tragic death of Adam Johnson, who died as a result of a blow to the carotid artery while ice skating, has reignited the debate about the wearing of protective collars by hockey players.
“It always happens when an unfortunate event happens, it’s a shame,” laments Doctor David Mulder.
“I saw the film about the Adam Johnson incident. I can’t say for sure, but he might have survived if he had been wearing a neck brace. »
Reticent players
The issue has been the subject of much discussion between National Hockey League doctors and the players’ association. But players have always opposed the adoption of a rule that would require the wearing of a protective collar.
“We’re talking about neck injuries. We keep coming back to the cases of Garth Malarchuk and Richard Zednik. And here’s another one with Adam Johnson, Doctor Mulder continues.
“But other parts of the body can also be severed by an ice skate blade,” he adds.
“Let us remember Donald Audette, who suffered deep cuts to his wrist. Several tendons had to be connected. »
When will there be helicopters?
A lack of foresight in medicine doesn’t just exist in sports. This is evident in everyday life.
For years, Doctor Mulder has been working to equip Montreal with a system for transporting seriously injured or sick patients by helicopter.
“We are the only city in North America that lacks this healthy mode of transportation
Doctor David Mulder dreamed of playing in the NHL. He got there by a different route. MAXIME DELAND/AGENCE QMI
he hints.
“You can see I’m embarrassed. There is a helipad at the Sacré-Cœur Hospital, but no helicopters. It is sad.
“During the accident of the bus transporting a hockey team from Humboldt, three helicopters were on scene to transport the injured to hospitals in Saskatoon and Regina.
“I don’t know what’s holding our authorities back. Maybe it’s due to lack of money. The government may have other health priorities. Apparently I’m a bad salesman. »