Beyond the bustle of city life lies a rich tapestry of community, connection, and well-being—waiting to be discovered in rural Ontario. In Episode 8 of The Country Club Podcast, host Diana Cassidy Bush sits down with Dr. Charles Mustard, a family physician who traded the fast pace of urban practice for the serene rhythms of Tweed 19 years ago. Their conversation uncovers why small-town healthcare might just be what the doctor ordered for your body, mind, and future.
From Urban Halls to Country Calls
Dr. Mustard’s journey began with locums in fly-in northern communities and metropolitan clinics in Ottawa and Halifax. Yet when family needs called for accessible care for aging parents, he and his husband—once wary of rural life as a gay couple—took a leap of faith. “It was too good to be true… things fell into place very easily,” Dr. Mustard recalls. Their decision sparked a lifelong bond with Tweed’s tight-knit population.
Team-Based Care: The Rural Revolution
Gone are the days of solo-practice isolation. Today, most rural communities in Hastings County boast community health centres or family health teams. These interdisciplinary hubs bring together physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, dieticians, and more—delivering comprehensive, cradle-to-grave care. “Young doctors crave collaboration,” Dr. Mustard explains, noting that these models make recruitment more sustainable and patient care more cohesive.
Wellness Woven into Country Life
Small-town living isn’t just slower; it’s healthier. Studies show that strong social ties are a top predictor of longevity. In rural Ontario, striking up a conversation at your local café, joining a weekly hobby group, or strolling the main street at lunchtime can lead to life-changing connections. Coupled with nature’s restorative benefits—whether you’re meditating while gardening or cycling scenic backroads—the countryside becomes your greatest health ally.
Making the Most of Local Resources
Primary Care Attachment: Reach out to your nearest clinic first—attachment is the gold standard.
Allied Health: Physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and more are right in your backyard.
Virtual & Emergency Options: Telehealth Ontario and walk-in virtual clinics fill gaps; your local ER stays ready when needed.
Palliative & Home Care: Coordinated support ensures dignity and comfort in life’s final stages.
Actionable Tips for Newcomers
1.Scout the Clinic: Drop by, meet the team, and understand your attachment options—don’t wait for emergencies
2.Join & Thrive: Explore community groups—book clubs, farmers’ markets, workshops—for one simple weekly commitment.
3.Embrace the Outdoors: Schedule daily nature breaks—walk, garden, or bike—to reenergize body and soul.4.Advocate for Yourself: Ask questions, track your chronic conditions locally, and partner with your family doctor on care plans.
In a world racing toward digital—with screens and schedules pulling us apart—rural Ontario offers an antidote: real connections, personalized care, and daily doses of fresh air. Whether you’re dreaming of moving to a small town, seeking an escape property, or simply curious about life beyond city limits, Dr. Mustard’s insights will equip you to forge a path of balanced wellness and community prosperity.Ready to explore what rural living can do for you?Listen to Episode 8of The Country Club Podcasttoday, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more stories on planting roots, seizing opportunities, and building a future you love.