A site administrator for the PEI Family Medicine Residency Program was announced today.
“I am pleased to announce that Lynn Sutherland is the successful candidate for the Family Medicine Residency Program Site Administrator position,” said Health Minister, Doug Currie. “Lynn will be the primary contact for the program and will coordinate clinical experiences for medical students and residents.”
The Family Medicine Residency Program was launched last December by Premier Ghiz and Minister Currie and marks a major achievement in the province’s recruitment and retention strategy. Five first-year residents will begin training in Prince Edward Island in July, 2009.
“Having a site administrator in place marks a significant step in ensuring that we are well prepared for the arrival of the first wave of students,” said Dr. Richard Wedge, Director of Medical Programs, Department of Health. “We anticipate that the presence and status of the residency program will attract specialty residents from other medical schools to complete elective rotations on the Island, placing PEI in a position to have greater influence on recruitment for speciality positions.”
“The program will also be a key component in helping to address the physician shortage in Prince Edward Island,” says Minister Currie. “Second-year residents can work as qualified physicians under the supervision of a licensed physician, helping with patient workloads. Also, studies show that medical residents are more inclined to practice medicine where they train.”