Fourteen new physicians have begun practicing in rural communities across Saskatchewan after successfully completing the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA) program in May. This program plays a crucial role in addressing the healthcare needs of smaller and more remote areas in the province.
Two west-central communities welcome new physicians. Unity with Dr. Taban Rahjoo and Outlook welcomes Dr. Mohammadreza Rostamzadeh Khouzani
The SIPPA program, which assesses internationally educated physicians on their medical training and clinical abilities as part of the licensure process in Saskatchewan, has recently expanded its annual capacity.
Since its inception, the SIPPA program has enabled 307 doctors to establish their practices in Saskatchewan, with an impressive 74 per cent of them choosing to work in rural communities. These physicians are vital to ensuring that healthcare services remain robust and accessible in less populated areas.
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"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. We are committed to supporting this program and welcoming these dedicated professionals as they contribute to the health and wellbeing of our province."
The SIPPA program's success is built on a return-of-service contract, where physicians agree to work in Saskatchewan for a minimum of three years after completing their assessment. This ensures that rural and remote areas benefit from the consistent presence of skilled healthcare providers.
Dr. Jon Witt, the Program Director for SIPPA, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration and support from various stakeholders that make the program successful. "The contributions of our internationally trained physicians, who have chosen to build their careers in Saskatchewan, play an important role in supporting our health care services. Their commitment, alongside our collective efforts, helps ensure that we continue to support the health care needs of Saskatchewan communities," Witt said.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) also celebrated the addition of these new physicians. SHA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Susan Shaw highlighted the importance of their role in enhancing healthcare delivery across the province. "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," Shaw noted.