Five new family doctors practicing in Chatham-Kent

A stock image of a doctor speaking with a patient. (cottonbro studio/pexels.com)

Five new family doctors have been welcomed to Chatham-Kent, practicing in the municipality.

The doctors represent ‘continued progress in improving access to primary care for residents across Chatham-Kent and reflect the strong collaboration taking place across the local healthcare sector,’ the municipality said.

The physicians are:

• Dr.  Kaelan Harwood – Chatham-Kent Family Health Team in Blenheim
• Dr. Adebisi Ogundipe – Chatham-Kent Family Health Team in Wallaceburg
• Dr. Paige Parent – Thamesview Family Health Team in Wheatley
• Dr. Syed Shah – Chatham-Kent Family Health Team in Chatham
• Dr. Adib Shamsuddin – Thamesview Family Health Team in Chatham

“Access to family healthcare is one of the most important issues facing communities across Ontario, and we are proud to see real progress being made here in Chatham-Kent,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff.

“This success is the result of partnerships between the municipality, healthcare organizations, the Physician Recruitment Task Force, and the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team. Welcoming five new family physicians to our community is a major accomplishment and an important step toward connecting more residents with the care they need.”

Chatham-Kent continues to support physician recruitment through funding, incentives, and community partnership initiatives. The municipality also said it works alongside healthcare partners to support expansion.

“The recruitment of new family physicians takes a coordinated effort across many organizations and individuals,” said Rebecca Smyth, physician recruitment coordinator with the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team.

“We are seeing the benefits of communities, healthcare providers, and municipal leadership working together toward a common goal. We are excited to welcome these physicians and support them as they establish long-term practices in Chatham-Kent.”