Above: Dr. Archie Morrison and a young patient (pre-surgery) in Vietnam. Photos courtesy Dr. Archie Morrison

By Samantha Ashenhurst
NSDA Communications Manager

As a youth, Dr. Archie Morrison’s interests certainly leaned towards science. He considered pursuing medicine — maybe even surgery — but, ultimately, followed in the footsteps of his dad, Dr. ES (Dinny) Morrison.

“I would have to give most credit to my father for inspiring me to pursue dentistry,” Dr. Morrison tells Nova Scotia Dentist. “He was a dentist and I enjoyed many hours at his dental office in my younger days. I also loved working with my hands.”

In 1978, Dr. (Archie) Morrison began his dentistry degree at Dalhousie University. It was a rewarding time, both personally and professionally.

“I have many fond memories from dental school,” he says. “The people I met became lifetime friends and colleagues, and I have stayed very close with them over the years.”

Dental school also gave Dr. Morrison the memorable experience of seeing, first-hand, what life was like in the operating room.

After completing his DDS in 1982, Dr. Morrison entered into practice.

“I spent six years in general practice with my father in Halifax,” he says. “This was an opportunity I appreciate more as I age.”

In 1988, Dr. Morrison entered the four-year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) program at Dalhousie/Victoria General and IWK hospitals. From there, he completed fellowships in Scotland and Holland before returning to Dalhousie/VG as staff in 1993.

“My wife, Cindy, and our six children (who were between two and 11 years old at the time) had an exciting year of travel, new schools, and adventure,” Dr. Morrison says.

Enjoying connections

When asked what he enjoys most about dentistry and OMFS, Dr. Morrison says good patients truly make the difference.

“For me and many dentists, the most rewarding thing about our profession is the relationships developed over the years with patients,” he says.

“As a specialist, and especially as a surgeon, you see most of your patients far less often — sometimes only once or twice,” he continues. “You don’t always get to know them, but there are a handful you develop longer connections with over many years.”

Indeed, of the many surgeries Dr. Morrison has performed during his 44-year career, some stand out as particularly significant and life-changing.

“As an example, I got to know a young woman and her family when she was seriously injured in a car crash and suffered severe facial injuries, including losing an eye,” he says. “At the end of the treatment and her rehab, Cindy and I were privileged to be invited to her wedding. We met her family and were treated like royalty.”

Also among the highlights of Dr. Morrison’s career are the 14 surgical missions he had the opportunity to participate in, which brought him to Vietnam and North Africa.

“We operated on babies, children, and some adults with cleft lip and cleft palate,” he says. “These were life-changing opportunities for me, and I owe a debt of gratitude to the late Dr. David Precious for giving me that chance. These missions defined exactly what surgical care is meant to be.”

Generations to come

Much like his father before him, Dr. Morrison has helped inspire a generation of dentists and working professionals.

“Three of my daughters are dentists Halifax — Patricia Brady, Paula MacPherson, and Teresa Burns,” he says. “My daughter, Jennie, is a paediatrician in Moncton, and Teresa’s twin, Emma Kehoe, is just starting her career as a paediatric anesthesiologist at the IWK. My son, Daniel, works in marketing for RBC in Toronto.”

In 2015, after working for 22 years at VG/Dalhousie, Dr. Morrison stepped away from the position in favour of a part-time role. His son-in-law, James Brady, OMF, took the reins at the hospital.

Semi-retirement

Now 66 years old (and a grandfather 14 times over), Dr. Morrison considers himself ‘semi-retired’ — but he hasn’t put down the instruments completely.

“I still enjoy assisting in the OR and doing minor oral surgery in two of my daughters’ offices and with Citadel Oral & Facial Surgery,” he says.

Beyond part-time dentistry, there are plenty of other activities on Dr. Morrison’s retirement schedule, too.

“I enjoy cycling, snowmobiling, and playing golf and hockey,” he says. “I’ve coached soccer and hockey for many years. None at present, but last year I helped out by coaching a team with three of my grandsons playing.”

He’s also an accomplished builder.

“I built a cottage in 2002, and I’ve built three garages — including one I just completed this summer,” Dr. Morrison says. “I also helped a carpenter friend build an addition on our current home.”

When asked to share some words of wisdom for the next generation of dentists, Dr. Morrison advocates for focusing on the positive and enjoying the work.

“Keep your work environment atmosphere as light as you can,” he says. “Concentrate on doing the best you can for your patients. If you do that, ends will meet. Remember: we are healthcare providers first and business people second. Find a hobby or activity you have passion for. Keep it in your daily lives so that when you retire, you will continue to enjoy it.”

Thank you, Dr. Morrison, for taking the time to share your experiences and advice with the profession.

Are you a retired dentist embarking on your next great adventure? We would love to hear from you and share your story! Reach out to Samantha, NSDA’s Communications Manager, at communications.nsda@bellaliant.com.