More family doctors are set to begin practising in Barrie and surrounding communities this fall as Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) works to help address a persistent shortage of primary care providers across the region.
An estimated 36,500 people in Barrie and area currently do not have a family doctor or primary care provider. Local healthcare leaders say attracting and retaining physicians is one of the most effective ways to improve access to care and reduce pressure on the healthcare system.
Several new doctors are expected to begin practising locally after completing their training through the Family Medicine Teaching Unit (FMTU) in Barrie, a partnership between RVH and the University of Toronto's Department of Family and Community Medicine.
The Barrie FMTU provides resident physicians with hands-on experience in both community and hospital settings while they complete the final two years of their family medicine residency.
The program is designed to give residents practical experience, mentorship and local connections that can encourage them to establish practices in the region after graduation.
"We know access to primary care is a challenge for many people in our community, and we know RVH can have a role in alleviating that,” says Dr. Jeffrey Tyberg, Chief of Staff and Vice President, Academic & Medical Affairs. “By continuing our collaborative partnership with the University of Toronto, we’re bringing skilled resident physicians to our region and training the next generation of family doctors. It’s important work that we’re proud to be a part of.”
RVH says the initiative is part of a broader effort to expand its role in medical education while helping address local healthcare needs.
Of the eight resident physicians graduating from the Barrie FMTU this summer, six plan to remain in the area and begin practising locally.
Among them is Dr. Cezara Ene, who says her experience in Barrie influenced her decision to stay.
"I had a very positive experience at RVH and the Barrie FMTU. I’m grateful to all of the preceptors for their time, effort, and support throughout residency,” says Dr. Ene. “I couldn’t have asked for a better residency program and can’t imagine training anywhere else.”
Dr. Ene says what stood out most was the support she found among colleagues and mentors.
“The sense of camaraderie was so impactful,” she says. “As we enter independent practice, it’s been very reassuring to know that there is a strong community around us.”
RVH says the combination of community-based care and diverse learning opportunities continues to attract medical residents from across Ontario.
The incoming class of residents includes Drs. Bayan Khorsandnia, Bhavika Mandi, Chad Turner, Eric Wang, Leah Kogan, M. Shayyan Wasim, Marianne Wauchop, Navah Ball, Pegah Fatemi, and Robert Khatib.
“We look forward to working with and growing alongside our incoming residents during their time with us. Our program places top-notch academics and training in the context of genuine community care,” says Dr. Melissa Witty, Staff Physician and Site Director of the Family Medicine Residency Program. “This dynamic creates skilled and well-rounded family doctors ready to provide care close to home. It’s a unique learning environment, and one that improves outcomes for patients in our region.”
New doctors could help ease pressure on healthcare system
RVH extended congratulations to graduating residents Drs. Cezara Ene, Muzna Bano, Rylie Essington, Daniel Friedberg, Chris John, Dhurga Vaikunthan, Noah Yang and Sharon Yang.
Hospital officials say the six graduates planning to practise in Barrie and area will help improve access to primary care, keep residents healthier and reduce demand on emergency departments.
People who do not currently have a family doctor or nurse practitioner are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect, a provincial program that helps match patients with healthcare providers accepting new patients.
As Simcoe Muskoka continues to grow, RVH says training and retaining family physicians locally remains an important part of building the healthcare workforce needed to support the region's future.
