Timmins hospital attracts two new specialists with the outdoors

Dr. Lydia Goff and Dr. Natasha Larocque are two new specialists who have joined the Timmins and District Hospital.

Two new specialists have joined the ranks at Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) and both say the appeal of the outdoors won them over.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lydia Goff and radiologist Dr. Natasha Larocque are bringing their expertise to northern Ontario, the hospital said in a news release Wednesday.

“Dr. Goff’s practice includes general orthopedics with a subspecialty focus in trauma, while Dr. Larocque brings sought-after experience as a radiologist,” said hospital president and CEO Kate Fyfe.

“Both are fantastic additions to the TADH team and will make a tremendous impact on the care available to people in the communities served by the hospital.”

After being introduced to the Timmins hospital by fellow orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kayla Cyr, Goff did some temporary work for the facility.

“I enjoyed my locum visits here,” she said.

“They kept me busy and all the staff and patients were so kind. So, when I was offered a permanent job, TADH had already made a good impression on me with the opportunity to work in a team with excellent colleagues.”

Small town life is something that enticed Larocque after holding the position of radiologist and assistant professor at Hamilton General Hospital, which is affiliated with McMaster University, for the last four years.

“What drew me to TADH is the collegial staff, wide scope of practice and very welcoming community,” said Larocque, who is originally from Hamilton.

“I have also always wanted to live in a smaller town.”

Both physicians said the lure of available outdoor activities was enticing.

“I have a young family, so I am looking forward to being a stone’s throw away from local hikes and other outdoor activities,” Larocque said.

“I’m also looking forward to having real winters again so I can enjoy winter activities such as snowshoeing.”