Bluewater Health has announced the addition of two specialists to its professional staff.
Dr. Nassar Al-Zubaidi is an American Board of Internal Medicine certified respirologist, and Dr. Amit Rahalkar is an endocrinologist.
Chief of Staff Dr. Mike Haddad said he's pleased to have two "in-demand specialties" coming to the hospital.
"Dr. Al-Zubaidi provides much-needed services to our citizens with respiratory conditions, and Dr. Rahalkar will be a welcome addition to support our patients with endocrine and metabolic conditions," Dr. Haddad said in a news release.
Dr. Al-Zubaidi received his medical degree at the University of Damascus, Syria. He completed his Internal Medicine residency training at the John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County in Chicago, followed by a Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. Prior to joining Bluewater Health, he was practicing Respirology and Critical Care Medicine at McLaren Central Michigan Hospital.
Dr. Al-Zubaidi said Bluewater Health provides an opportunity to practice with a team of professionals.
"Multidisciplinary rounds in inpatient units and smooth transition at the emergency department are some of the elements of success this hospital offers its physicians," said Dr. Al-Zubaidi. "All of us physicians look for efficient workplace and better lifestyle. I believe these requirements can be met while working here. I look forward to having strong relationships with colleagues and patients, while enjoying being back to Ontario and close to family and friends."
Dr. Rahalkar completed his medical degree and Internal Medicine residency training at Western University in London. He recently completed his Adult Endocrinology and Metabolism subspecialty training at Dalhousie University in Halifax.
"I am happy to return to my hometown to offer a much-needed medical service and be close to family and friends," said Dr. Rahalkar.
Dr. Haddad said they're working hard to recruit more specialists.
"We're looking specifically to get two new ENT [ear, nose and throat] surgeons, two new anesthetists, we need ER physicians, a hospitalist and continue to look for a neurologist as well," said Haddad. "The problem is that the field is very competitive. Many towns and cities are looking for the same."
Bluewater Health, with locations in Sarnia and Petrolia, has close to 2,500 staff, professional staff and volunteers.