A new chapter in local health care began this week as Orillia’s newly launched Family Medicine Teaching Unit (FMTU) officially welcomed its first cohort of physician residents.
The teaching unit—announced in May as a collaboration between Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) and the University of Toronto’s Department of Family and Community Medicine—marks a significant step toward addressing physician shortages in the region.
Six residents are starting their training this year as part of the postgraduate program, which places new doctors into a two-year hands-on learning program under the guidance of local family physicians. Four are beginning their first year, while two are in their second year, having completed their initial training at North York General Hospital.
“I’m so excited to start my family medicine residency right here in Orillia,” said Dr. Stella Sabbatini, a former pediatric surgeon from Brazil. “My family and I are looking forward to exploring the area and becoming part of this amazing community.”
Alongside Dr. Sabbatini, the first-year group includes Dr. Blessy Joy, Dr. Abdikarim Said Abdullahi, and Dr. Daniel Marinescu. The second-year residents are Dr. Zahra Bahiraei and Dr. Labi Sarrouh.
The goal of the program is more than just education—it’s about building long-term ties between physicians and the community. Dr. Erika Catford, Co-Site Director of the Orillia FMTU, is confident that the program will have lasting impact.
“It’s so rewarding to see this program take flight,” said Dr. Catford. “The hospital has a long and proud history of physician training, and the FMTU will add to that success exponentially… many of whom will choose to stay after their training is complete.”
Once renovations are completed, the FMTU will operate from the Friden Health and Wellness Centre at 300 Peter Street. In partnership with the Couchiching Ontario Health Team (COHT), the program aims to connect more residents in the region with primary care.
Local residents currently without a family doctor are encouraged to register through the COHT Waitlist, ensuring they can benefit from a new generation of community-focused physicians.
