It’s a little easier for Enderby residents to access medical care.
An internationally trained doctor has taken up duties at the health centre through the provincial government’s Practice Ready Assessment-BC program.
“It’s fantastic news,” said Greg McCune, Enderby mayor.
There are now two doctors and a nurse practitioner at the health centre as well as a doctor in private practice.
There had been concerns that a lack of physicians would force some seniors to leave Enderby and the surrounding area or that it may be challenging to get new families to move there.
Enderby has been part of the recruitment process with the Interior Health Authority.
“We had an opportunity to pitch what our community is all about. They come for the lifestyle,” said McCune.
As part of the program, doctors undergo an assessment process, spending three months with a B.C. physician who evaluates their skills as they care for patients. Physicians successfully completing the program commit to practise for a minimum of three years in a designated rural community in need.
“If it (new doctor) is a three-year one, we will start working on the process for the next three-year position now,” said McCune of the need to ensure local health care.