Education

Native to Romania, George Freundlich came to Canada in 1985. While growing up in his native Romania, he received his BA in Fine Arts with a specialization in classical music: violin, piano and trombone. At the time he completed his studies, he had mastered three musical instruments. After qualifying in classical music, George turned his focus to the field of medicine, graduating from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj, Romania, in 1982 with a perfect 10. After arriving in Canada in 1985, George successfully passed en francais the MCCEE Exam at The Medical Council of Canada in Montreal in 1986.

Medical Career

Dr. George V. Freundlich is a retired medical doctor and career musician from Matheson, Ontario. He is the former Medical Director, Chief of Staff and Active Staff EMERITUS at Bingham Memorial Hospital, where he performed emergency room coverage and acute, chronic, palliative and geriatric care. In addition to his extremely busy hospital duties, he practiced out of his private medical clinics 5 days a week. In November 1994, George moved from Newfoundland to the Town of Matheson, Ontario.

Retirement

After 25 years of service to the community, Dr. George Freundlich retired from medicine in 2017. As a healthcare advocate, he always put forth thoughtful care and attention and had touched many lives in the process. His dedication to his patients was widely recognized over the years through accolades and letters of appreciation

Awards

Over the years, George has received accolades for his work as both a medical professional and as a musician.

Awards – Medical

  • International Humanitarian, Philanthropist and Cultural Ambassador
    • Government of Romania and Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs – 2013
  • Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of outstanding service and exceptional medical care to the community
    • Presented by the Mayor of Matheson, ON and the Corporation of Black River-Matheson
  • Milestone Celebration Award
    • The Northern Ontario School of Medicine – 2009
  • Outstanding Physician
    • College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) – 2009
  • Outstanding Physicians Practice of the Year 2008
  • 1 Canadian Physician of the Year 2008 “The Council Award”
  • “ The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons” Award– 2009
  • 2008 Award of Appreciation for Excellence in Medical Practice
    • Canadian Medical Association and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Certificate of Appreciation

Awards – Cultural

  • Award of Appreciation for 10 years of dedicated and valuable contribution to Timmins Symphony Orchestra – 2005
  • Betty Webster Award – 2005
  • Participates at “Orchestras Canada National/International Conference” in Montreal and receives Award of Appreciation – 2000
  • Award of Appreciation for 5 years of dedicated and valuable contribution to Timmins Symphony Orchestra – 1999
  • Participates at Orchestras Canada National Conference in Edmonton and receives Award of Appreciation – 1998

Philanthropy

A dedicated philanthropist, Dr. George Freundlich regularly makes donations to local and international charities, food banks, local museums, the Society of MS, and The Fellowship of Christians and Jews. He also donates to Orchestras Canada bursaries, fellowships for disadvantaged deserving students and for talented hockey and music students.
He is a Fellow and Benefactor of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. For his impressive activities as a physician and philanthropist, and for his cultural activities locally and internationally, George has been awarded with the prestigious International Humanitarian, Philanthropist and Cultural Ambassador award by the Government of Romania and Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Through generous donations, he has sponsored cultural events and the printing of best seller (sports) books in his native Romania (Nadia, Ar fi fost Prea Frumos, Zile si nopt Pe Stadion and Paleta si Planeta.)

Music Career

In 1973, while still a musical student in Romania, George Freundlich was selected to perform with the Romanian Youth Orchestra in Aberdeen, Scotland at the inaugural International Festival of Youth Orchestras. There he was selected in the World’s Youth Orchestra performing concerts in London.

30 years later, in 2003, George led the Canadian Youth Orchestra to the same festival and was a Red Carpet Guest of Honour.

A career musician, George was a member of the award winning Timmins Symphony Orchestra (trombone) and the Timmins All Star Big Band (trombone, saxophone). In 1997, George was elected a member of the Board of Directors of Orchestras Canada. He retired from the Orchestra in 2019.