Prince Edward Island’s Family Medicine Residency program is proving to be a popular training opportunity and a successful way to recruit new doctors to the province, says Minister of Health and Wellness Robert Henderson.
“Since 2009 we have had 25 medical students complete their two-year residency training in PEI,” said the minister. “To date, 16 residents have remained in PEI to practice family medicine on a permanent basis, and we are expecting to increase this number in 2016.”
Prince Edward Island is an accredited training site under the Dalhousie Family Medicine Residency Program. Health PEI purchases five seats in the program each year. Medical residents are matched to the PEI program through a nation-wide Canadian Resident Matching Service.
Residents can select their top choices for training. The PEI program continues to be a popular choice, particularly for those with Island and Maritime connections.
The residency program has evolved to include training in health care facilities across the province, enabling residents to experience family practice and lifestyle opportunities throughout the Island.
“The success of our program has been made possible in large part by the dedication and commitment of family and specialty physicians who supervise and teach residents the clinical and professional skills needed for success in independent practice,” said program site director Dr. George Carruthers. “We acknowledge with appreciation the extra time and effort provided by many of our experienced physicians who help prepare young doctors in training for their new careers.”
There will be five more residents graduating from the program in 2016, including Dr. Lori Cheverie of Souris, PEI; Dr. Aimee MacDonald of Souris, PEI; Dr. Jaclyn O’Brien of Charlottetown, PEI; Dr. Joanne Reid of Summerside, PEI; and Dr. Laura Robinson of Charlottetown PEI.
Class of 2017 residents include: Dr. Sandi Ellsworth of Perth-Andover, NB; Dr. Joey Giordani of Dartmouth, NS; Dr. Ashley Martin of Summerside, PEI; Dr. Stephen Scales, Charlottetown, PEI; and Dr. Penny Thomson, Ottawa, Ontario.
Resident grads currently practicing in PEI include Class of 2011: Dr Nora Cabilio; Class of 2012: Dr. Katherine Burleigh, Dr. Nicole Fancy, Dr. Hal McRae, Dr. Jocelyn Peterson and Dr. Angela MacLaren; Class of 2013: Dr. Megan Armstrong, Dr. Nichole Murphy, Dr. Jason Chan and Dr. Laura Hogan; Class of 2014: Dr. Ryan Lieph and Dr. Tyler McDonell; Class of 2015: Dr. Keith Baglole, Dr. Megan Burns, Dr. Thor Christensen and Dr. Filza Naveed.