Doctors for Enderby

Photo: Contributed

A new family physician should be in Enderby before the end of August and another should be in place sometime early next year, according to Interior Health.

“We are really desperate,” said Coun. Brian Schreiner, who added the community had four or five doctors at one point but they have either left or retired. “We have one doctor and one nurse practitioner.”

The new physicians come from the foreign doctor program and go through a rigorous evaluation process before a contract is signed. Under the program, physicians moving from another country must agree to work three years in a rural community in order to receive a certificate to practice in Canada.

“We are obviously excited about having more doctors in our community to serve the health needs of our citizens and surrounding area,” said Schreiner. “People can stay home (to see a doctor) as opposed to going to Vernon or Salmon Arm.”

The city councillor joined IH officials last November for interviews with prospective candidates in order to sell the community to the physicians.

It is expected at least one of the new doctors will work part-time in Enderby and part-time at the Splatsin First Nation medical facility.