Access to primary care in Sault Ste. Marie has been strengthened with the arrival of three internationally trained physicians. The doctors are coming to the city through the Practice Ready Ontario program, bringing more than 3,500 local residents back under the care of a family doctor. The three physicians -- Dr. Syeda Shahnaz Haque, Dr. Farhana Shawon and Dr. Farnaz Adibi -- joined Group Health Centre between May and September 2025. Their arrival has enabled more than 3,500 patients to transition from the centre’s temporary Access Care Clinic back to primary care. Program speeds pathway to practice Established by Touchstone Institute and the Ontario government in 2023, the Practice Ready Ontario program helps internationally trained physicians integrate into the province’s health-care system by replacing re-education requirements with a 12-week assessment, speeding up their pathway to practice. Haque began her medical career in India and practised for nearly 10 years in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. After immigrating to Canada in 2017 as a permanent resident, she joined the program while building a future for her family. She joined Group Health Centre in May 2025 and quickly settled into her role as a family physician, crediting the strong support system around her for making the transition seamless. “One of my proudest achievements since joining has been my smooth transition into the role of a family physician,” said Haque. “This was made possible by the exceptional support, mentorship, and guidance I received. The practice environment and team truly influence success, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a collaborative setting.” Welcomed by the community Shawon joined Group Health Centre in August 2025, bringing extensive experience from rural hospitals, outpatient clinics and tertiary care settings. Shawon said she was drawn to the collaborative culture of Canadian health care and she quickly found both professional fulfillment and a welcoming community in Sault Ste. Marie. “From the beginning, the community welcomed me and my family so warmly. Because of that, this truly feels like home now,” she said. “During a routine follow-up visit, a patient shared something that stayed with me. They held my hands and said they feel confident about their health because I am their physician. In that moment, I was reminded that medicine is not only about diagnoses or treatment plans, but about the trust patients place in us, and the quiet responsibility that comes with it.” Patients grateful Originally from Iran, Adibi joined Group Health Centre in September 2025, bringing years of clinical experience and a strong dedication to comprehensive patient care. For Adibi, the program was a chance to make a meaningful contribution to Canadian health care while continuing his professional growth. During his time at the centre, he has experienced patients’ gratitude and the team’s warm, welcoming support. “Seeing patients feel cared for and appreciated, while working alongside such friendly and collaborative teammates, has been incredibly rewarding. It’s inspiring to be part of an environment where everyone works together to provide the best care possible,” he said. New recruitment channel Lil Silvano, president and CEO of Group Health Centre, said welcoming these physicians means thousands of neighbours now have a trusted primary care home. “Welcoming these Practice Ready Ontario physicians means that thousands of our neighbours now have a trusted primary care home,” she said. “This reflects our continued commitment to improving access to primary care, ensuring patients receive timely, continuous care close to home.” Dr. Stewart, CEO and board chair of the Algoma District Medical Group, said the program has created a new recruitment channel. “The PRO pathway has created a new and vital recruitment channel for GHC and for Sault Ste. Marie. This new pathway supports GHC’s ability to bring in more physicians, which in turn increases rostering capacity and expands access to primary care for the community,” she said. Health officials in the region said that the arrival of the three physicians highlights the vital role that internationally trained physicians play in strengthening Ontario’s health system and ensuring patients have timely access to comprehensive family medicine. Learn more about these dedicated Practice Ready Ontario physicians by visiting the GHC’s website. RELATED STORIES:
