Fourteen new doctors are now practicing in rural communities across the province after completing the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment program in May. A news release from the Health Ministry says thanks to this program, there are 307 doctors practicing in the province and 74 per cent have their practice in rural communities.

Through the program, internationally educated physicians are assessed on their medical training and clinical ability as part of the process to become licensed to practice medicine in Saskatchewan. The SIPPA program includes an agreement that these doctors will work in the province for a minimum of three years. The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Susan Shaw says, the commitment of these doctors to practice medicine in rural, northern and remote areas enhances the SHA’s ability to provide care as close to home as possible.