Residency training programs extended to southeastern Sask.
To bring more doctors to the southeastern part of the province, the University of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority are expanding their residency training programs.
Dr. Kathy Lawrence, the provincial head of family medicine for the University of Saskatchewan and the SHA said the expansion is a good opportunity to move into the region
“We really haven’t had an opportunity in the past to move into the southeast, so this is a great opportunity to bring residency training to that part of the province and for our residents to learn about health care in the communities that are there,” said Lawrence.
Although most people have family doctors, there are not very many of them. Putting residents in real communities could entice them to stay
“Longer term we know that people are more likely to stay where they train,” said Lawrence. “So bringing future doctors into the community is an important step from a recruitment perspective too.”
The expansion will provide opportunities in 12 rural communities including Estevan, Humboldt, Moosomin, Weyburn and Yorkton. With significant training in surrounding areas like Melville, Esterhazy, Indian Head, Redvers, Strasbourg, Watrous and Wynyard.
As Dr. Kevin Wasko who is a physician executive integrated rural health with the SHA said while relocation can have challenges, giving residents a real experience over an urban one also has its benefits.
“It changes the culture of the setting where it’s about sharing ideas learning from each other being better trying to follow the latest evidence and best practice guidelines,” said Wasko.
Dr. Lawrence agrees with Dr. Wasko.
“Physicians come to the communities, but they don’t have the resources and supports to stay there they don’t have the practice community that builds from there,’ explained Lawrence, “There is a lot of work being done with the health authorities and communities to try and build that.”
There are currently 48 family medicine residency spots available in Saskatchewan. This expansion will allow four more residents to pursue training in the province, bringing the provincial family medicine residency total to 52.
The program will welcome residents to the new training site in July 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
'There are kids … who'd rather be dead than gay,' says former NFL star Carl Nassib who was first active player to publicly identify sexuality
Carl Nassib knows the power of opening up. In 2021, Nassib – then playing for the Las Vegas Raiders – became the first active NFL player in league history to publicly identify as gay.