Dr. Megan Burns has accepted a permanent full time position in the family medicine complement in the West Prince Primary Care Network and will begin practice on July 2, 2015, says Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie.
“Recruitment across the country to rural areas can be challenging; however, in this instance, we are extremely fortunate to have two new health professionals both come forward after visits to the area to take on practices in the West Prince Region. The Recruitment and Retention Secretariat staff has worked diligently with Health PEI management and health facilities in this area, along with the communities in this region, when it comes to recruitment efforts,” said Minister Currie. “Communities play a vital role in the retention of our health professionals, and we appreciate the people of this region who play a valuable role in ensuring welcoming communities.”
Dr. Burns is from Freetown, Prince Edward Island, and is now completing her residency training with the Family Medicine Residency Training Program. She will begin work at the Primary Care Clinic in Alberton working closely with Dr. Filza Naveed who also recently signed on to practice in West Prince. Dr. Burns will also provide support to the Emergency Department at Western Hospital.
Since the Family Medicine Residency Program began in 2011, 12 physicians have remained in PEI to practice within the family medicine complement in various areas across the province. For 2015, already three of these new physicians have signed offers to remain in the province upon completion of their residency. Dr. Burns is one of these physicians. The Family Medicine Residency Program has supported recruitment and retention initiatives on PEI.
“I am thrilled to be joining the health care team in West Prince this summer along with my young family. My mom, Jean, grew up in St. Lawrence so I’m very familiar with Western PEI. I look forward to providing quality, comprehensive medical care to my community over the years to come,” said Dr. Burns. “Health PEI has embraced my decision to practice in the West Prince region and I think there are excellent supports and resources in the area for young physicians starting their careers. As an Islander who grew up in Freetown, I am so pleased to have the opportunity to practice as a rural family physician in my home province.”
“The addition of Drs Burns and Naveed in Primary Care and the emergency department will provide much needed stability to this region,” said Minister Currie.
Renovations are now underway at the Western Hospital to prepare for the new physicians. The work will enhance patient flow and create a more collaborative work environment for physicians and other staff.
Both Dr. Naveed and Dr. Burns will be taking their patients from the Patient Registry. Patients in all areas of the West Prince Region who have not been assigned a family physician are asked to register with the Patient Registry by calling 1-855-563-2101.