Timmins and District Hospital welcomes 3 new physicians

Timmins hospital hires new doctors as part of push to recruit 10 physicians this year. Five, including two in January, have joined so far.

Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) has added three new physicians to its team this month, marking significant progress in its ongoing recruitment efforts. Dr. Devon Aitken, Dr. Sebastian Diebel and Dr. Michael Schmidt have joined the hospital, bringing specialized skills to serve the region’s patients.

A boost for patient care and the community

Kate Fyfe, President and CEO of TADH, emphasized the impact of the new hires.

“We are pleased to welcome these skilled physicians to our hospital team and our community,” she said in a news release Thursday. “The expertise they bring will make a difference in the lives of our patients at TADH and across all the communities we serve.”

The hospital’s recruitment campaign, supported by the Timmins Physician and Recruitment Retention Committee, is on track to meet its goal of hiring 10 new physicians in 2025. So far, five physicians – including two specialists, a radiologist and an orthopedic surgeon – have been recruited in the first half of the year.

New doctors bring diverse expertise

Dr. Michael Schmidt, a radiologist with training from McMaster University and McGill University, has already been working at TADH through visiting locums. He praised the hospital’s collaborative environment.

“I enjoy the broad scope of work and the people working at TADH are so kind, welcoming, and helpful,” he said.

As an outdoor enthusiast, Dr. Schmidt said he looks forward to embracing Timmins’ recreational opportunities.

Dr. Devon Aitken, a Timmins native, returns after completing her medical degree and Family Medicine residency at the University of Toronto. She cited the hospital’s supportive culture as a key factor in her decision.

“TADH has a very supportive culture from physicians to nurses and other allied health and administration – something I’m very appreciative of, especially being a new doctor,” she said.

Dr. Sebastian Diebel, who previously trained in the region through the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, returns to TADH as a hospitalist and emergency department physician. His connection to the area deepened through his wife, a physician at the hospital and their shared appreciation for the community. Dr. Sebastian also did his family residency placement at the hospital.

“We love Timmins,” said Dr. Diebel, highlighting the convenience of outdoor activities and a short commute.

Continued recruitment efforts

Corey Krupa, TADH’s physician recruiter, expressed optimism about the hospital’s progress.

“The progress made to enhance our physician complement recently is a testament to the work the community has done to support our efforts in recruitment,” Krupa said in the release. “This year, we have already surpassed our annual average. We are proud of the progress made thus far and are looking forward to continuing to welcome new physicians to our beautiful northern community.”

TADH serves a vast catchment area in northern Ontario and hospital officials emphasize that they remain focused on attracting skilled healthcare professionals to meet the region’s and community’s growing needs.