By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent, in partnership with the Chatham-Kent Family Physician Recruitment & Retention Task Force, the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team, local Family Health Teams and healthcare partners across the community, is welcoming five new family physicians who are now practicing in the municipality. Most of the physicians are currently accepting new patients, marking a significant step forward in improving access to primary care across the region.
The new physicians include Dr. Kaelan Harwood, now practicing with the Chatham-Kent Family Health Team in Blenheim; Dr. Adebisi Ogundipe with the Chatham-Kent Family Health Team in Wallaceburg; Dr. Paige Parent with the Thamesview Family Health Team in Wheatley; Dr. Syed Shah with the Chatham-Kent Family Health Team in Chatham; and Dr. Adib Shamsuddin with the Thamesview Family Health Team in Chatham. Municipal officials say the additions reflect ongoing progress in strengthening local healthcare capacity and demonstrate the results of coordinated recruitment efforts across multiple organizations.
“Access to family healthcare is one of the most important issues facing communities across Ontario, and we are proud to see real progress being made here in Chatham-Kent,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff.
“This success is the result of strong partnerships between the municipality, healthcare organizations, the Physician Recruitment Task Force and the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team. Welcoming five new family physicians to our community is a major accomplishment and an important step toward connecting more residents with the care they need.”
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has continued to support recruitment through funding, incentives and community partnerships approved by council. In 2025, the municipality provided financial support for recruitment initiatives, including incentive programs designed to attract new family physicians to local communities. Recruitment efforts have also included collaboration on clinical space expansion, retention strategies and long-term planning to ensure sustainable access to primary care.
“The recruitment of new family physicians takes a coordinated effort across many organizations and individuals,” said Rebecca Smyth, Physician Recruitment Coordinator with the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team.
“We are seeing the benefits of communities, healthcare providers and municipal leadership working together toward a common goal. We are excited to welcome these physicians and support them as they establish long-term practices in Chatham-Kent.”
Audrey Ansell, Director of Community Culture & Connections for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, said council recognized early that improving access to primary care required a collaborative and proactive approach.
“The partnerships that have been built between the municipality, the Ontario Health Team, Family Health Teams and healthcare organizations have created a strong foundation for success. We are encouraged by the momentum we are seeing and remain committed to supporting healthcare recruitment efforts across Chatham-Kent.”
Residents without a family physician are encouraged to register through Healthcare Connect, a provincial program that helps match Ontarians with a primary care provider. Registration is available online or by phone at 1‑800‑445‑1822. More information about local physician recruitment efforts is available at www.physicianswantedck.com.