The addition of Dr. Robert McKay to the province’s surgical staff will help improve services for patients, says Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie.
“Our government is very pleased to fill the complement for surgical services at Prince County Hospital. The addition of Dr. McKay to the staff solidifies the service and ensures Islanders will receive the access they need,” said Minister Currie. “Dr. McKay brings a wealth of knowledge and a specialized skill set that will help create a coordinated and integrated service for Islanders.”
Dr. Robert McKay is from New Brunswick and received his Doctor of Medicine from Memorial University. After an internship through Dalhousie University, Dr. McKay served as a military physician and diving medical officer for three years before taking a position as a surgical resident with the University of Ottawa. While there, he received his diploma in general surgery.
Dr. McKay, a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada and Board certified by the American Board of Surgery, has over 20 years of general surgery experience with expertise in colon and rectal surgery, advanced hernia repairs, surgical oncology, and advanced laparoscopic surgery.
“The decision to move to Prince Edward Island truly feels like coming home. Both my wife and I are from Atlantic Canada, and now that our children are grown, we realized we wanted to come back to the region where we have family and friends,” said Dr. McKay.
Recently, Dr. McKay has been providing locum support at both the Prince County Hospital (PCH) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). He is eager to start working at the Prince County Hospital full time.
“Prince County Hospital is a great hospital, well maintained with great appeal. The people are kind and accommodating, and the patients are appreciative and understanding which is refreshing,” said Dr. McKay. “I look forward to bringing my expertise to the community and working with my fellow physicians to provide Islanders with quality services in a collaborative team environment.”
“We are looking forward to having Dr. McKay start working with us,” said Medical Director of Prince County Hospital, Dr. Wassim Salamoun. “This should greatly help reduce the backlog of consultations and procedures and allow a more timely access to surgical services.”
Dr. McKay begins full time at the PCH on March 4 and will also help with the provision of on-call services at the QEH.
“The Province of Prince Edward Island understands the importance of attracting highly skilled health care professionals and offers competitive incentives for our professionals,” said Minister Currie. “We are pleased to welcome Dr. McKay to our province.”