The provincial government announced this morning 14 doctors who have completed the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment program in May have begun their practices across the province. Two of those physicians will be starting practice in southeast Saskatchewan.
According to the release making the announcement, Dr. Behzad Khorvash will be practising in Carlyle, while Dr. Funmilola Abosede Ogundipe will be practising in Kipling.
"Ensuring that rural Saskatchewan has a robust health care system requires attracting and retaining top talent," Rural and Remote Health Minister Tim McLeod said in the release. "SIPPA is pivotal in achieving this goal by providing international physicians with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and integrate into our smaller communities. We are committed to supporting this program and welcoming these dedicated professionals as they contribute to the health and well-being of our province."
SIPPA assesses the medical training and clinical ability of internationally educated physicians as part of the program for them to receive their license to practice medicine in Saskatchewan. Those who complete the program enter a return-of-service contract with the province, agreeing to work in Saskatchewan for a minimum of three years.
There are 307 doctors who have completed the SIPPA program who are practicing in Saskatchewan. Of those, 74 percent have established a practice in rural commnuities.