Four new doctors are joining the staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA).
One of them grew up in Chatham, but the other three have landed in southwestern Ontario following journeys that have taken them across the globe.
Chatham psychiatrist returns to his roots
Dr. Jonathan Fairbairn may be a familiar face for members of the community -- he was raised in Chatham before attending Western University in London, Ontario for his undergraduate studies. Dr. Fairbairn received his Honours Bachelor of Medical Science in Pharmacology there and later went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine, also at Western University.
Dr. Jonathan Fairbairn. (Photo courtesy of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance)
After that, Dr. Fairbairn completed his Psychiatry Residency at Queen's University in Kingston from 2014 to 2019 before choosing to come back home.
"I look forward to joining CKHA's team and providing high quality and compassionate patient care. Since starting my medical training, I always knew that one day I wanted to return to serve my home community. I am grateful to have the opportunity to fulfill this long-term aspiration," said Dr. Fairbairn in a release. "After having experienced living elsewhere, I've come to especially appreciate the kindness and generosity of the people of Chatham-Kent. I look forward to giving back to the community which has provided so much, and has had such a large influence on me."
New paediatrician moves to Chatham-Kent
There will be a new friendly face caring for kids in the area, too.
Dr. Manna Adegbite. (Photo courtesy of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance)
Dr. Manna Adegbite, who earned a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos Nigeria will be joining the CKHA on a full-time basis.
Some area residents may also recognize her because she has spent some time in the area in the past on a fill-in basis.
"After spending time as a Locum Physician at CKHA years ago, I knew it would be the right fit for me to come back and locate permanently in Chatham-Kent with my family," said Dr. Adegbite. "I enjoy the community feel of the hospital, its modern facilities and professional staff. I have felt very welcomed since arriving here."
Dr. Adegbite has 18 years of paediatric experience, receiving training at the University of Illinois at Chicago and specialty training at the University of Saskatchewan.
She also spent some time as a consulting Paediatrician at Qikiqtani General Hospital in Iqaluit, Nunavut and at the St. Laurent Medical Centre in Ottawa.
Dr. Adegbite is now accepting patient referrals and is located at the Chatham-Kent Child and Adolescent Clinic, 202 King St. West in Chatham. You can reach her office by calling 5119 358 1880.
Two new OB/GYN doctors join hospital staff
In addition to a new psychiatrist and a new paediatrician, the CKHA is also welcoming two new doctors in its Obstetrics and Gynaecology department.
Dr. Sandra Gregorovich, who was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Dr. Garvey Chilopora, who earned his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 2001 from the University of Malawi, College of Medicine in Malawi are both joining the team.
They are also accepting patient referrals.
Dr. Gregorovich's office is temporarily located at CKHA's Chatham Site on the Women and Children's Program floor, Zone B, Level 3. Her permanent office opens November 1 and will be located at 20 Emma Street, Building B.
Dr. Gregorovich immigrated to Canada with her husband and two sons in 2004 before training in Toronto and working as a Research Assistant/Coordinator at McMaster University in Hamilton.
She received further training at McMaster University from 2011 to 2016 and then completed a two-year fellowship at Western University in London.
"I instantly knew CKHA and the community of Chatham-Kent would be the right choice for me from the warm welcome I received," said Dr. Gregorovich. "I enjoy the sense of community in the hospital and have loved getting to know the patients."
Dr. Garvey Chilopora's journey also took him on an international tour.
After earning his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery in Malawi, Dr. Chilopora received further training in South Africa and went on to spend the past seven years practicing general Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Burin Peninsula Health Care Centre in Newfoundland.
"Chatham-Kent seemed like the ideal place to re-locate with my family with its warmer climate and close proximity to major centres," said Dr. Chilopora. "I've been welcomed with warmth and hospitality since arriving at CKHA. I'm looking forward to settling into the community."
Dr. Chilopora can be reached at 226 626 4841. He is currently seeing patients at his clinic at the CKHA on Tuesdays and Thursdays until October 31, 2019. His office will be located at 41 Grand Avenue West in Chatham and clinic patients will be seen at this location as of November 1, 2019.