Adam Prudhomme
Editor
A combined physician recruiting effort by Hastings County and the Town of Greater Napanee yielded results this week as Dr. Niteeshan Singaram signed on to establish a family practice.
The agreement, known as the Hastings County-Town of Greater Napanee Family Physician Recruitment Program, will provide Singaram with a $20,000 incentive per year over five years towards the cost of his medical studies. In exchange the doctor agrees to set up practice in the Town of Napanee Family Health Organization and serve residents of both municipalities for a minimum of five years.
“We are extremely pleased to have Dr. Singaram join us in providing family medicine to the residents of Hastings County and the Town of Greater Napanee,” said Hastings County Warden Rick Phillips. “This will go a long way in addressing the need for family doctors in both of our municipalities.”
Greater Napanee Mayor Marg Isbester agreed.
“Dr. Singaram trained in Greater Napanee and will make an excellent addition to the medical team in our communities,” stated Isbester. “He has been working with the three family doctors that joined our team through this program two years ago, which has been a big benefit for the residents of both municipalities.”
Singaram says he liked what he’s seen in the community while finishing his medical training.
“I have done six months of rotations in Napanee and have enjoyed my time there immensely, especially the community of doctors,” said Singaram. “I am also looking forward to establishing the new family clinic in Deseronto and serving the residents of both municipalities.”
Isbester says the successful effort was as a result of several people working together.
“My Council and I wish to acknowledge the efforts of Dr. Kim Morrison, Chief of Staff at the Lennox and Addington County General Hospital,” said Isbester. “Dr. Morrison has been instrumental in bringing the physicians to the attention of our communities, as well as working with the Ministry of Health in having them join the Family Health Organization.”
Dr. Singaram is the fourth doctor to sign under the recruitment program. In October of 2018 they agreed to deals with Dr. Heather Khey Beldman, Dr. Andrei Popov and Dr. Nathaniel Hart.