Fourteen new physicians are now practicing in rural communities across Sask with one working in Maidstone.
The new physicians work in rural communities after completing the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA) program in May. Mahyar Sotoodeh will be practicing in Maidstone, Sask., after completing the fall SIPPA program.
The annual capacity of SIPPA has increased from 45 to accommodate an additional six to eight seats which will be divided across the three assessment cohorts throughout the year.
There are 307 doctors practicing in the province through the program with 74 per cent having established practice in rural communities.
“Ensuring that rural Saskatchewan has a robust health care system requires attracting and retaining top talent,” said rural and remote health minister Tim McLeod. “SIPPA is pivotal in achieving this goal by providing international physicians with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and integrate into our smaller communities.
The program assesses internationally educated physicians on their medical training and clinical ability licensure process to practice medicine in Saskatchewan.
Through a return-of-service contract, they agree to work in the province for a minimum of three years upon completion of the SIPPA assessment.
“The Saskatchewan Health Authority celebrates the addition of our new physicians through SIPPA, who join our larger community of physicians working together every day to improve the health and wellbeing of their patients,” said SHA chief medical officer Dr. Susan Shaw. “Their commitment to practicing medicine in rural, northern and remote areas enhances our ability to provide care as close to home as possible. Together, we are building a future where every community receives the compassionate, high-quality care it deserves.”
Physicians interested in working in Saskatchewan are encouraged to contact the Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency directly at info@saskdocs.ca.
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