A new chapter in local health care is being celebrated today with the official opening of the Ramara Medical Clinic and the arrival of family physicians Dr. Anoushka Mohammadiankhorasani (Dr. Mo) and Dr. Mehdi Dadashi.
Located at 3242 Ramara Road 47 in Brechin, the Clinic brings in-person primary care to Ramara and represents a significant step forward in improving access to family medicine for residents who have historically had to travel outside the community for care.
The Clinic is the result of a collaborative effort involving the Township of Ramara, Couchiching Ontario Health Team (COHT), Couchiching Primary Care Network, Orillia & Lake Country Physician Recruitment Committee, Couchiching Family Health Team (CFHT) and other local health-care partners.
“Today is an important day for Ramara and one that has been years in the making,” said Mayor Basil Clarke. “Having family physicians practising right here in our community means residents can access more of the care they need closer to home. We are incredibly pleased to welcome Dr. Mo and Dr. Dadashi and grateful to all of the partners whose commitment and collaboration helped make this possible.”
Dr. Mohammadiankhorasani brings more than 12 years of experience practising medicine in Iran and Canada, with expertise that includes maternity and newborn care, adolescent health, seniors’ care and mental health care. In addition to her family practice in Ramara, she provides inpatient and emergency care at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH).
Dr. Dadashi brings 20 years of clinical experience in family medicine and emergency care. His experience includes comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages, chronic disease management, preventive care and urgent medical care. He will also provide services at OSMH.
“Primary care is the foundation of a strong and connected health-care system, and the opening of this clinic is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when communities and health-care partners work toward a shared goal,” said Dr. Kim McIntosh, Primary Care Physician Lead for the COHT and Chief of Staff at OSMH.
“The addition of Dr. Mo and Dr. Dadashi strengthens primary care in Ramara and gives residents greater opportunity to receive comprehensive, team-based care closer to home.”
The Ramara Medical Clinic operates as part of the COHT Primary Care Network, bringing local providers together to improve access to integrated, high-quality care. Through this partnership, patients will also benefit from access to allied health professionals and programs through the CFHT.
“What makes this model particularly valuable is that patients not only have access to primary care within their own community, but can also benefit from the broader range of interprofessional programs and services offered through the Couchiching Family Health Team at 119 Memorial Avenue in Orillia,” said Lynne Davies, CFHT CEO.
“This includes access to additional health professionals and programs that support patients throughout their health-care journey. It is an excellent example of how strategic investment and strong community partnerships can strengthen primary care, improve access and help ensure residents receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”
For Dr. Mohammadiankhorasani and Dr. Dadashi, the celebration is also an opportunity to thank the community that has welcomed them.
“I am very pleased to be part of the Ramara community and to have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients and families,” said Dr. Mohammadiankhorasani. “The welcome I have received has been tremendous, and I look forward to being part of the community for many years to come.”
“Family medicine gives us the privilege of supporting patients throughout every stage of their lives,” said Dr. Dadashi. “I am honoured to join Dr. Mo and our health-care partners in Ramara, and I look forward to providing accessible, compassionate and high-quality care to the residents we serve.”
“This is a meaningful milestone not only for Ramara, but for primary care across the Couchiching region,” said Angela Munday, Executive Director of the COHT. “It demonstrates what is possible when municipalities, physicians and health-care organizations come together around the needs of patients. Most importantly, it means more people will have an opportunity to establish a relationship with a primary care provider and receive care closer to home.”
Becoming a patient
Priority continues to be given to Ramara residents as part of the local physician recruitment initiative. Residents interested in becoming patients of Dr. Mohammadiankhorasani or Dr. Dadashi should register with Health Care Connect, Ontario’s centralized program for connecting people with primary care providers.
Residents can register by:
- Calling 1-800-445-1822 or 811
- Visiting ontario.ca/HealthCareConnect
Residents who are already registered with Health Care Connect do not need to register again and should monitor their email for further information. Anyone whose contact information has changed should ensure it is updated with Health Care Connect.
