Three new speciality physicians have begun practice in Prince Edward Island, bringing physician coverage up to full complement in the specialties of ophthalmology, plastic surgery and obstetrics and gynecology.
Dr. Michael Jacoby began practice October 1, 1998 in plastic surgery at The Polyclinic. He will provide plastic surgery clinics at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Prince County Hospital, as well as services to persons with cleft lip and palate. Dr. Jacoby is a recent graduate of the University of Calgary. He received his speciality in plastic surgery in 1998.
Dr. Pamela Sproule also began practice this week at The Polyclinic in obstetrics and gynecology. As part of her full-time practice, she will assume the part-time practice of Dr. Bill Moreside who retired earlier this year. A recent graduate of the University of Calgary, she received her certification in obstetrics and gynecology in June, 1998. Dr. Daniel Cormier began practice in ophthalmology in August. A native of Moncton, Dr. Cormier graduated recently from the University of Sherbrooke and practised in Quebec before coming to Prince Edward Island. Dr. Cormier is filling a new position recently added to the provincial physician resource plan to meet increasing demand for ophthalmology services.
Health and Social Services Minister Mildred Dover advised that all three specialties are now up to full provincial complement.
"Recognizing that access to specialty physicians is a primary concern for the public, as well as other health care providers, we are pleased that through the concerted efforts of our partners, we continue to see positive results in the area of physician recruitment," said the minister.
The minister also noted the success of the province's locum program in which physicians are recruited to practice on a temporary or locum basis. Dr. Douglas Mulholland began practice this week on a locum basis in pathology at the Prince County Hospital. He is covering a position left vacant by Dr. Frank Barry who retired in May.
Other locum physicians now practising in the province include. Dr. Paul Doucette who is providing family physician coverage in Charlottetown and Montague.
Minister Dover advised that the locum program is important in meeting temporary needs, and can also result in procuring more full time physicians.