Temiskaming Hospital will soon have a new full-time surgeon joining its medical team, marking a return to permanent surgical services after the retirement of its previous doctor. Dr. Nicole Falls, a general surgeon relocating from the United States, is set to begin work in August. Hospital officials say she brings extensive experience in general surgery and is currently pursuing certification to provide C-section coverage – an addition that will bolster obstetric care in the region. “We need to have that surgical coverage, in the case of accidents and things like that where there’s emergency trauma. We’re a big centre for that, and so we have a very fulsome surgical program,” said Temiskaming Hospital President and CEO Mike Baker in a Zoom interview with CTV News. “Dr. Falls will also be bringing some surgical skills to us – we’re looking to expand our surgical program as well.” The hospital shared the news of Dr. Falls’ hiring on social media, writing in part: The post added that her hiring represents “an exciting step forward for our hospital and community,” praising her expertise and dedication to patient care. No exact arrival date has been confirmed, but the announcement has been met with enthusiasm in the region, where access to surgical services is critical – with the social media post being shared more than 200 times and liked hundreds more. Dr. Falls will be the hospital’s first permanent surgeon since the previous doctor retired. Hospital officials say they look forward to formally introducing her to the community in the coming months.
