Chatham-Kent has welcomed five new family doctors.
The municipality said they're now practicing in Chatham-Kent and most are currently accepting new patients.
The new physicians include:
Dr. Kaelan Harwood – Chatham-Kent Family Health Team in Blenheim
Dr. Adebisi Ogundipe – Chatham-Kent Family Health Team in Wallaceburg
Dr. Paige Parent – Thamesview Family Health Team in Wheatley
Dr. Syed Shah – Chatham-Kent Family Health Team in Chatham
Dr. Adib Shamsuddin – Thamesview Family Health Team in Chatham
These new family physicians reflect the progress being made to improve access to primary care for residents across Chatham-Kent, according to the municipality.
“Access to family healthcare is one of the most important issues facing communities across Ontario, and we are proud to see real progress being made here in Chatham-Kent,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff. “This success is the result of strong partnerships between the municipality, healthcare organizations, the Physician Recruitment Task Force, and the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team. Welcoming five new family physicians to our community is a major accomplishment and an important step toward connecting more residents with the care they need.”
The municipality provided funding last year to support physician recruitment efforts, including incentive programs designed to help attract new family physicians to local communities.
“The recruitment of new family physicians takes a coordinated effort across many organizations and individuals,” said Rebecca Smyth, Physician Recruitment Coordinator with the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team. “We are seeing the benefits of communities, healthcare providers, and municipal leadership working together toward a common goal. We are excited to welcome these physicians and support them as they establish long-term practices in Chatham-Kent.”
Residents currently without a family physician can click here to register with a provincial program that helps Ontarians find a family healthcare provider.
Residents can also register by phone at 1-800-445-1822.
