More Physicians Begin Practicing in Saskatchewan

Released on June 18, 2014

Twenty-four new doctors are practicing in Saskatchewan, thanks to the most recent results of the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA) program.  Since the program began in 2011, a total of 134 new family physicians have completed the assessment and are practicing in communities all across the province.  SIPPA assesses International Medical Graduates (IMGs) on their medical education and clinical ability before allowing them to practice medicine in Saskatchewan.

“Patients in communities all over Saskatchewan have better access to physician services because of this program,” Minister responsible for Rural and Remote Health Tim McMillan said.  “SIPPA is one of many initiatives helping us meet the health care needs of our growing population.  In total, there are more than 400 doctors practicing in the province than there were seven years ago.”

“SIPPA is a made-in-Saskatchewan solution, and it is working,” Medical Director of SIPPA for the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan Dr. Penny Davis said.  “We are delighted by the success of our candidates thus far.  We will continue to work in partnership with saskdocs and the provincial government to ensure continued success for SIPPA and the IMGs who now have the opportunity to live and work in Saskatchewan.”

Additionally, a total of 21 new IMGs entered the SIPPA program last month and are now completing their clinical field assessments.  If successful, these 21 family physicians will begin practicing across the province later this summer.

While recruiting internationally educated doctors is important to stabilizing the province’s physician workforce, saskdocs also recruits Saskatchewan-trained and Canadian-trained medical graduates.

“Recruiting and retaining University of Saskatchewan medical graduates remains our number one priority,” saskdocs’ interim CEO Erin Brady said.  “We realize these graduates have many options to choose from once they graduate so it is important that we engage them early on and support them along the way and let them know about the many opportunities available to them in this province.”

Any physician interested in working in Saskatchewan is encouraged to contact saskdocs directly at info@saskdocs.ca or call toll-free (in North America) 1-888-415-3627 or 306-933-5000.

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For more information, contact:

James Winkel
saskdocs
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-933-5094

Laura Herman
College of Medicine
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-262-6059

Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083