After receiving an influx of applications, a new family physician in Chatham-Kent is all booked up.
The Chatham-Kent Family Health Team has announced that as of Wednesday morning, Dr. Adam McDowall is no longer accepting patient applications at his medical practice in Chatham, located at 20 Emma St. Suite 207.
Originally from Belle River, McDowall earned a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree from McMaster University before attending the University of Toronto for medical school. He completed his residency at the Thamesview Family Health Team and has decided to stay in the area.
“The Chatham-Kent Family Health Team is pleased to welcome Dr. McDowall to our organization,” said Laurie Nash, director of medical recruitment. “We are thrilled Dr. McDowall decided to remain in Chatham-Kent following his residency training, to provide primary care to the citizens of our community.”
McDowall said in a statement that he chose to open a practice in Chatham because he found the area to be "welcoming".
“I love that it has the quiet, laid back atmosphere of a small town while having the convenience of a small city, with access to support from a great team of specialists and a fantastic hospital," said McDowall. "It’s a great place to live and raise our new family and is close to our family members and where we grew up. Overall we think Chatham is a great fit.”
As for whether Chatham-Kent residents can expect more doctors who are seeking patients to come to the community, Nash said the Chatham-Kent Family Health Team is always looking to recruit more doctors, calling it "a work in progress".