PMH continues site visits with internationally trained physicians

Another successful community visit was held on Feb.27 with one of two internationally trained physicians who are set to begin seeing patients in Minnedosa in the fall. Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) and the Minnedosa Economic Development Office led local tours to introduce Dr. Karen Aquino to the community she will eventually be practicing in.

Dr. Aquino is one of seven physicians who were recruited by PMH through the University of Manitoba Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates (MLPIMG). Dr. Moazzam Raza, who had his own community tour in December, will also be based in Minnedosa.

Tamara Kemp Boulet, Physician Recruitment and Retention Coordinator for the health region says the physicians were designated to be placed at various sites within PMH communities that require additional physician resources.

“The seven internationally trained doctors have signed return-of-service agreements requiring them to work in rural communities within the health region,” she said. “Communities allocated for this graduating class include Killarney, Minnedosa, Ste. Rose, Russell, Rossburn and Shoal Lake starting in the fall.”

All of these communities were identified as having a shortage of doctors, and recruitment efforts continue for other areas in PMH, she said.
PMH organizes site visits for new physicians, so they can get accustomed to relocating to an area that suits their needs. These visits can include checking out daycares, schools, recreation activities, touring the health-care facility and meeting with council members and real estate agents, Kemp-Boulet said.

Besides touring the hospital and medical clinic, the visit included informational stops at the recreation centre, local seniors centre, library, vet clinic, food bank, Golf and Country Club, the Pavillion near Minnedosa Beach, and Catholic church.

In return for regional sponsorship, MLPIMG doctors agree to practice in their respective communities for four years. The Program is supported by the University of Manitoba —Max Rady College of Medicine, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, Shared Health-Health Care Recruitment and Retention Office, and Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care.

Kemp-Boulet says most of the MLPIMG tours are already completed, except for ones that still need to be held in Ste. Rose and Russell.